Retail Gazette

Retail Gazette

Welcome to the Retail Gazette podcast. Each episode takes a deeper dive into the topics, trends, news and personalities that are shaping and changing retail in the UK.

  1. Jun 11

    How FMCG suppliers are recovering lost profit in a tougher retail market

    FMCG suppliers are operating in one of the most pressured markets in recent memory. Consumers remain highly price conscious, retailers are focused on protecting their own margins, and challenger brands are forcing established names to fight harder for space, loyalty and volume. In the latest episode of the Unpacked Podcast, we sit down with Ben Lewis, chief revenue officer at Salitix, to explore how suppliers can protect their bottom line in a trading environment where every pound counts. Lewis says the squeeze on branded suppliers has intensified as own-label ranges continue to grow in strength. “The businesses currently supplying retailers are clearly feeling a lot of pressure because of market conditions,” he says. “Recent analysis shows that own-label products are on a par in terms of volume and sales to branded products. “That’s an interesting development as it’s brands who are leading the way, innovating and investing. That’s indicative of a marketplace that’s seen a lot of change, courtesy of the cost pressures we’ve seen. It’s been one crisis after another and as a result, we’ve seen price rise significantly.” For many suppliers, the pressure isn't only coming from the market around them. There may also be money sitting within historic agreements, trading terms and commercial processes that has never been recovered. That's where Salitix comes in. The business helps suppliers identify misallocated profit, review commercial contracts and recover revenue that may have been missed through legacy oversights or reconciliation gaps. In the episode, Lewis explains how Salitix combines retail experience, forensic auditing and commercial contract expertise to help brands claw back margin without adding disruption or risk. The sums involved can be significant. “Let’s say you have a quality British company with brands that you recognise on the shelf,” Lewis says. “It’s not uncommon, if we do the reconciliation with the retailer, that we may find a quarter of a million pounds to half a million pounds. “When you’re getting that money in and it’s net money, that’s amazingly potent money to have in the bank, especially when you have all of those external pressures.” The conversation explores the changing relationship between FMCG suppliers and retailers, the growing power of own-brand, and why profit recovery is becoming a sharper priority for businesses looking to defend margin without simply pushing prices higher. For suppliers navigating cost pressure, retailer demands and a more competitive shelf, it's a timely discussion about where efficiency may already exist inside the business. Listen now to the latest episode of the Unpacked Podcast with Ben Lewis, chief revenue officer at Salitix.

    How FMCG suppliers are recovering lost profit in a tougher retail market
  2. Apr 15

    Is AI the key to retail's spiralling loss problem?

    Retail loss has swiftly become one of the most pressing and expensive challenges facing the UK retail industry.  From theft and stock shrinkage to the growing pressure placed on frontline staff, the issue has far surpassed simply being an operational headache, and is now major drag on retail profitability. In this episode of the Unpacked Podcast, host Kieran Howells speaks to Dominic Brynholf, vice president of sales at Trigo, about how retailers can take a smarter, more strategic approach to loss prevention.  With more than 25 years of experience across retail technology, AI and business transformation, Brynholf offers a clear-eyed view of why loss is escalating, where traditional prevention methods are falling short, and how new technology can help retailers respond more effectively. The conversation centres on the intersection of a worsening loss problem and the growing potential of AI-powered retail technology.  Rather than presenting loss prevention as something that requires a huge systems overhaul, Brynholf explains how retailers can begin making meaningful progress by using assets many already have in place, particularly existing CCTV infrastructure. The discussion explores how AI can help retailers identify risk earlier, improve visibility across stores, reduce pressure on colleagues and support better decision-making without requiring major changes to existing tech stacks or heavy upfront investment. While there is no single fix for loss, this episode looks at the practical steps retailers can take to minimise its impact, protect staff and unlock meaningful financial upside for the wider business. Listen now to learn more!

    Is AI the key to retail's spiralling loss problem?

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Welcome to the Retail Gazette podcast. Each episode takes a deeper dive into the topics, trends, news and personalities that are shaping and changing retail in the UK.