Retail101online

Mark Lack
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. Negotiation Secrets Every Retailer Must Know

    4H AGO

    Negotiation Secrets Every Retailer Must Know

    Send a text Negotiation is one of the most critical — and overlooked — skills in retail. From supplier contracts to promotional deals, the way you negotiate can make or break your margins, your relationships, and your reputation. In this episode of RETAIL101online, we explore the art of negotiation: Why preparation is 90% of success (BATNA, ZOPA, and more)How communication styles — passive, aggressive, or assertive — shape outcomesThe difference between win–lose and win–win strategiesCommon manipulative tactics to watch out forPractical steps for closing and following up on a dealIn our “Help Is On The Way” segment, I’ll share 5 actionable tips you can apply tomorrow to negotiate better in your store or buying office. Negotiation isn’t about winning at all costs. It’s about creating value, building trust, and making smart deals that last. 🎧 Subscribe to Retail101online for more episodes on retail management, leadership, and practical skills to thrive in today’s market.  #Retail101 #RetailManagement #Negotiation #Leadership #RetailPodcast #BuyerSkills #SupplierNegotiation #AssertiveCommunication #WinWin Support the show

    12 min
  2. Inside: AIM for Better Stores | How Action Item Management Fixes Retail Execution | Jon Dario

    5D AGO

    Inside: AIM for Better Stores | How Action Item Management Fixes Retail Execution | Jon Dario

    Send a text Retail doesn’t fail because of bad strategy — it fails because of poor execution. In this episode of Retail Voices, I’m joined by Jon Dario, retail executive, leadership trainer, and founder of Jon Dario Media, to break down his AIM framework — Action Item Management. AIM is a simple but powerful system designed to help retail leaders turn endless to-do lists, emails, and follow-ups into clear ownership, accountability, and consistent results. We cover: Why most action lists fail in retailHow AIM turns chaos into repeatable routinesCoaching teams without micromanagingDiagnosing performance issues properlyScaling execution across single and multi-site operationsHow store leaders can implement AIM in the next 30 daysThis episode is packed with real-world retail leadership insight — not theory — and is especially relevant for store managers, regional leaders, and anyone responsible for operational performance. 🎧 If retail execution feels harder than it should be, this one’s for you. #RetailLeadership #RetailExecution #StoreManagement #RetailOperations #LeadershipSystems #RetailVoices #Retail101online Support the show

    58 min
  3. Persuasion in the Aisles - Cialdini’s 6 Principles for Retail Managers

    FEB 4

    Persuasion in the Aisles - Cialdini’s 6 Principles for Retail Managers

    Send us a text In this episode of Retail101online, Mark Lack breaks down Dr. Robert Cialdini’s 6 legendary principles of persuasion — and shows how they apply directly to the day-to-day challenges of retail leadership. From motivating your team to influencing customer decisions ethically, this episode is packed with psychology-backed insights and practical takeaways. Learn how reciprocity, commitment, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity can transform your store culture and performance. Stick around for the "Help Is On the Way" segment, where we turn theory into action — plus Mark’s final reflections on influence, ethics, and building trust in retail.  #Retail101 #RetailPersuasion #CialdiniPrinciples #RetailLeadership #TeamMotivation #CustomerInfluence #RetailPsychology #Reciprocity #CommitmentAndConsistency #SocialProof #Scarcity #AuthorityInRetail #LikingPrinciple #HelpIsOnTheWay #RetailPodcast #MarkLack #RetailInfluence #RetailTips #RetailBehaviour #StoreManagerTraining #PersuasiveRetailing #RetailStrategy #RetailSalesTactics #RetailCustomerExperience #RetailSuccess #RetailTeamEngagement Support the show

    14 min
  4. The End Cap Effect - Why Some Products Perform At The Edges

    JAN 21

    The End Cap Effect - Why Some Products Perform At The Edges

    Send us a text Unlock one of the most powerful retail secrets hiding in plain sight: the endcap. In this episode of Retail101online, we explore how end-of-aisle displays can dramatically increase sales without changing prices or stock levels. Backed by global case studies (ASDA, Tesco, Target, Don Quijote), retail psychology (Kahneman’s System 1, Underhill’s shopper flow), and in-store strategy, you’ll learn how to transform your endcaps from forgotten space into high-conversion zones. You’ll also get five tactical tips in the “Help Is On the Way” segment—including how to choose the right products, rotate displays, and track what works. If you're a store manager, merchandiser, or retail leader, this episode is packed with practical insights that could shift your store’s performance immediately. 📊 Endcap sales boost by up to 35%?  🧠 Why your customers don’t even see half your store  🛍️ How ASDA uses round pricing to drive clarity  🧽 The one endcap mistake that silently kills sales Don’t underestimate the edge. Own it. 🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every 2 weeks.     Here’s the link to the episode about Thinking Fast and Slow that I mention in the podcast.  https://youtu.be/dESUEudGeh0 #Retail101 #RetailStrategy #EndcapEffect #VisualMerchandising #RetailManagement #StoreDesign #ASDA #RetailTips #HelpIsOnTheWay #RetailLeadership Support the show

    12 min
  5. Brand Differentiation: PROMISE. PROOF. PERSISTENCE

    JAN 7

    Brand Differentiation: PROMISE. PROOF. PERSISTENCE

    Send us a text Launch day! Series 3 of RETAIL101online kicks off with the one thing that separates winners from wallpaper: brand differentiation. In this episode I break down what real differentiation is (not logos or limited-time drinks), how to build your Brand Wedge (Promise • Proof • Persistence), and the exact plays convenience stores and small-format retailers can run to stop blending in and start winning. We’ll cover: how to choose a single, memorable promise your team can chant, the proof moments customers can feel at shelf and at the till, the weekly metrics that show you’re gaining traction, and a 12-month roadmap to make it stick. Plus, 5 “Help Is On The Way” actions you can start this week. Who’s this for? Store managers, multi-site leaders, retail founders, and anyone trying to grow ATV, UPT, attachment, and repeat visits without racing to the bottom on price. #Retail101online #RetailStrategy #BrandDifferentiation #ConvenienceStore #CStore #RetailOperations #Merchandising #CustomerExperience #RetailBranding #SmallFormatRetail #CategoryManagement #StoreManagerTips #RetailKPI #ATV #UPT #Loyalty #QSR #FoodService #CoffeeProgram #ValueProposition Support the show

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

    12/19/2025

    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
  7. Behind The Counters - What Christmas Is Really Like In Retail

    12/17/2025

    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
  8. 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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Retail101online
  • Show Website
    Retail101online