Gillian White’s Post

Looking to future-proof your retail business? Sustainability is the key. In Howard Kennedy LLP's 2024 Retail and Leisure Trends report, we share our experience on the best practice to accelerate sustainable progress and drive business success by creating engagement across customers and employees. Worth a read to get a variety of perspectives and insights on the challenges and opportunities of the coming year from lawyers at Howard Kennedy and leading companies like JOE & THE JUICE or Sellier!

Our Retail & Leisure Trends 2024 report makes a incredibly insightful read and I urge all of my contacts in the #retail and #leisure sector (and beyond!) to study its contents carefully. My favourite quote is from my colleague Lydia Christie's interview to Ash Khan, Head of People at JOE & THE JUICE. When asked how the company fosters a positive and engaging work culture, Mr Khan responds: "Heavy investment in people. We really put our people first. Whether it’s family-friendly policies or offering great benefits, like discounted products. We really reward people too – we have a massive internal succession rate, 85-90 percent of our people have been promoted". In a world where #ESG and the #wellbeing of workforce are increasingly the focus of businesses, we need to see more of this approach, across all sectors! #retailandleisure #trends2024 #howardkennedy

Our report on Retail & Leisure trends for 2024 is out! Download it using the link below 👇

Interesting thoughts on the challenges and opportunities for the year ahead!

I had the pleasure of being on the shoot with one of our clients, Asuria Australia. And what surprised me the most was how they behaved 🤯 We were welcomed in a pleasant, accommodating way. The receptionist showed us a few rooms to choose from, offered beverages and walked us through. What a great experience - until I met the executive chairman of Asuria - which surprised me even further. He walked in and, in the same fashion, acted in a pleasant, accommodating way. It felt almost like the receptionist and the chairman were the same person. They act, behave and communicate in the same fashion! What a culture, what a brand - I thought. I read about this level of organisational alignment in case studies, yet I have never experienced it firsthand. How did they get to this point? 1. A proper brand strategy. 2. A brand essence that everyone in a company can understand and then implement. The way they act, behave, communicate. It's not the semi-aspiring vague mission and vision statements. Or the myriad of values written around the office and company papers. It's the power of the brand! "Our brand represents our culture, and our culture is a mirror of our brand." - said Asuria's chairman. If everyone in your organisation can act like one - you have a culture, and you have a brand. If not, then not. It's that simple. And no amount of vague brand statements will rectify that. I hope more companies focus on a proper brand strategy and culture. Not some 'fast-fashion' creative whip or unnecessarily complex marketing theories. Like this post if you agree. #brandstrategu #branding #brandessence

"In-room #personalcare products are an impactful go-to that help #hotels curate a memorable experience. Brands like Aveda, Le Labo, Paul Mitchell and others have not only placed their star products in thousands of rooms around the globe, they’ve also bolstered their brand and the hotel’s perceived value by doing so. Want to get your brand in on some of that action? Here are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure your hotel amenity sampling partnership is a success..." Nikola Cline of Brandettes- A CPG Marketing Agency discusses strategies for brands seeking to connect with consumers through low-cost #hotel #amenity programs.

Some say I atas. Others claim I'm fussy. Truth is, I am sensitive when it comes to service, and am rarely impressed (that's where somehow, I got the atas label, I'm not lor). I appreciate good quality and effort. #Branding isn't just about logos and slogans—it's about creating memorable experiences that keep customers coming back for more. Case in point: my recent trip to Melaka, I chose to stay at DoubleTree by Hilton solely for one reason: their mouthwatering warm cookies upon check-in. Seriously, these cookies tickle all my happy senses - scent, sight, and taste! Instantly it makes me feel like a pampered guest, even before I've unpacked my bags! This tradition dates back to 1986. DoubleTree rolled out their signature cookie as part of their nightly turn-down service, aiming to build brand loyalty. Then in 1995, they took it up a notch by placing these delectable treats at the front desk, doubling down on their commitment to providing a warm welcome to every guest. This, to me, is the epitome of branding brilliance—a simple gesture that speaks volumes about a brand's dedication. The same applies to personal branding too, creating uniqueness is important. If you're curious about building your brand and image, join us tomorrow at #MKK with Eric and Geeva to uncover more. Tickets are up for grabs on our Choobub website.  I can guarantee Eric will cover some grooming topics on nostril hair and misai. (thankfully I'm not moderating 🙊). Do you have a favourite brand and why? #choobub #mkk #branding #brandstory Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Just a happy guest who loves 🍪.

From MVP to Success: The Glam Express Journey Discover how Glam Express transformed from a small beauty salon into a successful marketplace connecting beauty services with suppliers in Monterrey, Mexico. Learn about the pivots and strategies that led to its growth in the beauty industry. #BeautyMarketplace #EntrepreneurJourney #StartupSuccess #GlamExpress #MonterreyBusiness #BeautyServices #BusinessPivot #SuccessStory #StartupJourney #BeautyIndustry

Are you looking to launch your own brand in the Korean beauty industry? Look no further! At ALUS, we provide comprehensive support to help you succeed, from licensing to market domination. Why Choose ALUS? Easy Market Access: We simplify your entry into the competitive beauty market. Brand Building: Our team assists you in creating a unique brand story and identity. Comprehensive Support: Whether you aim for a small-scale brand or a large-scale enterprise, we cater to your needs. Our Services Include: Licensing and Compliance: Navigate the regulatory landscape with ease. Brand Strategy: Develop a compelling brand narrative and identity. Market Insights: Gain access to valuable market data and trends. Ready to make your mark in the beauty industry? Partner with ALUS and turn your vision into reality. Let's create something beautiful together! #KBeauty #Branding #MarketEntry #ALUS #BeautyInnovation #Cosmetics

🌟 Exciting Concept Alert: Innovating the Retail Experience! 🌟 Delighted to unveil a forward-thinking idea that emerged during recent academic pursuits! Collaborating with my team, we delved into creative strategies to enhance customer engagement within the beauty industry. Today, I'm eager to share a standout concept, developed independently and acknowledging the inspiration drawn from Amika, although presented without official endorsement or affiliation. Imagine immersing yourself in a captivating pop-up shop experience where traditional retail transcends into a realm of luxury and self-care. Inspired by Amika's boldness and commitment to self-expression, our vision encompasses a space where customers not only explore premium hair care products but also indulge in the allure of luxurious silk pajamas. Why silk pajamas, you might wonder? Beyond their exquisite feel, silk embodies elegance and offers skincare benefits, aligning seamlessly with our dedication to holistic self-care. By integrating silk pajamas into the experience, we aimed to offer customers an immersive journey of indulgence and empowerment, while acknowledging our inspiration from Amika's innovative spirit. It's important to clarify that while Amika served as inspiration for our concept and was mentioned in our presentation, this idea was developed independently and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with the brand. We're excited by the potential of this concept to revolutionize the retail landscape and elevate brand experiences. A heartfelt shoutout to my amazing team for their creativity and dedication throughout this endeavor! While this concept remains an academic exploration, I'm optimistic that it sparks valuable conversations and ignites future innovation in the industry. I invite you to explore our concept through our pitch deck and presentation! Presentation: https://lnkd.in/ee2_xJTz Team: Lindsey Mattesich Ghita Oudghiri Viviana Gutierrez #BeautyIndustry #Innovation #RetailExperience #SelfCare #Luxury #SilkPajamas #PopUpShop #BrandExperience #AmikaInspiration #AcademicProject