The strongest companies in the retail industry are those that continue to navigate the disruption and continually shift their focus on what matters most. The Retail Transformation Show continues to guide you to do that and the podcast is now celebrating it's 6th birthday. To celebrate, join Oliver Banks and take a look back at the past year and some of the iconic golden nuggets shared in solo shows and with special guests. Listen in to the first part of this best bits episode.

Listen to this episode for:

• Highlights from different episodes, featuring expert guests and from Oliver Banks’s solo shows.
• Takeaways on topics like new business models, becoming human-centric, avoiding short-term thinking, collaboration and much more.

The show notes and full list of episodes are at www.obandco.uk/319.

Delve into the dynamic world of retail expansion. As the retail landscape evolves, we're exploring how savvy retailers are not just surviving but thriving by strategically growing their physical presence. From harnessing the power of omnichannel strategies to creating adaptable store formats, we'll uncover the secrets to building a profitable, sustainable, and customer-centric store empire. Whether you're a seasoned physical store retailer or just embarking on the foundations of your retail estate, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the future of retail.

Listen in to discover:

• How leading retailers are using stores to develop their omnichannel offering.
• How adaptable store formats are being used to meet customer needs and test and learn.
• Why data should be used to minimise the risk of opening new stores.
• The other crucial factors to consider when expanding your store estate.

The show notes are at www.obandco.uk/318.

Success in transformation isn’t just about reaching the finish line—it’s about what happens after. When a transformation project succeeds, the work isn't over. This episode dives into the critical steps required to ensure the change is sustainable, embedded, and truly delivers maximum value for your business in the long run. From transitioning ownership to business-as-usual teams to celebrating wins with empathy, Oliver Banks explores the often overlooked but crucial activities that make transformation stick. Whether you’re in the final stages of a project or planning ahead, tune in to join Oliver and learn how to wrap up your transformation efforts the right way and set up your organization for continued success.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• The essential handover activities that ensure smooth transitions from project mode to business as usual.
• The importance of celebrating success with empathy.
• How to revisit the transformation later to drive ongoing improvements and maintain the change over time.

Find the full show notes at: www.obandco.uk/309.

As 2023 starts, the retail industry faces several ongoing challenges. And following a tough peak trading period, there will be little room for error. Meanwhile, there are also many opportunities to explore through the year. In this episode, Oliver Banks explores 7 different trends and themes for the year ahead. Listen now to understand how these trends will impact you and your change programme for the year ahead.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• What are the 7 core trends to look out for in 2023.
• How the current inflation conditions will impact the retail market.
• Which channel shifts should you be keeping an eye on. 
• The additional considerations to include if approaching a cost cutting programme.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/219.

2022 has been set against a backdrop of an increasing challenge of rising costs and inflation. And consumers face a cost of living crisis. Never-the-less, the retail market continues to evolve and there have been a number of initiatives this year. From expansive metaverse initiatives through to various tactics to shift the channel mix. 2022 has been tough and eventful in many ways. So join Oliver Banks and reflect on key trends from 2022 and what we can expect going forward.

Listen to this podcast episode to hear:

• Who has pulled out of several major initiatives in 2022 - and is that a good thing?
• Which retailer is taking on perhaps the most audacious fundamental transformation?
• And what 2022 tells us to look out for in 2023.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/218.

Gossip and rumours about the latest change initiative has the power to derail any transformation. It wastes time. It divides opinion and direction. And it means that fact and fiction gets quickly muddled and confused. In this episode, Oliver Banks explores why you need to tackle the "rumour mill" for your transformation and what to do about it.

Listen to this episode to hear:

• How gossip, hearsay and rumours can push your transformation off course.
• Why rumours are created in the first place
• And how they develop and evolve by themselves.
• 6 ways you can tackle the rumour mill in your transformation.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/217. 

2022 has been another disruptive year for retail. In particular, the Ukraine war has led to a global cost of living crisis along with many other challenges. A perfect representation of the interlinking, connected, complexity of the world. And the retail industry, or any particular retail company, is no simpler. So it's important to appreciate the complex systems and how we can work within these. In this episode, Oliver Banks explores more about complex systems and why you need to start to think about systems in your world.

Listen to the episode to discover:

• How the events of 2022 have impacted retail.
• The mistakes that we make when not thinking about the complex nature of the world.
• And three ways that you can become a better "systems thinker".

The full show notes are at www.obandco.uk/216.

Currently, we're seeing a number of acquisitions in the retail market. And as we enter tough periods of trading, it's likely that more companies and brands will be under threat and takeover or acquisition - either as an exit strategy or after an administration or bankruptcy. Mergers and acquisitions offer significant opportunities but also come with risks and threats attached too. So in this episode, Oliver Banks is helping explore the transformation from both the acquirer's and acquiree's perspective to help boost success rates.

Listen now to this podcast episode to hear:

• How the retail market is changing in terms of acquisitions. 
• How can you get set up for success, given this trend.
• The 5 big acquisition challenges to overcome.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/215.

Advertising and media networks show high growth potential and large margins. And some retailers are quickly expanding into this business opportunity to supplement their classic retail offerings. But is this a feasible strategy for the future? And is it right for all retailers or brands? To explore more, Oliver Banks joins retail thought leader, Ricardo Belmar, to discuss the opportunities and threats of this new business model.

Listen to this episode to hear Oliver and Ricardo discuss:

• What we mean by media networks.
• The evolution of paid product placement from store to ecommerce, and back.
• Which big risks you should be aware of before moving to an ad-based business model.
• And if live streaming will play more of a part in media networks.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/214.

Change management is a critical topic for successful transformation. However, it's often a topic which is confused with project management or just not considered until the later stages when ready to deploy a change. So in this episode, Oliver Banks speaks with change specialist and author, Simon Costigan, about how to deliver effective change.

Listen to this episode of the Retail Transformation Show to hear:

• Why it’s important to recognise the change catalyst that will start the process
• The difference between project management and change management
• Why transition is important
• The significance of giving yourself time to think. And the confidence to get it wrong!

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/213.

The pandemic has caused change and acceleration as well as it's challenges too. But as the Retail Transformation Show podcast celebrates it's 4th birthday, we continue our review of golden nuggets from the past year. This golden nugget roundup features clips from expert guests as well as from the host, Oliver Banks. And among the highlights, you'll hear about: omnichannel, quick commerce, checkout free stores, mobile commerce, livestream and video shopping, customer service and much more. Listen now to part 2 of 2 and discover more golden nuggets from the past 12 months.

Listen into this episode to discover:

• Why omnichannel is older than you think, and why that is.
• Which area of the business should you be investing in, not cutting cost from?
• How to understand key trends like the metaverse, Q-commerce and more.
• Plus plenty more golden nuggets from a selection of fantastic episodes and amazing guests that have featured on the show.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/212.

The retail industry is under immense pressure. With threats from several directions, the ability to change and evolve at pace is becoming a core competency. And as the podcast celebrates its 4th birthday, you can learn from the best bits to help you transform. In this episode, you’ll hear highlights from expert guests as well as from the host, Oliver Banks. And these clips cover: vision, communication, alignment, decision-making, mindset, actionable data and much more. Listen now to part 1 (of 2) for the golden nuggets from the past 12 months.

Listen to this episode of the Retail Transformation Show podcast and you’ll hear:

• How to make your data and insight more useful.
• How to look after yourself as you head into challenging situations
• Ways of becoming a better decision maker
• Plus plenty more golden nuggets from a selection of fantastic episodes and amazing guests that have featured on the show.

Find the show notes, and references to all of the episodes featured, at www.obandco.uk/211.

There are loads of stresses and strains facing the retail market right now. So a crucial mindset is that of the marginal gains theory. In this episode, Oliver Banks shares 10 ideas to deliver smaller projects which collectively will help drive growth and profitability. These ideas range from ways to increase sales, boost customer experience, save cost and drive positive change.

Listen to this episode of the Retail Transformation Show and hear:

• Why marginal gains can transform a business.
• The obvious ideas that you might be overlooking or forgetting about.
• Tips to boost sales and serve customers better.
• Ways to save cost and improve productivity and efficiency.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/210.

A significant portion of transformation initiatives fail. But for this common outcome, why do we not have a defined or more considered approach to failure? Join Oliver Banks and explore the intentional actions that you must take when your transformation initiative crashes. From damage limitation through to the four types of lessons to learn, step through the aspects that you need to face into.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• A framework of elements to guide you through the process of transformation failure.
• How to ensure lessons learned are not forgotten.
• And the metaphor to help understand the considerations you'll need to factor in.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/308.

Great communication is essential to land successful transformation. But despite knowing this, many still struggle to communicate clearly, concisely and with conviction. It can be daunting to find the right communications strategy, especially when looking at complex changes and projects. To help understand what we can do to be better communicators, change communications expert, Lucy Eckley joins Oliver Banks.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• Why we struggle with delivering great communication. 
• What great communication looks like.
• How story and narrative can help boost your communication.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/209.

The retail and hospitality industries continue to face turbulent and challenging times. To help, in September 2022, Rethink Productivity and OB&Co collaborated to host the first Productivity & Transformation event. Rethink's Simon Hedaux and Oliver Banks chaired the day which was attended by top retailers from many categories. And in this episode, you'll be able to explore new talking points inspired by the day.

Listen to this podcast episode to discover:

• Expanding on key topics and ideas that were raised through the day.
• What the retail industry can learn from basketball and why that's important just now.
• What can we see that's in store for 2023.

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/208.

Two of the major retail changes that have caught attention in 2022 now seem to be faltering. So does this suggest that fundamental change is not the path forward? And if these major shifts are stumbling, what does this mean for the wider industry? In this episode, Oliver Banks explores two particular examples and highlights the common challenges that cause retail transformation initiatives to fail.

Listen to this episode and discover:

• Which are the two major changes that seem to be failing right now.
• Understand if the challenges are a risk to other initiatives or specific to these changes.
• And discover the best practice that can help maximise your transformation's success.

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/207. 

Smartphones have disrupted physical stores and have enabled customers to check prices and compare products and retailers right from the shop floor. But given these behaviours are now embedded, what are the opportunities to evolve the in store experience through the smartphone. ChargeBox CEO, Ian Hobson, joins Oliver Banks to explore more.

Listen to this episode of the Retail Transformation Show podcast to hear:

• How the smartphone has disrupted physical retail.
• The challenges of building experiences around the smartphone.
• The opportunities of supporting customers with smartphones.
• What's the next iteration of mobile-enabled shopping (and living).

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/206. 

Customer experience drives future loyalty. But understanding what your current customers feel is hard. And market research surveys like NPS (Net Promoter Score) don't give you sufficient information on what's working and what's not. So TruRating's Brian Dennis, a leading CX voice, joins Oliver Banks to explore how you can improve how you listen to what your customers actually think about your experience and operation.

Listen to this episode of the Retail Transformation Show podcast to hear:

• What retailers should be doing to boost their experience.
• How to determine if your operating model is being delivered in reality.
• Why you need to understand if customers are satisfied or highly satisfied.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/205.

Discover more about the recent Productivity & Transformation 2022 event, hosted by Oliver Banks in collaboration with Rethink Productivity. In this episode, Oliver shares key talking points from the day. In addition, he also shares 3 takeaways plus what happened when the event lost all electricity.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Key talking points from the event.
• Which element provided delight and opportunity.
• And what happened next when the event lost all power and electricity?

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/204. 

The word transformation can be overused and misunderstood. So join Oliver Banks and explore the origins of transformation to help clarify. Also, you'll hear about 2 major types of change, incremental transformation and fundamental transformation, what these mean and watchouts and considerations for both.

Listen to this podcast episode to hear:

• Exploring the differences between fundamental and incremental transformation.
• Finding the right mix for you between big transformation and small changes.
• Watchouts for both big and small changes.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/203.

Livestreaming and shoppable videos are among the fastest growing channels in retail right now. But, bringing content and commerce together in an engaging way for consumers can seem daunting. With people, process and technology considerations, it's important to plan and execute this complex change effectively. In this episode, Jason Holland from Firework, the global experts in shopping video solutions, joins to explain the opportunities in more detail.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• Why shoppable video and livestreaming offer new opportunities.
• How to get started with creating immersive and entertaining videos.
• Why your livestream trial may not be representative of long term results.

Find the full show notes at www.obandco.uk/202.

With huge volatility and increasing financial challenges, the upcoming Productivity & Transformation event will give insight and ideas about how to proceed. The event is focused around 4 key pillars: Customer, Colleague, Cost and Change. In this episode, Rethink Productivity's Simon Hedaux joins to explore each pillar and share more about the event.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• More about the 4 pillars.
• Key speakers and more about what to expect at the event.
• And more about the background of the event.

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/201.

To mark the episode 200 milestone, Oliver Banks has been reflecting on what the prior 199 episodes have revealed about the retail industry. He discovered that there have been a series of trends which have existed for years. And they continue to evolve. Learn about the 8 key mega trends or ever trends. Then we'll also think about why they continue to be a focus and consider what the next step is.

Listen to this episode to find out:

• What the 8 ever-trends are
• Why those trends have not yet been "completed"
• And how these theme might expand in the future.

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/200.

Transformation efforts are often fraught with risk, and research shows that many initiatives end in failure. But failure isn't a single, uniform outcome—it's a multi-dimensional challenge that can strike at different stages and in various forms. In this episode, we'll dissect the three different dimensions of transformation failure and explore strategies to avoid these pitfalls. Whether you're leading a major transformation or a smaller-scale change, understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating your journey to success.

Listen to this episode and discover:

• The four types of transformation failure and why you need to recognise them.
• Why and when failure is a good outcome to celebrate.
• Five tips to help avoid transformation failure.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/307.

Store colleagues or associates represent both a major investment and key point of difference. But the role of people in stores had changed significantly in recent times and continues to do so. To help us understand more, Nikki Baird, VP of Strategy for Aptos, joins to explore why it's critical to understand the role of colleagues and how to get the most from your people.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• Which aspects of the role of the store colleague or store associate are changing?
• The challenges created by these changes which impact store colleagues.
• As Gen Z becomes a greater proportion of customers and colleagues, how does this further change the role of colleagues? 

 Find the full show notes at www.obandco.uk/199.

Visual elements are hugely important for retailers and brands. But the signs and symbols that we use are not always considered, especially outside of the marketing functions. To help uncover the opportunities, semiotics expert, Dr Rachel Lawes, joins to explain how you can boost sales and provide a better and more coherent customer and colleague experience too.

Listen now and you'll learn:

• What semiotics is and why it's around us all of the time.
• How it can squeeze a little extra from your business.
• Why you might want to think more about simulations.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/198. 

Retail is full of acronyms and abbreviations. Of course, they are used to simplify and speed up complex language and terminology in the industry as well as company specific lingo. However, they can also lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. And there seem to be new acronyms coming into use all of the time. Plus they can alienate those that are new to a specific company, role, function - or new to retail as a whole. Oliver Banks welcomes Rethink Productivity's Simon Hedaux to explore and test understanding across an A-Z of retail acronyms.

Listen to this episode to:

• Put yourself to the test with the A to Z acronym challenge.
• Understand the challenges of using acronyms (and what you must do).
• Hear more about Productivity & Transformation 2022.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/197. 

We face a whole string of important decisions to be made, and with increasing frequency as the pace of change and the market developments. So it's important to consider how we make decisions, how we avoid common challenges and what we can learn from the most expert decision-makers in the world. Join Oliver Banks and look outside the retail industry to learn what you can do to become a better decision-maker.

Listen to this podcast episode to discover:

• What are the most common decision-making challenges or blockers?
• What can you learn from expert decision-makers?
• Actionable tips to put into practice straight away.

The full show notes are at www.obandco.uk/196.

Decisions are everywhere in transformation, in retail and in life. And making good decisions is key to drive success in your transformation. Yet, decision making is a topic that you never really learn. And there is little indication if you are good at it, either. So in this episode, Oliver Banks looks at the anatomy of decision making to help you understand what's going on and where you can improve.

Listen to this episode to understand:

• Examples of the different types of decision that you may need to make.
• What the decision making process is
• Why it's important to still focus after actually making the decision.

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/195.

Technology is essential to bring many aspects of the shopping experience into the modern day. But there are many elements to consider. From which technology to choose, to convenience and even around the education of the consumer base. To help understand more, Oliver Banks talks to retail tech expert Christine Russo.

Listen to this podcast episode to discover: 

• How retail tech can bring modern shopping opportunities into the physical store.
• Why customer education is often the missing piece of the puzzle. 
• Which retail technologies are true trends and which are fashionable fads. 

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/194.  

In the complex and complicated world, both inside and outside of retail, there are numerous, tough challenges to consider and overcome. But one simple approach can help you across the board: writing things down. In this episode, Oliver Banks explores why the seemingly mundane task of documenting and recording ideas and thoughts can be transformational.

Listen to this episode now to hear:

• Why it is important to write up and document ideas and thoughts.
• And why is this so difficult to do.
• Plus simple tips and tactics to help you and your teams to document ideas down.

Find the full show notes at www.obandco.uk/193.

"The Customer Is Always Right" - perhaps this is the most famous retail quote. But is it true? In this episode, we'll explore some of the widely believed myths and frequently used mottos. In the build up to the inaugural Productivity & Transformation event, Oliver Banks is joined by Rethink Productivity's Simon Hedaux to test and reflect on these phrases.

Listen to this episode of the podcast to discover:

• Why the customer isn't always right.
• How it's easy to get your KPIs wrong and what that can do for your business.
• And how you can attend Productivity & Transformation 2022.

Full show notes at www.obandco.uk/192.

Storytelling has arguably become an overused buzzword in marketing, but the principles of story are still fantastic for aligning and motivating teams and change initiatives. To help us understand more, Oliver Banks catches up with master storyteller, and Marvel comic writer, B.Earl. Listen and discover how you can uncover elements of story to make your mission bigger and more relevant for customers and colleagues. 

Listen now to discover:

• What retail can learn from a Spiderman writer - and cavemen!
• Why your story must focus on what's at stake.
• How the metaverse can help bring your brand story to life.
• And what would retail look like if it was a comic book?

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/191.

Livestream shopping presents a big opportunity - but there are many aspects to consider. From the technical set-up of the livestream platform, to key skills for the host or presenter. But also managing a number of cross-functional interactions and making the most of loads of data too. Oliver Banks lays out key considerations as you define your livestream shopping operating model.

Listen to this episode of the Retail Transformation Show to discover:

• Key decisions that you must answer as you develop your livestream operation and proposition. 
• Important interactions with the wider business and operating model.
• Process, people and technology factors as you build your livestream operating model. 

The world of retail is always evolving and it can be hard to stay up to speed. Fortunately, the new podcast from Oliver Banks has you covered. The Retail Show is the weekly podcast with useful news and relevant views. Listen in to an episode of The Retail Show podcast and remember to subscribe on your usual podcast app. Alternatively, head over to TheRetailShow.uk.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• News you can use - essential headlines and actionable takeaways.
• Insight spotlight - and why Walmart is talking about "adaptive retail".
• And finally - an amusing or good news story to help put a smile on your face.

The show notes from this episode are at www.obandco.uk/306.

Livestream shopping has grown astronomically, driven by China and the pandemic. And this channel now presents a major opportunity for other retailers to engage with customers and blend the world of entertainment and retail. In this episode, Oliver Banks explores how livestream shopping connects with other new video content formats. You'll hear examples of how livestreams are changing retail and what you can learn from them. Plus, determine if you should be experimenting with livestream shopping or not.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• Which retailers around the world are leading the way with their livestream shopping experiences?
• Key considerations why this strategy may be suitable for you.
• What does the future hold for livestream retail as a channel?

 Full show notes are at www.obandco.uk/189.

Retail can be complex and complicated, we do also have a tendency to overcomplicate. So in the face of volatility and periods of radical change, it's important to focus on essential aspects. The host of the Retail Transformation Show, Oliver Banks, attended Retail Week Live 2022 to learn from retailers and experts about how to navigate the turbulence. In this episode, Oliver reflects on 10 key takeaways from the event and each one can inspire you to change yourself and your organisation.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• What we often forget about delivering great service.
• The important question to ask yourself about data.
• Which technologies will transform the way we shop (and sell!).

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/188. 

Have you stopped to consider the possibility that your transformation is wrong? The implications of pursuing the wrong strategy and implementing the wrong changes are enormous. But, there are many reasons why this may be the case. And there are many unintended consequences at play too. So join Oliver Banks and challenge yourself and your current approach.

Listen to this podcast episode to hear:

• The different reasons that could result in your transformation being the wrong thing to do. 
• How a failure of data can result in incorrect insight driving your organisation. 
• And why poor decision making is not clear to see or understand. 

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/187. 

With huge volatility in recent years, it's easy to be lured into a false sense of security that you have no change left to do or that you're fully prepared for it. But the reality is that evolution requires continual change. And also, the external environment is prompting more challenges and promoting more change too. Join Oliver Banks as he reflects on 3 topics from the upcoming Retail Week Live event, all focused around radical change.

So listen to this podcast episode to discover:

• Why radical change is such an important topic right now. 
• And why radical change may not be as radical as you fear it is!
• Also, the 4 ways that you can develop your team and their capability to take on transformation successfully.

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/186.

Checkout-free stores, like Amazon Go, are becoming more common in the retail market. We're seeing companies like Amazon expanding their store estates as well as more retailers converting or opening checkout-free stores. But as these shops become more of a normal occurrence and less of a novelty, then you'll need to decide if they fit with your business and operating model. So in this episode of the Retail Transformation Show, Oliver Banks will help explore if they are the future of retail and if they'll fit with your retail business.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• Why checkout-free stores revolutionise the shopping trip - for both customers and retailers.
• The major challenge of the checkout-free stores
• And discover if they are the future of retail and if should you invest?

Find the full show notes at www.obandco.uk/185.

Collectively, we're amazed at simple ideas - like "be customer-centric." But then reality arrives and for various reasons, the simple idea becomes clouded and risks being forgotten. In this episode, Oliver Banks explores why we enjoy listening out for simple ideas. And the reasons that result in that simple idea never making it to fruition.

Listen to this episode and discover:

• Why a simple idea can be so inspirational.
• But why does that simple idea struggle to be realised?
• And what you can do differently to drive your transformation more.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/184. 

In tough market conditions, questions must be asked about viability and approach for many aspects of your business. And it's likely, that physical stores will be challenged, and the question raised about the role that shops play. In this episode, Oliver Banks shares an approach to help you understand the current and ideal role that stores play. And you'll also learn how to take this and build a transformation roadmap to evolve your operating model.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• The 3 different aspects that feed into defining the role of the store. 
• And the additional dimension that you must consider. 
• An actionable approach to define what's most important for your customers and brand.
• How to develop this into a transformation roadmap.

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/183.

Transformation is stressful. It's a journey into the unknown, littered with risks and dangers. But human beings have instinctively evolved to react to danger in a particular way. However, that way is not productive for modern life. Yet, by understanding the science of the brain and the stress response, we can take intentional actions to overcome stress and be our best. Join Oliver Banks and discover what you can do differently, starting today, to maintain peak performance.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• How mental stress causes physical changes in your body.
• Why being stressed makes the situation a lot worse - and why that's not your fault!
• And what tangible actions you can take to alleviate stress in the moment.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/182.

In the evolving world, we are seeing 6 new business models emerge across the retail industry. Each one is driven by sustainability, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability. However, each business model also comes with their own challenges and impacts to the existing operating model. Join Oliver Banks to explore and understand these 6 business models that are becoming increasingly popular in the retail space. 

Listen to this episode to hear:

• Why "new" is not necessarily always new. 
• The similarities and differences between the different models.
• The key challenges that you'll need to resolve in order to realise each new business model. 

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/181.

Building spare capacity into a business is a difficult decision as the investment is not immediately needed. But in the retail industry, with major spikes around peak trading times and with squeezed margins, it's becoming increasingly important to carefully manage the slack in your operating model. To help explain how to do this, Jeff Roberts joins Oliver Banks to explore why and how you can build the right amount of slack into your operating model.

Listen to this podcast episode to discover:

• What slack is and examples of where it exists in your business.
• 3 tips to make the most effective and productive use of slack in your operating model.
• How to plan for extreme peak periods that we see in retail, for example, Black Friday or Christmas. 
• Why a good approach to building slack can help you innovate and find novel solutions.

Find the full show notes at www.obandco.uk/180.

In the fast-paced world of retail, staying ahead requires more than just reacting to changes; it demands a commitment to continuous improvement. In this episode of the Retail Transformation Show, Oliver Banks dives into the principles and practices that can help retailers thrive by fostering a culture of ongoing enhancement. From the roots of Lean Six Sigma to practical insights from companies pioneering with continuous improvement, this episode explores the strategic, operational, and cultural challenges that can make or break your continuous improvement initiatives. Tune in to discover how you can create a more efficient, effective, and responsive organisation that consistently meets customer needs.

Listen to this podcast episode to hear:

• Discover the importance of cross-functional collaboration and breaking down operational silos.
• Understand why continuous improvement is more than just a cost-saving exercise.
• Gain insights into creating a culture that embraces change and values regular feedback.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/305.

Social media has made retailers and brands much more accessible for consumers. And influencers are increasingly being used to make companies more personable in this highly accessible world. In this episode, Oliver Banks is joined by B2C and B2B influencer, Michael LeBlanc. Together they discuss how influencers are changing retail and what best practice looks like.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• What's working well with using influencers. 
• A guideline for deciding how much to spend on influencer marketing. 
• How to make a great relationship between a retailer/brand and an influencer. 

Show notes at www.obandco.uk/179.

The retail technology market has evolved over the past 10 years. With new innovations and evolving technologies, plus with the increased digital transition brought on by the pandemic. Oliver Banks chats with Matt Bradley about how the retail technology industry is evolving. Plus, you'll hear more about the upcoming Retail Technology Show in London.

Listen to this show to understand:

• Key trends of how the retail technology arena has changed over the past 10 years. 
• Which 2 technologies have been responsible for driving the most change?
• Find out more about the upcoming Retail Technology Show. 
• Plus, if you're going to the show and want to meet Oliver Banks, listen out for some exciting news. 

The full show notes are at www.obandco.uk/178.

Innovation is closely linked with transformation. But innovation can be perceived differently and without understanding what innovation means to you and your organisation, it's likely that misalignment will lead to conflict and confusion. Join Oliver Banks to learn how to understand what innovation means for you and how you can go about putting simple actions in place to inspire more creativity, new thinking and innovation across your organisation.

Listen to this episode now to hear:

• 4 questions to help you to clarify what innovation means.
• Actionable tips to inspire more creative thinking in your organisation.
• Inspiration to what you can do to breed a culture of innovation.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/177.