Primark’s Post

Happy last Friday in April! 💐 Dig into our #FridayFIve for the stories that got our attention this week: 1. Foot Locker unveiled its first new concept store in New Jersey, with a renewed focus on making the shopping journey feel cohesive and giving prime real estate to the women's section. Retail Dive has more details about the apparel and sneaker giant's planned upgrades: https://lnkd.in/dcUi5xYv 2. Earth Day was earlier this week on April 22 and Progressive Grocer rounded up some innovative ways that grocers are focused on sustainability efforts to make a lasting impact: https://lnkd.in/de4NfXXz 3. AI is on everyone's mind, from ways to leverage the tech to do their jobs better to how it will shape the future of work, including role redundancy. Canada's government has acknowledged that job loss is a pressing fear and pledged $50M for skills retraining to "support workers who may be impacted by AI." CTV News has more: https://lnkd.in/eRCpp9sW 4. We've said goodbye to single-use plastic bags, but now, a new problem: too many reusable bags are ending up in homes and, ultimately, landfills. CBC speaks to some environmental experts about solutions: https://lnkd.in/dGFC5s4e 5. Deloitte's Women @ Work 2024 report showed stagnant progress for women both in the office and outside of work, with a lack of sufficient support for mental health and menstruation, menopausal or fertility issues among the key challenges. The survey, which includes 5,000 women across 10 countries, is in its fourth year. More here: https://lnkd.in/dy4wrT9X

I found this article quite interesting. A question being asked about Woolworths’ strategy and how consumers are and would respond to it. Competing own store and global brands in a space that traditionally provided a point of differentiation for the typical Woolworths shopper? Have they now just become a typical department store or does it bring “new feet” into the store or is it alienating the traditional Woolworths shopper that supported them in the last decade. Would be great to see some insightful views in the comments?

#26 e-commerce best practices: Inditex's sustainable choice of shipping in reused cardboard boxes. In the twenty-sixth article of our e-commerce best practices series, we're looking at Zara's environmentally conscious initiative of offering customers the option to receive their orders in reused cardboard boxes. Zara takes a significant step towards sustainability in e-commerce by providing an option that reduces waste and promotes recycling. This initiative aligns with growing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally responsible practices. Why this sustainable practice is commendable ✔️ Reduces waste: Reusing boxes significantly cuts down on packaging waste. ✔️ Encourages eco-consciousness: Gives customers a direct way to make a sustainable choice. ✔️ Positive brand impact: This practice enhances Zara's reputation as an environmentally responsible retailer. Zara's option to ship orders in reused cardboard boxes showcases a practical and effective way e-commerce businesses can contribute to sustainability, resonating with eco-conscious consumers and setting an example in the retail industry. Stay tuned for more insights from our e-commerce best practices series! #ZaraSustainability #EcoFriendlyPackaging #SustainableEcommerce #ReuseReduceRecycle #ConsciousConsumerism

Incredibly wise insight, Dave. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I think the key is how you put it focusing on the customers needs, no it creating wants. The waste generated is abhorrent, and we must change the way we do everything in the pipeline to minimize this over-production. The push for lower prices by offering more volume, then throwing half away is ludicrous, yet thats what this industry survives on. #sustainability

BDA London recognises the pressures of our industry and partners with like-minded businesses to create sustainable product ranges.  This involves finding a balance in the number of trends – avoiding excessive choice, as exemplified by SHEIN releasing over 7,000 new items daily, yet ensuring offerings remain fresh.  Crucial to this approach is supply chain agility, with a preference for on-shoring and shorter lead times.    It's understood that getting the wrong product to a store or website promptly has no advantage. The focus is on understanding the total cost of goods, not just the purchase cost, by comparing intake margin versus maintained margin.    Our industry often ends up through current range structure, buying process or overall business model results in redundant stock of brocken size ranges across numerous options is not viable for businesses or communities. It’s all about the first mile not necessarily the last mile.   Fast fashion's detrimental impact on both industry and environment is acknowledged, highlighting the urgency to develop product strategies that address customer needs ( rather than creating wants ) in a wiser, more informed way. A shift towards evaluating social progress, rather than exclusively focusing on GDP or profit, offers a more comprehensive understanding of our growth as a global community. ( is this what France trying to do ? )   To initiate these necessary changes, it is crucial to incentivise decision-makers and stakeholders, ensuring businesses are accountable to both shareholders and society.    This responsibility extends to re-evaluating production practices, promoting recyclable and sustainable materials, and minimising waste. By adopting these measures, the industry can mitigate its environmental footprint, fostering a more sustainable and responsible business model. Adopting sustainable practices and focusing on long-term social progress rather than short-term profits are essential steps towards addressing the pressing health and environmental issues of our time. Through collaborative efforts between businesses, stakeholders, and communities, we can forge a path towards a more sustainable and equitable future. #sustainability #trendplanning #innovation #designplanning #futurism #creativity.

Three great businesses leading the way in making sustainable changes.

Food for thought for all retailers on the need to stay current and relevant to consumer #retailinnovation #digitalbusiness #businessmodelinnovation #customerexperience