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. Agentic AI is retail's next huge evolution - here's why

    2D AGO

    Agentic AI is retail's next huge evolution - here's why

    Agentic is undoubtedly one of the buzzwords of our time. However, the lightning-fast speed at which it's impacting the retail industry shows no signs of slowing. Much like the advent of ecommerce as a pivotal channel, it shows promise of genuinely fundamentally changing how much of the retail ecosystem operates.  The question is, what will that look like? In today's episode of Retail Gazette's Unpacked podcast, we sit down with AI guru and CEO of 7Learnings, Felix Hoffmann to dig into the realities that many retailers will have to face as soon as this year.  With his unmatched experience from within both retail and evolving technologies, Hoffmann explains in no uncertain terms how agentic AI will augment the shopping experience, and what will be the commonalities within the retailers who come out on top.  To truly tune into potentially retail's next big evolution, listen now.

    37 min
  2. Why CX, not convenience, will define retail success in 2026

    JAN 29

    Why CX, not convenience, will define retail success in 2026

    Customer expectations. We’re constantly talking about them. However, it’s a nuanced discussion as evidence shows they’re fragmenting, accelerating and, in some cases, colliding.  In the latest episode of the Retail Gazette’s Unpacked podcast, we sit down with an expert capable of putting these changes into perspective, Oscar Strachan, digital strategy consultant at Columbus Global. Together, we unpack what retailers must get right as they head into 2026 at speed. From personalisation and privacy to fulfilment, marketplaces and the growing influence of Gen Z, the conversation focuses on what’s actually changing customer behaviour, and importantly, where retailers risk falling behind. For retailers looking to understand what customer experience leadership really looks like heading into 2026, this is a conversation worth listening to. Listen to the full episode above, and explore the full Retail Gazette × Columbus report via the link below.

    36 min
  3. Why OOH solutions are transforming retail in surprising ways

    12/10/2025

    Why OOH solutions are transforming retail in surprising ways

    "Those who never used the lockers tend to say they aren't secure. But if you look at the number of lost packages during last year, you’ll see that thousand more packages were lost for home delivery to the door than those that were lost or stolen from the parcel lockers." - Jacek Powałka In this brand new episode of the Unpacked podcast, we dig into building customer adoption for out-of-home delivery services with Jacek Powałka, one of the top global gurus on OOH solutions, and Head of the Out Of Home Solutions business unit at Modern Expo, a company that has been providing solutions for UK retailers for over 10 years and played a key role in launching the Royal Mail parcel locker network. In this episode, we talk about the surprising preferences of younger generations and why they're leading to significant changes in how people shop, how Amazon, Valentine's Day and COVID have all fuelled the popularity of parcel lockers, and cover some of the most pragmatic uses of the technology: Compact drop boxes for small convenience stores guaranteeing that so-called golden shelf is still free for the products and the shop assistants don’t have to waste time collecting each and every parcel. Fully modular parcel compartments that can fit both extra small and big spaces. Parcels with ambience deep frozen temperatures or -5 degrees that can be used for food delivery. "There are over 60000 parcel lockers in the country of 38 million inhabitants which would translate into about 100000 parcel lockers in the UK to reach the same quantity in comparison to population," Powałka states.

    31 min
  4. When work just works: Powering peak with smarter scheduling

    12/09/2025

    When work just works: Powering peak with smarter scheduling

    Retailers often think of the golden quarter in terms of stock, promotions and delivery speed. But behind every sale, every dispatch, and every customer interaction is a fundamental frontline team under immense pressure.  In 2025, with labour shortages, rising costs, and burnout at record highs, managing your workforce effectively could be the single biggest determinant of whether you thrive or stumble this peak. In this episode of Retail Unpacked, we speak with Erik Fjellborg, CEO and founder of Quinyx, to explore how AI-driven scheduling, smarter communication, and employee engagement can turn seasonal chaos into peak performance.  We’ll discuss how flexibility, fairness, and the right tech tools not only boost productivity but also protect the wellbeing of staff, and why that’s the real secret to long-term customer loyalty.

    32 min
  5. Why Nando's chose to drastically up its connectivity game

    12/03/2025

    Why Nando's chose to drastically up its connectivity game

    When a restaurant’s success depends on speed, service, and seamless experiences, even a moment of downtime can spell utter disaster. That's why, in this episode of the Retail Gazette Unpacked podcast, we're exploring how the iconic brand Nando’s UK partnered with Ericsson to build a failover connectivity solution that keeps its restaurants cooking, no matter what. Discover how one of Britain’s most beloved dining brands turned network resilience into a true competitive edge, and gain un-matched insight into the process from both the Nando’s and Hitachi points of view.

    37 min
  6. Why off-site verification is your silent revenue killer

    11/26/2025

    Why off-site verification is your silent revenue killer

    Retail Gazette

    41 min
  7. The constant challenge of data, AI and the people who make it work

    11/25/2025

    The constant challenge of data, AI and the people who make it work

    Retail Gazette

    37 min
  8. Why hosting EV charging is a huge boon to land owners

    11/14/2025

    Why hosting EV charging is a huge boon to land owners

    In this edition of the Retail Gazette Unpacked podcast, host Kieran Howells sits down with Liz Warren and Tim Johnson from Mer, alongside Chantal Beaudoin of Knight Frank Investment Management, to explore how EV charging hubs are becoming a powerful commercial and sustainability lever for the retail sector.  With transport now responsible for 29 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions and the countdown to the 2035 ICE ban underway, the conversation examines why retail parks and shopping destinations are poised to play a pivotal role in expanding the UK’s charging network. Across the discussion, the trio break down the dual value creation emerging for landlords, from measurable ESG gains to increased asset value, footfall and tenant spend driven by EV drivers’ longer dwell times.  They’re candid about the complexities too, from long-term legal agreements to tenant consent and power availability, while offering a grounded perspective on what retailers should realistically expect when installing charging infrastructure.  Warren also brings in the driver’s view, sharing new customer research revealing that convenience, rapid charging and high-quality amenities are now essential factors shaping EV driver behaviour, and a clear opportunity for retail destinations. Check out the full conversation to get practical insight into the future of EV charging in retail.

    45 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Retail Gazette
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Retail Gazette
  • Show Website
    Retail Gazette