Sat.Dec 04, 2021 - Fri.Dec 10, 2021

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Is technology the answer to wrapping up 2021 in style?

Retail Focus

Following another year of turbulence, it’s no surprise there is still a great deal of uncertainty in the retail industry. Supply chain issues and pandemic-related shortages continue to impact retailers worldwide, while the ever-accelerating shift to online shopping has left gaps in the high street – with House of Fraser the latest big name to announce it is closing its Oxford Street store in January. .

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Post-Christmas trading period to hit $21 billion: ARA

Inside Retail

The Australian Retailers’ Association is expecting Aussies’ pent-up demand for shopping to continue beyond Christmas, divining that a record $21 billion will be spent in stores and online in the period between Boxing Day and January 15. ARA chief executive Paul Zahra said Boxing Day sales are always a key part of the retail calendar, but that that momentum will continue into the new year.

Shopping 299
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Supple’s foxy identity for a coaching network “bucks the usual business clichés”

Design Week

Supple Studio has designed the identity for business coaching network Fox Meet Owl, featuring a logo with a hidden meaning. The Bath-based studio worked with copywriter Jim Davies on the branding project, which rolls out primarily on Fox Meets Owl’s website and mobile site. Founded by business coach Anna Lueneburger, the company provides a network of vetted coaches for clients.

Design 145
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Holloway Li creates industrial interiors for Coalbrook's London showroom

Dezeen

Huge boilers, chimney-style columns and chainmail-fringed doorframes feature inside the central London showroom of bathroom brand Coalbrook, which has been designed by local studio Holloway Li. The retail space is situated in the city's Clerkenwell neighbourhood, set inside a former tobacco-pipe factory now known as The Market Building. Huge boilers (top image) and chainmail pendants (above) feature in the showroom.

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Is Your Business AI-Ready? Find Out with Orium’s Maturity Model

Generative AI is poised to redefine B2B, but scaling AI success in this space isn’t without obstacles. From fragmented data sources and complex buyer journeys to operational inefficiencies, the road to AI-powered growth can be challenging. To achieve a competitive edge, understanding your organization’s AI-readiness is essential. Orium's Data & AI Maturity Model provides a quick, actionable way to assess your starting point.

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AV in retail: Putting the customer first

Retail Focus

Even before the pandemic, the bricks and mortar aspect of the retail sector was undergoing major changes as the battle to attract people into stores, rather than shop online, intensified. As shoppers return to malls and high streets, this trend shows no signs of abating, as retailers look to provide unique, interactive and frictionless experiences that tie in with digital offerings.

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November was Australia’s biggest online sales month ever: AusPost

Inside Retail

Australia Post has deemed November 2021 the “biggest month in Australian online shopping history” after delivering a record 21 million parcels across an admittedly extended sales event period. According to AusPost, online shopping throughout November beat last year’s record by 13 per cent, and jumped 76 per cent on 2019’s figures. The clincher was Cyber Week 2021’s earlier start, said Australia Post general manager of parcels and express services Ben Franzi.

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Crackdown on shop staff attacks gets thumbs up from more retail bodies

Talking Retail

This week’s government proposal to make the law tougher on anybody who attacks a shopworker has continued to receive a positive reaction, with both shopworkers union Usdaw and the NFRN welcoming the move. Usdaw (Union of shop, distributive and allied workers) says it is looking at the wording of the proposed amendment to the Police, This story continues at Crackdown on shop staff attacks gets thumbs up from more retail bodies.

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Police opens second site in Scotland’s Caledonia Park

Retail Focus

Railpen, the investment manager for the £35bn Railways Pension Scheme, has announced Police, the Italian fashion accessories brand, has opened a new location in Caledonia Park, Scotland’s premier designer village. Adjacent to Hugo BOSS and Radley, Police’s new 1,500 sq ft store features Police’s full range of lifestyle and apparel products. This includes its latest collaborations, such as the Police x Lewis Hamilton eyewear range, designed in partnership with the F1 racing driver.

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‘ReMade in Australia’ campaign to drive manufacturing with recycled content

Inside Retail

The Australian Government has launched a national campaign to incentivise Australians to recycle more, as well as to buy more products manufactured with recycled content. The ‘ReMade in Australia’ campaign signals a shift in how the country deals with its waste, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and makes recycling one of six national manufacturing priorities moving into an election year.

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Dimorestudio embraces “refined nomadic spirit” with Orient Express revival

Design Week

The Orient Express travel company has announced it will be reviving its luxury trainline with La Dolce Vita, a train that takes passengers around Italy. It has been over a decade since the last Orient Express-branded train was on the rails, with the 150-year-old company ceasing operations in 2009. However, as the world looks to more environmentally friendly ways to travel.

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eCommerce in 2025: How Customer Experience Drives Online Retail Success

Speaker: Jennifer Wright and Nick Barron

2025 is right around the corner, and with it comes a new wave of consumer expectations, competitive pressures, and operational challenges. Success lies in finding the balance between operational flexibility and creating experiences that keep customers coming back. The future of retail belongs to those who can stay ahead of shifting customer preferences and marketing trends. 🔮 In this session, we’ll dive deep into what it takes to keep customers engaged and your operations nimble, no matt

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Biophilic Design Is Part Of The New Normal (And We’re Not Just Talking Office Plants)

All Work

People spend most of their time in manufactured spaces that are not always designed with wellbeing in mind. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into nearly all aspects of these manufactured environments. With workers spending more time indoors, studies show Biophilic design can improve productivity and reduce stress. Biophilic design aims to improve our wellbeing by strengthening our connection to nature in manufactured environments such as hotels, retail spaces and offices.

Design 125
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Seven Dials welcomes Rowing Blazers for its British debut

Retail Focus

Shaftesbury has announced the official opening of a debut pop-up store in Seven Dials for Rowing Blazers, the cult American clothing brand most well-known for their irreverent take on preppy clothing. Located on 16 Earlham Street, and spanning 872 sq ft, Rowing Blazers Seven Dials represents the brand’s first bricks-and-mortar British store which offers an edit of product from their A/W’21 collection fronted by Pete Davidson and Ziwe Fumudoh.

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Kookai turns to Avery Dennison to boost supply chain and omnichannel

Inside Retail

Global fashion retailer Kookai has cut inventory counts from a few days to 30 minutes as a result of implementing radio frequency identification (RFID), from Avery Dennison at its manufacturing facilities in Fiji and Sri Lanka. The project is at the heart of Kookai’s omnichannel strategy: ultimately, all clothing and stores will be equipped with RFID enabling it to precisely track all items within its supply chain, speed up check out times, enable online orders to be fulfilled from local s

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Inside Design Miami 2021: meditation headsets and the rise of NFTs

Design Week

Design Miami 2021 returned in full capacity this year, bringing together international furniture designers and a spotlight on the break-through NFT sector. This marked the 17th edition of Design Miami, which runs alongside Art Basel, after a reduced version in 2020 due to the pandemic. The design fair brought together over 35 galleries and studios from around the world, each showcasing a “design.

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Secrets of a Successful Sale: Optimizing Your Checkout Process

Speaker: David Nisbet, Everett Zufelt, and Michaela Weber

Once upon a time, in the vast realm of online commerce, there lived a humble checkout button overlooked by many. Yet, within its humble click lay the power to transform a mere visitor into a loyal customer. 🧐 💡 Getting checkout right can mark the difference between a successful sale and an abandoned cart, yet many businesses fail to make payments a part of their commerce strategy even when it has a direct impact on revenue.

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Taylor’s of Tickhill passes out of the family’s hands after 75 years.

Talking Retail

A convenience store run by the same family for 75 years has been sold. Taylor’s of Tickhill has seen three generations of the family running the store since 1946, developing the business from a small off licence and food store to the much larger grocery shop it is today, specialising in fine wines and cheeses. This story continues at Taylor’s of Tickhill passes out of the family’s hands after 75 years.

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Over 700 exhibitors confirmed for ISE 2022

Retail Focus

ISE 2022 returns with a vibrant and inspiring edition, a redesigned show floor and new demonstration areas guaranteed to enable exhibitors to ‘Rise Up. Reimagine. Ignite the Future.’. Exhibitors are signing up in significant numbers to take part in ISE 2022, the destination for world-class brands to showcase the latest technologies in pro AV. With over 700 exhibitors already committed, including bellwether brands Barco, Crestron, KNX, Kramer, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony to name just a few –

Reimagine 189
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McDonald’s class action claims systemic failure to provide rest breaks

Inside Retail

McDonald’s is facing a class action over the company’s alleged failure to provide its employees with paid?10-minute?rest breaks. The McDonald’s staff class action filed in the Federal Court by Shine Lawyers follows a 2020 finding that former employee Chiara Staines was not provided with paid 10-minute rest breaks when working shifts four hours or longer.

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Christmas window displays 2021: skiing hedgehogs, stained glass and more

Design Week

Last year, Harvey Nichols shouted a collective “Bah, humbug” to Christmas. With this year’s window displays, the department store’s offering is designed to “spread joy and happiness” Bright colours are the star of the show this year – a stark contrast to last year’s monochrome affair. Modern stained glass panels form the background of several of the windows.

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Brick & Mortar Retail Relevance: How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Speaker: Jay Black, Senior Account Executive

Let's set the record straight: in-store retail isn't dead - it's evolving! Faced with the digital age and the demands of omnichannel shopping, some retailers are thriving while others are struggling to adapt. Join Jay Black in this exclusive session as he explores the strategies that set successful stores apart, including: Crafting unique and unforgettable in-store experiences 🛍️ Mastering the art of retail demands 🛒 Navigating inventory challenges in today's climate 📦 an

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Restrict alcohol marketing just like tobacco and HFSS food, say campaigners

Talking Retail

Promoting alcohol should be subject to the same restrictions as tobacco and unhealthy food, according to a new report. The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA), says in its latest report that alcohol marketing should be more tightly controlled to protect children and vulnerable adults. The report, titled “No escape: How alcohol marketing preys on children and.

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The Cotswold Company launches in Leamington Spa

Retail Focus

The Cotswold Company, known for its high-quality, master-crafted furniture and home accessories, has today opened a brand-new store in Leamington Spa. The brand’s sixth store, the new Leamington Spa location will be the first of The Cotswold Company’s physical destinations to embody its revised brand ethos, following a company rebrand in April this year.

Rhythm 162
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Mad Mex returns to Australian ownership, ends Asia expansion plans

Inside Retail

Mexican restaurant chain, Mad Mex, has acquired back the 50 per cent ownership from its Singapore-based venture partner, 4Fingers International, shifting focus to its home market. The recent acquisition also means the end of Mad Mex’s ambitious expansion plan in Asia , which was announced two years ago before the pandemic forced it to change the strategy. .

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Design Week’s most popular long reads of 2021

Design Week

Changes to IR35 are approaching (again) – here’s what designers need to know Delayed by the pandemic, in the first half of this year many designers were preparing to shift their working practices in accordance with new IR35 legislation. The new rules sought to distinguish between employees and freelancers, and mandate the payment of PAYE taxes associated with the former where deemed appropriate.

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Is Your Brand AI-Ready? Find Out with Orium’s Maturity Model

Generative AI is reshaping retail, but achieving true AI success isn’t simple. Many brands face hurdles—underdeveloped data strategies, limited AI-ready infrastructure, or lack of seamless integration across systems. As you explore how AI can boost efficiency and transform customer experiences, understanding your business’s readiness is key. Orium's Data & AI Maturity Model offers a clear starting point.

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One Tesco distribution strike called off, another poised to be settled

Talking Retail

One of the two threatened strikes by distribution workers at Tesco has been called off after the supermarket offered a bigger pay increase. Tesco raised its offer to Unite workers from 4% to 5.5% backdated to July, with an additional 0.5% from February 2022. The union accepted the offer pending a ballot of its members. This story continues at One Tesco distribution strike called off, another poised to be settled.

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Millennials lead the way on price sensitivity as the UK ‘cost of living crunch’ bites

Retail Focus

The UK’s cost of living squeeze is making Millennials and younger demographics more sensitive to pricing and promotions, the latest research from antuit.ai , the leader in SaaS Artificial Intelligence (AI) demand forecasting solutions, reveals. With increasing numbers of retailers passing on rising production costs – prompted by supply chain tension and labour market shortages – to the consumer, the CBI warns shoppers face the biggest price rises in 30 years this Christmas.

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Australia to regulate crypto and BNPL in payments overhaul

Inside Retail

Australia will create a licencing framework for cryptocurrency exchanges and consider launching a retail central bank digital currency as part of the biggest overhaul of its payments industry in a quarter of a century. The country will also broaden its payment laws to cover online transaction providers like Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google as well as buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) providers like Afterpay Ltd, ending their run of operating without direct supervision. “If we do not reform

Consumer 246
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NRF: Holiday Predictions May Exceed Expectations

VMS

The National Retail Federation (NRF; Washington, D.C.), announced its prediction for holiday sales may exceed the organization’s initial projections made back in October, and may be as high as 11.5 percent year over year, according to a press release. Its initial projections were an increase of 8.5 to 10.5 percent. NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz says, “Now that we’re in December, the holiday shopping season is nearing the finish line.

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Loyalty 101: How To Turn Browsers Into Buyers For Lasting Engagement

Speaker: Shaunna Bruton, Danielle Wyllie, and Kailey Holmes

Say goodbye to one-size-fits-all retail, and say hello to experiences that keep your customers coming back for more! Customer loyalty isn’t just earned - it’s cultivated through meaningful engagement with the help of data. This webinar will take you behind the scenes of how top retailers turn customer data into personalized experiences that drive engagement and retention.

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Bleed bags to treat stab victims given to convenience stores

Talking Retail

First aid kits specifically to treat stab wounds have been distributed to convenience stores in Northamptonshire. The “bleed bags” have been supplied by an anti-knife crime campaign group – Off the Streets – which was formed after the fatal stabbing of local man Dylan Holliday on an estate in Wellingborough. Among the stores to take. This story continues at Bleed bags to treat stab victims given to convenience stores.

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The future is seamless: New report signals a wave of on and offline customer loyalty innovation as brands adapt to the post-covid world

Retail Focus

Antavo , the loyalty technology provider has today launched a new report into the state of the loyalty programme market. The report highlights the vital role customer loyalty programmes have played throughout the Covid-19 crisis, and how the pandemic-induced acceleration of eCommerce looks set to usher in a wave of brand loyalty innovation over the next three years.

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New report details the pandemic pressures on retail’s workforce

Inside Retail

Retail and fast-food workers across Australia have seen their working hours and job security fall over the course of the pandemic, alongside an uptick in customer aggression , according to a joint report by the Australian National University and the University of Sydney. The ‘Pandemic Pressures’ report found that 49 per cent of retail workers reported their job security had fallen – worse among women and Australians who speak a different language at home – throughout Covid-19, as well as 51 per

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Deniz Aktay and the potential of hyper-realistic furniture renders

Design Wanted

“There is unlimited freedom every time I start designing in 3D,” says Aktay. “Designing a new piece is an interesting challenge every time,” says furniture designer Deniz Aktay whose renders are some of the best we have seen. He represents a generation of digital-savvy designers equipped with the technical know-how when it comes to CGI and virtual reality.

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How Retailers Are Transforming Customer Experiences with Data & AI

Speaker: David Azoulay, Marc Stracuzza, Román Tejada, and Guest Speaker Sucharita Kodali

Imagine a retail landscape where every interaction is personalized, every decision informed, and every opportunity maximized 🤔✨ Join us for an exploratory journey into the heart of AI-driven retail innovation. We’ll unveil the transformative potential of AI and data analytics in shaping the future of omnichannel personalization and e-commerce.