Explore every episode of the podcast Talking Shop by Retail Sector

On this episode of Talking Shop, we are joined by Mel Archbould. Mel is a former family business Managing Director who now runs Cloud-Busting, a strategic advisory firm helping independent businesses and retailers build commercial resilience. In this conversation, Mel shares what happens when long-standing heritage meets the hard realities of modern trading—from handling high-stakes family dynamics around the boardroom table to carrying out that vital first operational audit tomorrow morning.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we are joined by Siddhi Mehta, founder of Rhythm 108. An Oxford Engineering graduate and former McKinsey consultant, Siddhi traded corporate strategy to build a pioneering, plant-based confectionery brand from the ground up. In this episode, we unpack how she identified a genuine market gap in a crowded sector, the commercial realities of winning and keeping shelf space in Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and how challenger FMCG brands can fund rapid growth without massive ad spend.

In this episode we speak to Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre. He brings almost two decades of experience in store management at M&S to his role today, where he helps oversee everything from facilities and security to guest services, marketing and the day-to-day customer experience. We’ll talk about the importance of understanding what’s really happening on the mall floor, how he builds and maintains strong relations and open communication with brands, and what it means to ‘preserve the wonder’ of the Trafford Centre and how it ensures that every visit it is an enriching guest experience.

On this episode of Talking Shop we’re joined by Mark Tosey, Head of Production at Lewis Moberly. Lewis Moberly is the award-winning agency behind iconic packaging for brands like Waitrose and Selfridges. In this conversation, Mark breaks down what happens when creative design meets the hard technical realities of manufacturing. We look at the upcoming 2027 Deposit Return Scheme, how complex finishes like metallic foils impact recyclability under circular rules, and how brands can communicate functional updates authentically without cluttering their packs.

On this episode of Talking Shop we're welcoming back the head of Beano Brain - Helenor Gilmour. Beano Brain is at the absolute forefront of understanding kids, teens, and modern family dynamics. In this conversation, Helenor breaks down their latest findings to challenge common assumptions about "digital-native" kids. We discuss why physical impulse buys like snacks and collectables are outspending apps, how brands like LEGO and Jellycat are blurring the lines between play and lifestyle identity, and the practical changes retail leadership teams need to make to future-proof their physical stores.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Scott Erickson, VP of Sales, US and Global Channels at HappyOrNot. HappyOrNot captures real-time, point-of-experience micro-feedback across thousands of global retail environments. Drawing on insights from their Q2 2026 Retail CX Pulse report, Scott joins us to challenge traditional ways of measuring customer satisfaction. We discuss why retrospective monthly reports are becoming a liability for modern store teams, how customer dissatisfaction builds gradually throughout the day, and how retail leaders can use live operational signals to protect service standards when store traffic peaks.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Wojtek Kokoszka, CEO at Mention Me. Mention Me works with leading e-commerce and retail brands to transform word-of-mouth into a measurable, scalable growth channel. In this conversation, Wojtek breaks down the macro shifts in consumer behaviour driving today’s trust revolution. We look at why standard retail attribution models fail to track private recommendations on apps like WhatsApp, how direct peer sharing dramatically boosts customer lifetime value, and the practical steps retail teams should take tomorrow morning to tap into their hidden referral networks.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we’re joined by Tony Lorman, Regional President for EMEIA Pacific at Edgewell Personal Care. Overseeing operations across more than 50 diverse markets—spanning Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa, and the Pacific—Tony joins us to look beyond glossy marketing campaigns and explore the operational engine driving successful FMCG brands. In this conversation, Tony shares key lessons from starting his career on the factory floor, how shifting consumer routines are driving product innovation, what it takes to maintain an agile challenger mindset, and why shelf availability and operational discipline remain the true foundation of long-term retail success.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Alexandra Wood, founder of the eponymous Saville row brand. Alex has spent two decades building a successful business in one of the world's most traditional tailoring districts. But along the way, she completely rethought what she was actually selling. In this conversation, we look past classic tailoring to discuss wider retail lessons—how lifestyle shifts have permanently changed how customers build wardrobes and how store owners can balance a high-end luxury feel with a warm, welcoming client experience.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Matt Pavich, Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation at Revionics—the team helping global retailers navigate price optimisation and promotional strategy. Matt has spent over two decades working across retail buying, consulting, and pricing innovation. In this conversation, we get past the headline hype around AI to look at how algorithms actually work on the shop floor and online. We cover how to respond when consumers use tools like ChatGPT to comparison-shop, why up to two-thirds of promotions end up driving losses, and how AI helps merchants maintain price consistency across websites, apps, and physical stores without missing out on localised margin wins

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by David Jennison, Managing Director, Europe at Pattern - the e-commerce accelerator helping brands scale across global marketplaces. David has sat on every side of the digital fence - from Amazon leadership to tech entrepreneurship - and he brings a sharp, practical lens to the challenges high-street brands face online. We explore how the model of buying inventory and sharing risk fundamentally changes brand partnerships, what it really takes to surrender operational control to win on marketplaces, and how to prepare your products for a world where AI agents do the browsing for your customers.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Barb Hyman, Founder and CEO of Sapia.ai - the platform helping brands like Starbucks, Costa, and Holland & Barrett streamline and humanise how they hire. Barb recently returned from the World Retail Congress with a pretty stark takeaway: retail bosses are spending millions to shave two seconds off a checkout queue, yet they still treat their hiring process as a back-office task. We explore why your recruitment strategy directly impacts your bottom line, the commercial boost you get when you treat job applicants—who are often also customers— well, and how technology can actually make the application process feel more human.

On this episode of talking shop we are joined by Bruce Findlay, Managing Director for Retail at Landsec, the property giant behind shopping destinations like Bluewater, Trinity Leeds, and Gunwharf Quays. With a 25-year background running major consumer brands across Europe and Asia, Bruce brings a unique tenant's perspective to the landlord world. We explore the brand-side blindspots he can see clearly now, how Landsec tracks the real financial cross-pollination of mixing retail with cinemas and food halls, and how to balance agile pop-ups with long-term leases.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we sit down with Katie Peake, Co-Founder of creative agency Backlash, to talk about the roaring comeback of brick-and-mortar retail. Katie shares how temporary spaces can completely transform a heritage brand's perception, win over hyper-savvy Gen Z shoppers, and serve as a vital tool for capturing first-party customer data. We also get a fascinating behind-the-scenes reality check on the rise of AI-designed pop-ups , the logistical boundaries of physical retail , and how independent brands can master experiential marketing on any budget.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we are joined by Sammy Allanson, Client Partner Lead for the North of England at business change and transformation specialist Sullivan & Stanley. We break down why the North is one of the UK’s most critical retail growth engines - and why conquering it requires deep local credibility rather than superficial corporate visibility exercises. We look at Sullivan & Stanley's latest research to dissect the massive "value gap" in retail transformation, exploring how to tell if a project is creating genuine commercial value or just generating frantic internal activity. We also discuss why nostalgia isn't enough to save struggling high-street staples, and the practical changes retail bosses need to make tomorrow morning to escape the constant cycle of operational firefighting.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we are joined by Nikki Baird, Vice President of Strategy and Product at Aptos. Nikki has spent decades separating technology hype from real-world consumer behavior. Today, we delve into the emergence of the "dark funnel" and how LLMs like ChatGPT are disrupting traditional retail search pipelines, breaking retail media networks, and forcing retailers to their re-evaluate product landing page. We also discuss why AI adoption is hitting a wall because foundational data integration is still broken, how to transition high-turnover staff away from traditional cash registers into mobile sales-enablement tools, and where the smartest retail IT leaders are reallocating their budgets for the second half of 2026 to ensure real ROI instead of just firefighting.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Phil James, founder and Creative Director of the contemporary heritage clothing brand &SONS. Phil began his career behind the lens as a commercial advertising photographer, working with global brands to hone a distinct visual language. But in 2016, he decided to step out from behind the camera to build a brand of his own. Today, we’re discussing what it means to approach the fashion industry as a self-taught outsider, and the reality of moving from a world where you control the final visual image to one dictated by physical supply chains. We also delve into how &SONS is navigating a tough trading environment with soaring production costs, how to resist the pressure to chase short-term trends, and the actual operational difference between managing a transactional customer base and fostering a true global community.

On this episode of Talking Shop, I’m joined by Dan Cate, CEO and Founder of SoldThrough. Dan is a heavyweight retail executive who has spent decades steering the merchandising and digital operations of America’s most iconic retail institutions, from Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s to Century 21 and Lord & Taylor. Today, through his platform SoldThrough, Dan helps international fashion brands cross the Atlantic and crack the notoriously brutal U.S. retail landscape. We’re breaking down his journey from the shop floor to the C-suite, the operational indicators that prove a brand is truly ready for international expansion, and how to navigate a fragmented American market without destroying your margins. We also discuss how to balance localised inventory with central efficiency, and the one non-negotiable metric that tells you a product has found genuine market fit.

On this episode of Talking Shop I’m joined by Alain Bejjani—former Group CEO of Middle East retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, and author of the definitive new book, NEXT: Leading Through the New Realities. Drawing on his childhood in war-torn Beirut, and his experience steering a $9.5bn dollar retail and lifestyle empire through a global pandemic, Alain brings an unmatched perspective on leadership under pressure. Today, we break down his crisis survival playbook for retailers operating in distress. We discuss why resilience must always outpace efficiency, the four assets a brand must protect at all costs, and how to turn macro-turmoil into a long-term direction that scales.

On this episode of Talking Shop, I’m joined by Millie Kendall, co-founder and CEO of the British Beauty Council. For over 30 years, Millie has been a driving force in the retail landscape, instrumental in the global success of cult beauty brands and co-founder of the iconic Ruby & Millie. Today, she has shifted her focus from brand marketing to industry-wide policy at Westminster. We're discussing why beauty has become the ultimate anchor for high-street footfall, why digitally native brands are rushing into bricks-and-mortar to build trust, and how a physical store can deliver an irreplaceable moment of discovery in an increasingly AI-driven world.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Chris Doe, Marketing & Innovations Director at Pilgrim’s Food Europe. With a career spanning over 15 years at FMCG giants like General Mills and Nomad Foods, Chris now oversees a portfolio including household names like Richmond and Fridge Raiders. We examine the rigorous R&D behind the new Fridge Raiders 'Grills to the theoretical frameworks for revitalising "tired" brands. We also discuss how to audit your most sacred brand assets, the evolving power dynamic between big brands and private labels, and the leadership non-negotiables required to keep a team focused when the retail landscape is shifting under their feet.

On this episode of Talking Shop, I’m joined by Ros Marshall, Managing Director of the Scottish underwear brand Molke. What started as a kitchen-table idea has grown into a global retail operation, shipping 25,000 bras a year to customers in over 76 countries around the world. We discussed Ros’s personal journey through imposter syndrome, why she believes confidence is a learned skill rather than a personality trait, and why it is not difficult to balance high-level ethical accreditations with the commercial realities of the textile industry in 2026.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Nicolaas Kroone, Co-founder and Creative Director of Bloom Studios. As retailers struggle to feed an "infinite" hunger for content, Nicolaas is helping brands move beyond the bottleneck of traditional production. We discuss the rise of "logistic-free shoots," why every product needs a photorealistic digital twin, and how marketing managers are shifting from being on-set directors to orchestrators of AI systems. We also explore how to protect a brand’s visual soul in a world of automation and why the "human touch" is still the only thing an algorithm can't replace.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we speak to Verity Hurd, Head of Brand Marketing at Duel. We discuss how Duel helps retailers transform organic word-of-mouth into scalable growth, and why the traditional 'influencer manager' role has fundamentally shifted in recent years. Verity shares the metrics that actually matter beyond simple reach numbers and provides a roadmap for how retailers can start building a high-impact brand advocacy strategy in today’s market.

In this episode we’re joined by Daniel Todaro, managing director of Gekko. With a career spanning everything from grocery to high-end computing. Daniel has been at the centre of retail's most iconic moments, including helping Apple execute its early retail experiences. Today, we're discussing the challenges of maintaining a pure brand identity under someone else's roof, why the human sales associate is still the most powerful algorithm for conversion and how to turn a simple transaction into genuine brand advocacy.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Kathryn Wright, COO of Antavo Loyalty Cloud. With UK consumers currently leaving an estimated £3bn in unspent points on the table, the gap between joining a programme and actually using it has never been wider. Today, we dive into Antavo’s Global Customer Loyalty Report 2026 to discuss escaping the "discount death spiral," the rise of agentic AI, and how to transform loyalty from a marketing cost into a long-term profit engine.

On this episode of Talking Shop i’m joined by Cristian van Tienhoven, CEO for Europe at Global-e. As retailers face a wave of new eu regulations and shifting tariffs, scaling internationally has never been more complex. We discuss why local payments are the key to conversion, the untapped ‘rest of world’ opportunity, and how the ‘merchant of record’ model allows brands to grow globally while protecting their margins in 2026.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we’re joined by Julian Skelly, managing partner for retail at Publicis Sapient. With over 20 years of experience transforming giants like Asda and Carrefour, Julian is an expert at moving retailers beyond the hype. We also discuss why most AI projects get stuck in ‘pilot purgatory’, how to encode a brand’s soul into an algorithm, and the reality of surviving a mediated digital future.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Gemma Ruse and Xavier Sheriff, founders of the design agency StudioXAG. For 15 years, they’ve shaped how global brands like Ikea show up in the physical world. We discuss the shift toward narrative-led retail, the importance of finding the "why" behind every physical experience, and how they balance bold aesthetics with the commercial realities of the high street in 2026.

On this episode we are joined by Todd Cassidy, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of wed2b. From automotive engineering at General Motors to disrupting the European bridal market, Todd has traded prototypes for gowns, scaling a "process-led" empire of over 50 stores. We explore his high-inventory strategy, the shift from founder-led to automated operations, and how he and his wife, Jenny, successfully navigated a ransomware crisis to build a retail powerhouse.

On this this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Adam Swan and Alex Stewart, founders of the creative agency Derek&Eric. Experts in "standout simplicity," they help retailers transform from "just another logo" into distinct, premium brands. We’ll explore why great design requires a strong point of view rather than just following aesthetic trends. We also discuss how to justify premium pricing, scale without losing your identity, and make the courageous design choices needed to stay visible in 2026.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Guy White, Founder of Catalyx. After a decade leading global portfolios, Guy launched Catalyx to fix a "broken" innovation process using behavioural science and AI. We discuss uncovering hidden consumer tensions, why traditional focus groups are failing retailers, and how to prove premium value in a competitive market. We also explore the courageous decisions leaders must make to stay relevant.

On this episode of Talking Shop I am joined by Zipline CEO and co-founder Melissa Wong. We discuss how Melissa’s 10 years’ of frontline experience informed her approach to building a SaaS company, the recurring operational frustrations that most head offices still underestimate, and why she believes technology should be designed with the store associate as the primary user. We also explore current trends in store execution and how retailers can bridge the gap between corporate strategy and the shop floor.

In this episode we speak to Matt Dalton, consumer sector leader at Forvis Mazars. Matt discussed the biggest challenges facing the retail sector, from cost pressures and wage increases to polarised property markets and geopolitical shocks, and the ways in which retailers can best navigate these. We also explore how short-term cost-cutting could undermine long-term resilience, and how retailers can best remain agile and adaptable in unforecastable times.

On this episode i'm joined by Florian Clemens, Strategy and Proposition Director at Tesco Media, to unpack how retail media is evolving at speed — and what Tesco Media’s role looks like inside the wider Tesco ecosystem. We explore the “win-win-win” promise for shoppers, brands and retailers, the power of contextual relevance, and why Tesco calls its offering “video, reimagined.” Plus, we’ll look ahead to GenAI creativity, automation, and what brands should do now to prepare for retail media’s next phase.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Peter Cross, customer service expert and co-author of Start With The Customer. With over 30 years at the crossroads of retail, brand and customer insight, Peter shares the moments that shaped his thinking, the patterns he sees in winning organisations, and the mistakes those that are struggling keep repeating. We also dig into his golden rules of service, building real service culture, employee engagement, and one simple change retailers can make tomorrow to impress customers.

On the final episode of season three we sit down with Claire Watkin, CEO of The Fine Bedding Company, a fourth-generation business founded in 1912. She shares how the brand has performed in recent years and what its proposition really stands for today. We explore balancing heritage with innovation, building sustainability into products and operations, and the journey to a zero-waste eco-factory in Estonia. Claire also unpacks earning consumer trust, making the investment case, and her advice to the next generation of leaders.

This episode we speak to Tim Johnson and Giles Benbow, Head of Sales and Head of Commercial Development & Support of Mer Public Charging. They unpack the biggest misconceptions around EV charging infrastructure, explain how EV facilities can meaningfully boost dwell time, footfall, and customer engagement and share how retailers can avoid getting left behind when it comes to their charging offering.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we are joined by Gary Higgins, Director of Security and Risk at DeterTech and former Superintendent at West Mercia Police. With retail crime rising sharply across the UK, Gary brings a frontline understanding of what’s really driving the surge and where retailers are most vulnerable. We discuss practical measures stores can take—regardless of size—how to protect staff, use data effectively, and the emerging tools that will shape the future of retail crime prevention.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Claire Wallis, Consumer Goods and Retail Director at BearingPoint. Claire shares what drew her into retail, how she helps leaders navigate 2025’s supply chain turbulence, and where too many businesses are still underusing data. We discuss practical ways to deploy AI without losing consumer trust, what separates winning retail media strategies, how stores are evolving into service hubs, and the one strategic priority retailers should back for 2026.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Daniel Fisher, Head of Categories for Europe at Whatnot, the live shopping marketplace reshaping how people discover and buy in real time. We explore what’s driving the rise of live commerce, which categories are thriving, and what separates million-dollar sellers from the rest. Daniel also shares how brands and retailers can bring live energy into their channels and stay competitive in an increasingly global retail landscape.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we welcome back Al Gerrie, founder of ZigZag Global, a platform helping retailers manage and optimise returns. We discuss why so many brands lose revenue by planning returns too late, how data and carrier partnerships can ease peak-season pressure, and what a customer-friendly - yet profitable - returns strategy looks like. Al also shares his advice for future-proofing retail returns in the years ahead.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we’re joined by Katie Mitchell, managing director of Seen Studios — a creative agency shaping the future of retail experience. Katie shares her insights on what today’s consumers expect from brands, how design storytelling drives engagement, and the evolving role of physical spaces in a digital-first world. From innovation to authenticity, we explore how Seen Studios helps global brands connect meaningfully with audiences in 2025 and beyond.

This week, we are joined by Georgina Colman, founder of Purpl — the UK’s first discount platform for the disabled community. We talk about the hidden costs of living with a disability, why inclusive pricing matters, and how retailers can better serve disabled customers. Georgina also shares insights on the Purple Pound and her vision for a more accessible and equitable retail landscape.

On this episode of Talking Shop we’re joined by Sarah Fairhurst, Creative Director and Board Member at Dalziel & Pow. Sarah shares insights from her work with iconic brands like Guinness and Primark, exploring what makes retail identities resonate today. We discuss balancing brand consistency with innovation, the evolving role of in-store design, and how retailers of any size can elevate experiences through thoughtful creativity.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we are joined by Sarah Taitt, Chief Property and Services Officer at Wickes. Sarah shares the story of her career in retail, from early lessons and mentors to stepping into senior leadership. We discuss the authentic company culture at Wickes and how it helps prepare its talent for future success, how best to foster the skills needed to progress into executive roles and why championing social mobility and diverse talent pipelines is essential to the future of retail.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Erol Ayvaz, CEO & Founder of Serve First. We dive into the biggest CX challenges facing retailers today, how AI is reshaping customer experience, and the pitfalls of poor feedback management. Erol also explores whether AI could play a more emotional role in CX — understanding tone, empathy, and sentiment in real time — and what the customer journey of the future might look like.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we’re joined by Rachel Levy, head of Retail and Lifestyle at Snap, to discuss how AR and immersive tech are transforming retail. We cover reimagining the customer journey, redefining ROI, fresh insights into Gen Z shopping behaviours, and the balance between entertainment and commerce as social platforms become shopping destinations.

On this episode of Talking Shop we are joined by Peter Alexander, the “Pyjama King” and founder of the iconic eponymous sleepwear brand. Peter shares his journey from early challenges and unexpected setbacks to building a playful, global retail empire. We discuss how he turned obstacles into opportunities, the importance of brand identity, what makes the UK retail market attractive, and how he continues to keep the brand relevant across generations.

On this episode we are joined by Alix McCaffrey senior director of product at HelloFresh. Alix shares insights on changing UK consumer behaviour, lessons from direct-to-consumer retail, and building a balance between data and creativity. She also discusses category expansion, affordability versus premiumisation, and the biggest drivers of consumer engagement in the years ahead.