Primark’s Post

Shhh 🤫… did you know that one of Puerto Rico’s best kept secrets as a top employer is Plaza Provision Company. We do not self promote. So, I want to let you into our secret. Our CEO is one of the humblest and well-intentioned leaders you’ll ever meet. Our employee tenure average is at 26 years of service with many surpassing that. Our turnover is less than 3%. And yes, we promote from within for vertical and horizontal mobility and development. So, why do our employees stick around so long. For one, balance and quality of work and life. As California proposes a new bill, giving “Workers the Right-to-Disconnect from Non-Emergency Business Calls and Texts After Hours”, Plaza Provision already respects its employees’s free time. We know there is much more to life than just work and we want our employees to enjoy it. Our company culture is respectful and relax. And it doesn’t hurt that you can snack on the products we distribute during the day like Snickers, Oreo cookies and for the healthier pallet, Kind Bars with some ☕️. If you’re interested in knowing more about our company or career opportunities as we continue growing, check out our web page: https://lnkd.in/eF3f9924 😉.

The John Lewis Partnership has been through a torrid time. And no one has felt this more than Partners. From my conversations with people I know across all levels of both Waitrose and John Lewis, there has been a sense of frustration that then business has not been focusing on the right things and that it has been drifting away from retail. Dame Sharon White has started to correct this of late, but the blunt truth is that many in the business never thought she was the right person for the job because of her lack of retail experience. The role of Chairman has changed at the Partnership. It used to be somewhat ceremonial - like a head of state - there to represent the interests of the partners and to promote the business. Under that old arrangement the day-to-day businesses were run by managing directors who were highly experienced in retail. Dame Sharon would likely have been good in this old-style Chairman role. But today the structure is different. The Chairman role is more hands on and more operational. That needs someone with deep retail expertise, which is why Jason Tarry's appointment as the next Chairman is highly sensible. There's a lot more work to do, but as I told the Daily Mail - it will give confidence to partners, who have been increasingly nervous and frustrated that the business isn’t focusing on the right things. More of my comments in the article linked in the comments. #retail #retailnews #departmentstores #JohnLewis #Waitrose

Here are a few interesting facts about our Amazon JFK27 office or the former Lord and Taylor building. I know a few of youll have had coffee/my favorite CELSIUS Holdings, Inc. and have asked several questions about the artwork or the building! #Amazon #AWS #startups #VentureCapital #corporateVC #Newyork #entrepreneurs

"Securing Success: Extended Hours Approved for Brixton Town Store Following Initial Opposition" I'm thrilled to share a recent triumph acting as Licensing Agent for Brixton Town Store in London to secure extended operational hours, crucial for the sustainability of the business. Despite initial resistance from the Lambeth Licensing Authorities due to concerns about exceeding Framework Hours, we were granted the extra hours requested without the need for a Hearing. A Special Thanks to My Assembled Team: Dave Gair Ed Chaplin Gary Grant Their support was invaluable in addressing the authorities' concerns effectively, allowing us to obtain the license without the need for a formal hearing. This success not only demonstrates the power of collaboration but also reinforces our commitment to supporting local businesses in their growth endeavors. How do you choose the right team members for a challenging task? #LicensingSuccess #BusinessGrowth #TeamworkInAction #RetailInnovation #LondonBusiness

Hello LinkedIn community, Happy Friday! It's been quite a week for me, filled with interviews, doctor's appointments, and preparations for my upcoming talk at South Bank University and attendance at the World Retail Congress next week. As the week comes to a close, I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent news about Ted Baker. It's truly disheartening to see another British icon of the high street facing administration. Beyond the loss of nearly 300 jobs and the ripple effect on the industry, it's another blow to the UK high street, which is already in decline. Walking down Oxford Street yesterday, a street I've traversed countless times throughout my retail career, I couldn't help but notice how much it has changed. Where once stood TOP SHOP in prime position, is an IKEA in waiting. Reflecting on the past, I mentally noted the numerous High street stores that have closed - only available online or gone into administration during my 20-year career: BHS Topshop Dorothy Perkins Burton Laura Ashley La Senza Jeffery Rogers / Rogers and Rogers Evans Cath Kidston Warehouse Oasis Debenhams TM Lewin Monsoon Jaeger Peacocks Coast Karen Millen In their place now stand impersonal brands which seem like Tax loop holes and sweet shops, lacking the British spirit and quirkiness of the high street of yesteryears. These closures, akin to The Body Shop, serve as indicators of a broader problem. The decline of the UK high street is influenced by various factors, including shifts in consumer tastes, economic challenges, technological advancements, and fierce competition. To address these challenges, collaboration between government, retailers, landlords, and stakeholders is crucial to support revitalization efforts and drive innovation in the retail sector. Unfortunately, the decline appears to be accelerating, and many other brands may face a similar fate if they fail to adapt. It's concerning that some senior management teams have become complacent in their roles which some have held for over 20 years and are unable to foresee the imminent threats facing their businesses. Back in 2011, Mary Portas launched the "Save the High Street" campaign, highlighting the issues affecting traditional retail areas in the UK. Under the now foreign secretary David Cameron's prime ministership, reform was promised. If I am honest, it took me a while to understand what Mary was going on about as the business I worked in then was thriving… If it aint broke, why fix it? In hindsight, it is very clear now what she foresaw, however, it remains unclear what actions were taken by the government in response to the campaign's findings and recommendations. As we bid farewell to yet another iconic British brand like Ted Baker, it's a stark reminder of the challenges facing our high streets. In the words of the legendary BONNIE TYLER " It needs a HERO"! Have a great weekend everyone. Ari x

When our job involves picking up some fried chicken (along with a side of content creation), it doesn't get much better than that. Need some help spicing up your social media accounts? Reach out today to see what we can build together. #realestatemarketing #socialmediamanagement #contentcreation

Small Towns Dream Big... Too often, we think that big corporations have to be headquartered in large cities. But some businesses started small in small towns and - while they may have grown super big, they never outgrew their small town roots. The best example, of course, is Bentonville, Arkansas, home of the world's largest retailer, Walmart. I’m in town with Arleen Meier Poquette, our Sales Director, to pitch Stuckey's pecan snacks & candies as part of their annual Made In The USA Open Call. I love how Sam Walton's red pickup truck is parked in front of their headquarters, a constant reminder of how their founder remained true to his working class roots, even after becoming the world's richest man. There are other great examples of large corporations that remained in their home towns, like The Hershey Company, in Hershey, PA; CVS Pharmacy in Woonsocket, RI; Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, MI (also known as "Cereal City"), and Lowe's Companies, Inc. in Mooresville, NC. Stuckey's is making our comeback in Wrens, GA (outside of Augusta), where we own a pecan snack and candy plant. We employ 55 amazing people, almost all from the local community. We love the sense of belonging you get in a small town; that we're all in this together. To read about more small towns that house large businesses, check out this article from LinkedIn News: https://lnkd.in/gPTR5SKU. And I'd love to hear about others - please post in the comments. [By the way, the "Spark Shop" at the Walmart headquarters has the best prices I've ever seen at a gift shop. I got my hat for only $5. 😉] #WalmartOpenCall #MadeInTheUSA

As we focus on the opportunities & threats of AI, I'm appreciating more than ever my (human) relationships, especially with colleagues who are part of my 'corporate history'. People that you've worked with for years, even if those 'years' were a while ago, still know you in a deeper way than your new connections. Thanks Vanessa Austin for bringing back memories of fun times & continuing to share your entrepreneurial journey. #relationshipbuilding #entrepreneurship

The difficult decision has been made to close four Hastings Co-op stores to ensure our financial sustainability and protect members’ interests. While we appreciate this announcement will affect staff, members and the wider community the Co-op’s short and medium-term financial position demands immediate action. “A number of our businesses are underperforming and, with the cost of doing business constantly increasing, and unavoidable unfunded capital expenditure in excess of $5 million over the next five years, we will not be in a position to continue operating without substantial structural reform,” Chief Executive Officer Nick de Groot said. Mitre 10 & CRT Wauchope, Kew Rural Store and Comboyne Rural Store will close on April 5, 2024 and The Department Store will close on August 31, 2024. “We have already begun consultation and offered transitioning support to affected staff, and remain committed to supporting staff and members every step of the way,” Mr de Groot said. “Recognising the challenging economic climate, Hastings Co-op and Norco, who both operate rural supplies businesses in Wauchope, and share a significant number of members, have recognised the mutual benefit in merging their members’ interests. In the spirit of the principles of co-operatives, we will work closely with Norco to ensure the interests of Co-op members are protected, and that the same friendly service and competitive offering is available to members at Norco Rural Wauchope. Where practical, Norco will offer employment to Co-op staff impacted by the closure.” Hastings Co-op has a rich heritage of meeting the needs of its members, and serving the community, dating back to 1916 – and Mr de Groot said “this focus on delivering member value is more important than ever”. “We are a dynamic business that has always reinvented itself, including exiting industries and selling assets where it was no longer in the interests of the members to continue to operate the,” he said. “The core foundation of our strategic plan for 2024-27 is maximising benefits for our members and we intend to come back stronger, with a refreshed offering to deliver value to members. “I’d like to reassure valued members that we are focussed on supporting our community in these hard economic times, but this is only possible through your continued patronage of the Co-op’s businesses.” For more detailed information, including frequently asked questions, and the Strategic Plan for 2024-27 visit https://lnkd.in/gr_AhNed

Get to Know the NYSMWA Board! First Up... Eric Scorzelli, Packaging Exchange. 1️. How did you get your start in the moving and storage industry? Where was your first job, and what did you do? I started working for U-Haul International, running their packaging distribution center. We used to buy our materials from Southland Container. Charlie Cook, from Southland, hired me and I became the NY sales rep for Southland Container, which supplied to moving companies across the state. 2. What do you like and/or appreciate the most about the industry? No matter how big the company is, it's still a "mom & pop" business. Decisions are made by a team, and everything is done together, which makes for a more intimate business setting. 3. How did you get involved with the NYSWMA Board of Directors, and how has this helped you or your business? I wanted to set myself apart from other sales reps and made the decision to join all moving associations in the tri-state area. Networking, the people, connections and relationships, volunteering and giving back have been the most valuable aspects of being involved. 4. What do you like to do, outside of the business? I love playing pickleball, bowling, music, and going to concerts. . #NYmovers #MovingCompany #TradeAssociation #MovingIndustry #MeetYourBoard