eTail™’s Post

Topshop’s New Chapter: A Reflection on Retail’s Evolution (*NB: the attached video is 4 years ago and includes predictions about the brands future) As ASOS.com announces the sale of its 75% stake in Topshop, it’s a moment to pause and reflect on the journey of this once-iconic brand. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on this today across various media outlets, but this story isn’t new to me. I’ve spent years analysing the evolving retail landscape, including Topshop’s challenges, which I discussed back in 2020 on BBC World and some prime documentaries. At that time, I spoke about the need for a significant transformation—beyond nostalgia—to re-engage a modern consumer. Today’s news highlights that challenge. The market is more complex than ever, with the rise of digital-first brands, sustainability-driven values, and a demand for deeper, more meaningful connections between retailers and consumers. It’s clear the shift in ownership has not been enough to secure Topshop’s place in this new era. Over my career, I’ve worked with countless brands facing similar crossroads, helping them find ways to innovate and thrive in a changing marketplace. Whether through advising at boardroom level, supporting consumer advocacy, or contributing to high-profile media analysis, my passion lies in making sense of this dynamic industry—and helping businesses navigate it successfully. Topshop’s future, like many retail giants, depends on a delicate balance between honoring legacy and adapting to new retail realities. The work ahead for any brand in this space is monumental, but the opportunities are equally vast. 🎥 In the attached clip from my 2020 BBC World interview with Sally Bundock, we discussed the future of Topshop following the collapse of the Arcadia Group. I highlighted how Topshop’s ability to thrive depended on deep investment, a long-term vision, and an understanding of the rapidly changing retail environment—factors that still seem to be at play today. What are your thoughts on this latest shift for Topshop? How do you see the future of heritage brands like this? I’d love to hear your insights as we explore what’s next for retail. Sara Cameron Insight with Passion Consultancy The Customer Whisperer TV Speakers Corner ICMI Speakers and Entertainers #TheCustomerWhisperer #asos #2020 #Bbc #RetailStrategy #Topshop #ConsumerInsight #KateHardcastle #BusinessTransformation #RetailEvolution

The topics Jay Highland covers in this talk continue to come up in conversations with the largest retailers in the world. Where do you see brands adopting "flagship thinking" into their physical and digital retail environments?

How to drive perfect retail execution in 2024? Image Recognition could be the key! Come join Angam Parashar and Robert Spitz in an insightful session on Image Recognition technology and its use cases, at the Repsly's AI roundtable. #retailexecution #imagerecognition #roundtable #perfectstore #retailinnovation #artificialintelligence

Having worked with consumer brands for more than 20 years, the need to adapt is always at the crux of the brands ability to survive. Check out my latest commentary for Globe Street discussing the morphing of the retail industry amidst Macy's announcing the closure of 150 stores. In today’s digital age, brands no longer need to beg for or embrace retail to be able to establish a following. Once shoppers know what they want, the need to attend a physical location goes away, so we are continuing to redefine what the word ‘shop’ means. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3VeWJAn

Tony Spring , CEO of Macy's presenting about Macy's Bold New Chapter Tony is excited about the road ahead with the Macy's family of brands. Street cred to Tony for quoting Jelly Roll's speech from the Grammy's, "The windshield is bigger than the rear-view mirror for a reason." 🤘 Digital and retail transformation started with Bloomingdale's and Blue Mercury. Record year in growth and NPS. Believes Macy's will see success ahead. Key areas of focus across brands ahead: -Strengthen Macy's nameplate - customers needs are not being met. Closing low performing stores -Revitalizing Macy's assortment, more lux brands, adding new private brands by middle of 2025 -Accelerating luxury growth with small format stores called Bloomie's, and 30 new Blue Merc stores, 30 more to be modernized -Simplifying and modernizing operations to ensure improved inventory in the right channels #shoptalk2024

Connexity kicked off the new year by attending the National Retail Federation’s flagship event in New York City last week. Our Marketing Specialist, Maria F., collated the key takeaways from the event about the changes in consumer behaviour and how retailers can keep up. One interesting takeaway was the resounding emphasis on personalization reigning supreme. Discover how this trend is shaping the future of retail and learn more about innovative strategies that will elevate your brand. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e4fwFj_N #NRF2024 #RetailInnovation #Connexity #PersonalizationRevolution 🛒

Here's a great read for all you retail brands on the future of retail. This CNBC writer interviewed top industry execs, including from Abercrombie & Fitch and Under Armour. I love this quote from Ulta's CEO "It’s really important that we’re understanding how we can leverage the assets that we have — both the physical assets, in our case, almost 1,400 stores, but also the digital tools and capabilities." https://lnkd.in/e--NFafJ

Had the chance to visit the historic Macy's in Philadelphia, home to the world's largest playing pipe organ—a true marvel that brings the store to life with two shows daily. 🎶 In today's retail landscape, where consumers have endless options, a differentiated customer experience is crucial for standing out. While price remains an important factor, it's the overall experience that truly sets a retailer apart. Especially within brick-and-mortar stores, where most retail commerce still takes place, consumers need a compelling reason to choose one store over another. Kudos to Macy's for recognizing this and leaning into a unique value proposition that goes beyond the transaction. Retailers, take note: Creating memorable experiences is the key to winning and retaining customers. You may not have the world's largest playing pipe organ, but if you can't articulate your differentiated value prop (and make it come to life) then you've got bigger problems 👏 #RetailExperience #CustomerExperience

On Tuesday we hosted a happy hour for brand-side Ecomm & Retail leaders at the Acadia office in Atlanta. Most people didn't know each other, but left as friends at the end. Folks from brands like Red Bull, Hanes, Aloha, Reduce, and Kellanova swapped notes on AVN tactics, good DSP metrics to track, and how to get internal buy-in on investing in PDP content. I have 3 rules for these gatherings: 1. Name tags, so no great conversation is ever undermined by "sorry what was your name again?" 2. Cut through the small talk. We have some prompts to get a meaningful conversation going so people leave the event with some tangible learning. 3. No pitching! We're in it for the long haul, not a quick sale. Connecting the local ATL retail & ecomm community is a big priority for us this year. Ping me if you want to be in the loop for our next one!

Remember the "stern TV Inside Drogeriemarkt" feature from last year? Well, guess what – it's back on the spotlight! 📺 In case you missed it, this segment delved deep into retail design, featuring ARNO and our work for brands and retailers. We shared insights on crafting the perfect shopping environment, instore solutions development, and the magic behind displays and shopfittings. Although this feature was filmed last year, the insights are up-to-date. So, if you're in the field of retail marketing, this is your chance to level up your retail game with us. Let's Create Instore Success. Together. 🚀 #ARNO #RetailExperts