Retail101online

Mark Lack
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Welcome to Retail101online, where timeless wisdom meets modern retail! Join our host, a seasoned veteran with four decades of experience spanning 20 countries and multiple retailers. In a world dominated by automation and technology, essential retail knowledge is often overlooked. Our mission is to revive these forgotten fundamentals and empower both aspiring retailers and curious consumers. From customer service to inventory management, we delve deep into the core principles that form the backbone of successful retail operations. Tune in for insightful discussions, practical tips, and captivating stories from the frontlines of global retail. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice enthusiast, Retail101online is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of retail. #RetailBasics #RetailKnowledge #GlobalRetail #RetailOperations #CustomerService #InventoryManagement #RetailInsights #RetailPodcast

  1. The Price of Value: Why Consumers Still Pay for What They Believe In | Shikha Jain

    19/12/2025

    The Price of Value: Why Consumers Still Pay for What They Believe In | Shikha Jain

    Send us a text In this episode of Retail Voices, host Mark Lack is joined by Shikha Jain, Lead Partner for Consumer & Retail at Simon-Kucher, one of the world’s leading consultancies in pricing, sales, and marketing. This conversation goes beyond discounts and promotions to explore something far more powerful: value — how customers define it, how brands communicate it, and why it matters more than ever in an era of inflation, margin pressure, and rising consumer expectations. Shikha shares insights drawn from advising some of the world’s biggest retail and consumer brands, unpacking the psychology of price, the difference between competing on cost versus competing on value, and the growing role of transparency, purpose, and ethics in modern pricing strategies. You’ll hear insights on: How the definition of “value” has changed for today’s consumersWhy pricing and discounting are not the same — and why confusing them is costlyThe psychology of price and how perception shapes buying behaviourCommon pricing mistakes retailers make during inflationary pressureWhether consumers will truly pay more for purpose-led brandsHow to balance AI-driven pricing with fairness and ethicsWhat operational retail teams need to know about executing pricing strategyHow Shikha’s background in investment banking shapes her commercial thinkingWhat retail value creation will look like over the next five yearsThree actionable principles every retailer should apply nowWhether you’re a store leader, category manager, pricing strategist, or retail executive, this episode offers a clear, grounded framework for building profitable, trust-based pricing strategies in a volatile market. 🎧 Retail Voices — real conversations with the people shaping retail today. 🎙 Hosted by Mark Lack 👉 Subscribe for more at Retail101online.com Learn more about Simon-Kucher at: https://www.simon-kucher.com TIMELINE: 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Who Is Shikha Jain 04:07 What’s Changed About How Consumers Define Value? 09:50 Why Do Retailers Still Confuse Pricing With Discounting? 14:58 What About The Psychology Of Pricing? 22:43 What Mistakes Are Made When Magin Is Under Pressure? 27:22 What About Ethics & Personalization In Data Use? 32:16 How Did Your Previous Career Impact You Thoughts Now? 36:06 How To Execute On The Front Line? 39:25 What Does “Value” Look Like Over The Next Few Years? 43:50 The Three Simple Things? 45:31 Closing Thoughts. #ShikhaJain #SimonKucher #RetailPricing #ValueBasedPricing #PricingStrategy #RetailProfitability #ConsumerValue #RetailVoices #Retail101Online #MarkLack #RetailLeadership #RetailInsights #RetailStrategy #RetailEducation #RetailIndustry #Pricing #BusinessPodcast #ConsumerBehaviour #AI #FutureOfRetail Support the show

    47 min
  2. Behind The Counters - What Christmas Is Really Like In Retail

    17/12/2025

    Behind The Counters - What Christmas Is Really Like In Retail

    Send us a text 🎄 Christmas in Retail: Real, Tough, and Joyous! 🎄 Ever wondered what Christmas is really like behind the counters, in the stockrooms, and on the shop floor? This special RETAIL101 episode takes you deep into the heart of the holiday season in retail. From chaotic busy days to heartwarming moments with customers, we explore both the challenges and the joys of working through the most festive—and stressful—time of the year. We’ll also look back at the history of Christmas in retail, from the rise of department stores in the 19th century to today’s shopping frenzy. And, of course, we dedicate a huge thank you to all the seasonal employees who make the magic happen for millions of shoppers. Whether you work in retail, manage a store, or just want to understand the human side of the holiday season, this episode is for you. ✨ In this episode you’ll discover: What makes Christmas retail so uniquely challengingThe joy and camaraderie that comes with the seasonThe history of Christmas shopping and how it shaped retailStories from real retail employees on the front linesA special thank you to seasonal staff who keep the wheels turningWe’re launching this episode a week early for Christmas, and we’ll be back with Series 3 starting January 7th, 2025! Music from #Uppbeat Part 1 https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/gingerbread-boy License code: VMYPDVX2XTDTYBG1 Part 2 https://uppbeat.io/t/holly-jones/silent-night License code: 7UXLZOOJRNVLVIXX Part 3 https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/the-magic-of-christmas License code: G6CFSFUPKNRZXURX Part 4 https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/carol-of-the-bells-leontovych License code: BZ0SV2EDW2OZZ3EB Part 5 https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/magic-bells License code: KMFB1AEKFPNJMYW7 Part 6 https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/tis-the-season License code: EIUBRYH661X9GRXN #ChristmasInRetail #RetailLife #SeasonalEmployees #HolidayShopping #Retail101 #RetailStories #ChristmasChaos #BehindTheScenes #ThankYouRetailWorkers #RetailInsights Support the show

    12 min
  3. Inside: Global Sourcing with Ricky Ho from SourceReady

    12/12/2025

    Inside: Global Sourcing with Ricky Ho from SourceReady

    Send us a text In this episode of Retail Voices, host Mark Lack sits down with Ricky Ho — Founder of SourceReady — to explore how AI, data, and global transparency are rewriting the rules of retail sourcing. Ricky breaks down the real friction points facing brands today — from supplier discovery and verification to compliance, diversification, risk management, and the increasing pressure to move faster at lower cost. He explains how SourceReady uses AI trained on customs filings, trade-show intelligence, verified datasets, and product ideation technology to help retailers build smarter, more resilient supply chains. You’ll hear insights on: The sourcing gaps that inspired the creation of SourceReadyHow AI verifies and ranks suppliers using global data signalsThe biggest onboarding friction points and how automation removes themWhat diversification beyond China really requiresHow brands can stay ahead of tariffs, shortages & geopolitical riskTime and cost savings from AI-driven sourcingHow photo-realistic ideation changes development speedBalancing transparency, ethics, and human judgementThe mistakes smaller retailers make when scalingWhat sourcing will look like in the next 3–5 yearsThree questions retail leaders should be asking their sourcing teams this monthWhether you’re in sourcing, merchandising, product development, supply-chain operations, or retail leadership, this episode gives you a practical, inside look at how modern retail supply chains are evolving. 🎧 Retail Voices — real conversations with the people shaping retail today. 🎙 Hosted by Mark Lack 👉 Subscribe at Retail101online.com Learn more about SourceReady at: https://sourceready.com  #RickyHo #SourceReady #GlobalSourcing #AISourcing #RetailSupplyChain #SupplierDiscovery #ComplianceRisk #RetailOperations #RetailVoices #Retail101Online #MarkLack #RetailLeadership #RetailInsights #RetailTechnology #RetailEducation #FutureOfRetail #AI #RetailIndustry #SupplyChain #Ecommerce #BusinessPodcast Support the show

    53 min
  4. Bakery Boss Mode - How Store Managers Win With Bakery

    10/12/2025

    Bakery Boss Mode - How Store Managers Win With Bakery

    Send us a text Running a store bakery without being a baker?  You can—if you run the operation. In this episode, Mark Lack breaks down the B.R.E.A.D. framework—Basics & Hygiene, Recipe & Range Quality, Engagement & Communication, Availability & Inventory, Development—so you can spot what matters, lower waste, lift availability, and keep customers coming back for the fresh stuff. You’ll learn how to set smart daypart pars (open, mid-morning, lunch, late afternoon), when and how to use markdowns that actually sell, and how to keep food safety and allergen control rock-solid without slowing the team down. We’ll cover display/photo standards, simple micro-training that works in 10 minutes a week, and a one-minute huddle script that gets everyone aligned. Expect practical tips on FIFO inventory, temperature logging, coffee attachments (pastry + espresso = love), and the small routines that make a bakery look—and smell—like success. Whether you’re a store manager, department lead, or just bakery-curious, this is your no-jargon blueprint to run a brilliant bakery without the chef’s hat. #BakeryManagement #Retail101online #StoreManagerTips #RetailOperations #FreshBakery #WasteReduction #FIFO #MarkdownStrategy #DaypartPars #OnShelfAvailability #FoodSafety #AllergenControl #Planogram #InventoryManagement #CrossTraining #CoffeeAttachment #GroceryRetail #RetailKPIs #BREADFramework #TeamHuddle Support the show

    17 min
  5. Retail Truth Behind The Diary Of A CEO

    26/11/2025

    Retail Truth Behind The Diary Of A CEO

    Send us a text Steven Bartlett’s bestselling book and podcast The Diary of a CEO have captured the world’s attention—but what can retail professionals actually learn from it? In this extended deep-dive episode of Retail101online, recorded just ahead of the Christmas retail rush, we unpack not just the book—but the man, the mindset, and the methods behind one of the most influential business platforms in the world. Join us as we explore: The real story of Steven Bartlett’s rise from dropout to Dragon.Why The Diary of a CEO podcast became a global phenomenon—and what makes it different.Three powerful laws from the book that apply directly to retail success, leadership, and consistency.Practical, on-the-floor actions for store managers and teams, in our Help Is On The Way segment.A final reflection on what ordinary people can learn from extraordinary success stories.Whether you’re leading a team, building your retail career, or just looking for inspiration that sticks—this episode is your blueprint for real change. 🎧 The Diary of a CEO isn’t just a book—it’s a mindset. And today, we translate it into the language of retail. #StevenBartlett #DiaryOfACEO #Retail101online #RetailLeadership #RetailManagement #RetailPodcast #RetailTeamCulture #BusinessBookReview #SelfLeadership #RetailMotivation #ShopFloorSuccess #RetailCareers #PeakTradingTips #RetailOperations #StoreManagerTips #RetailExecution #LeadershipLessons #HelpIsOnTheWay #RetailWisdom #RetailInspiration #DiaryOfACEOReview #RetailDeepDive #ChristmasRetailPrep #RetailSuccess #RetailStorytelling #RetailLife Support the show

    17 min
  6. Inside Planning: Max Ma from 7thonline: Forecasting, Data & the Future of Retail

    21/11/2025

    Inside Planning: Max Ma from 7thonline: Forecasting, Data & the Future of Retail

    Send us a text In this episode of Retail Voices, host Mark Lack sits down with Max Ma — Founder of 7thonline — to break down the real reason retail planning fails, and how AI, better data, and smarter processes are transforming how retailers buy, forecast, and operate. Max shares the original “broken moment” that inspired him to create 7thonline, and why planning is still one of the retail industry’s most misunderstood — and most critical — disciplines.  From dirty data and omnichannel distortion to guardrails, returns, and the human vs AI balance, this conversation gets right to the heart of what makes modern retail operations succeed. You’ll hear insights on: • The biggest gaps still hiding inside retail planning  • Where AI truly outperforms humans — and where it still needs them  • How to fix bad data before adopting any forecasting tool  • Why returns data must flow directly into next-season buys  • Guardrails every AI model needs to stay grounded  • How to guide veteran merchants into AI-supported decision-making  • The metrics that prove a planning transformation is working Whether you’re a planner, merchandiser, operator, tech founder, or retail leader, this episode is packed with practical, real-world strategies you can apply immediately. 🎧 Retail Voices — real conversations with the people shaping retail today. 🎙 Hosted by Mark Lack 👉 Subscribe for more at Retail101online.com Learn more about 7thonline at: https://7thonline.com #MaxMa #7thonline #RetailPlanning #RetailForecasting #AIForecasting #RetailData #InventoryManagement #RetailVoices #Retail101Online #MarkLack #RetailLeadership #RetailOperations #RetailTechnology #ProducedByMAKAndPineleafStudios #FutureOfRetail #AI #RetailIndustry #BusinessPodcast #Ecommerce #SupplyChain Support the show

    1h 13m
  7. Culture Eats Strategy For Breakfast - Allegedly

    12/11/2025

    Culture Eats Strategy For Breakfast - Allegedly

    Send us a text What does it really mean when we say “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”? In this episode of Retail101online, we go beyond the buzzword and explore whether culture truly trumps strategy—or if it’s just a leadership cliché. We’ll unpack: The origin and meaning of the phraseReal-world retail examples of culture and strategy collidingWhy culture alone isn’t enoughHow to align your strategy with your store culture5 practical tools for retail leaders and managersWhether you’re in HR, operations, or running your own store, this episode is a must-listen if you want your plans to actually work in the real world. 👂 Hit play, reflect, and share your thoughts below:    What’s the one workplace culture shift you’d make tomorrow?  #RetailManagement #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #RetailPodcast #StoreOperations #RetailStrategy #Retail101 #PeterDrucker #CultureVsStrategy #RetailTips #RetailLeadership #RetailCoaching #HRLeadership #BusinessCulture #EmployeeEngagement #RetailTeamwork #CustomerExperience #FrontlineLeadership #RetailExecution #RetailTraining #CompanyCulture #RetailStoreManagement #RetailTalks #RetailManager #RetailSuccess Support the show

    11 min
  8. Buzzword Bingo - Business Phrases That Need To Retire

    29/10/2025

    Buzzword Bingo - Business Phrases That Need To Retire

    Send us a text “Let’s circle back and align on a value-led pivot before we move the needle…” If that sentence made you laugh (or cry), this episode is for you. In this week’s Retail101online, we dive headfirst into the wonderful, wobbly world of business jargon. From procurement to performance reviews, LinkedIn humblebrags to boardroom buzzwords — we’re calling out the clichés that should’ve been retired with dial-up internet. We cover phrases like:  🦆 “Getting our ducks in a row”  🛫 “Let’s see how it flies”  🪞 “Proud and humbled”  🚪 “We’ve decided to go in a different direction”  👑 “Let’s stick a pin in that one” …and more real-life examples from LinkedIn followers brave enough to admit what drives them round the synergy-sphere. But we’re not just here to laugh. We’ll also unpack what people actually mean when they say these things — and what to say instead if you want to be clear, honest, and respected as a leader. Whether you’re a frontline manager, a senior exec, or just someone who’s been “voluntold” into one too many meetings — this episode cuts through the fluff with humour, heart, and a healthy dose of no-nonsense retail wisdom. You’ll laugh. You’ll cringe.  You might even rethink that draft email that’s still sitting, waiting for you to press the send button. #BusinessJargon #OfficeSpeak #RetailLeadership #WorkplaceHumour #CorporateClichés #LeadershipTips #CommunicationMatters #RetailPodcast #LinkedInLingo #BuzzwordBingo #ClarityIsKindness #Retail101online #SpeakLikeAHuman Support the show

    13 min
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About

Welcome to Retail101online, where timeless wisdom meets modern retail! Join our host, a seasoned veteran with four decades of experience spanning 20 countries and multiple retailers. In a world dominated by automation and technology, essential retail knowledge is often overlooked. Our mission is to revive these forgotten fundamentals and empower both aspiring retailers and curious consumers. From customer service to inventory management, we delve deep into the core principles that form the backbone of successful retail operations. Tune in for insightful discussions, practical tips, and captivating stories from the frontlines of global retail. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice enthusiast, Retail101online is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of retail. #RetailBasics #RetailKnowledge #GlobalRetail #RetailOperations #CustomerService #InventoryManagement #RetailInsights #RetailPodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Lack
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Retail101online
  • Show Website
    Retail101online