Blogs

Training and Development for Retail Employees: A Roadmap

Effective training and development for retail employees is not something that should be seen as a tick-box exercise or an annual occurrence, but instead as a way to help employees do their jobs in the best possible way. The effect of quality training and development for retail employees can be easily seen through customer relationships, footRead more >

What Makes a Strong JEDI Award Entry? A Guide for Retailers

Rather than rely on rhetoric or policy-driven promises, the JEDI Retail Award recognises businesses that actively work to promote diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice through concrete, measurable actions. As expectations about fair treatment and better representation and inclusion grow across retail, more and more retailers who are driving real change are coming forward to showRead more >

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training in Retail

While retail leadership teams are diversifying and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) strategies are advancing, the overall pace of change remains slow. Women now constitute nearly 60% of the total retail workforce and almost 50% of the Board, Executive Committee, and Direct Reports leadership, a substantial increase from roughly 30% in 2021. However, this success isRead more >

How to Win the Community Engagement Programme of the Year Award

Community engagement has grown in importance as a means for retail businesses to make a difference in people’s lives and in sales. In the retail world, where customers care more and more about value, businesses that give back to the communities they serve are doing the right thing and getting attention for it. That’s why theRead more >

Inspiring JEDI Initiatives: Retailers Driving Real Change

With rising social consciousness and changing consumer expectations, retailers are rethinking what they can do to build fairer, more inclusive workplaces and communities. In the past few years, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) has become far more than just a corporate buzzword. It has become a guiding framework for retailers, as trusted companies areRead more >

Top Ideas for Your Next Retail Community Engagement Programme

Once considered optional, community engagement in retail has now become essential for long-term success.  An effective community engagement programme cultivates trust, promotes responsible community development and forges a meaningful emotional relationship between retailers, their colleagues, and the communities. Retail businesses that prioritise economic sustainability and sustainable development by engaging in long-term community development establish aRead more >

Making JEDI Principles a Daily Practice in Retail

It’s no secret that diverse and inclusive companies outperform their less diverse counterparts. Recognising this, 57% of UK employers now treat diversity and inclusion (D&I) as a strategic recruitment priority. But for many retailers, the goal is to move beyond simply hiring for diversity and to embed JEDI principles, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, intoRead more >

Key Retail Learning and Development Trends You Can’t Ignore

Retail learning and development trends are reshaping how retailers connect, engage, and grow their employees. L&D is evolving quickly, offering store managers, L&D professionals, and business leaders new ways to prepare their teams, not just for the challenges of today but also for the curveballs of tomorrow. From customer service and sales training to digitalRead more >

How employee development shapes retail organisational culture

A key element for a thriving retail organisational culture is employee development, which is important to foster not only stronger skills but also deeper employee engagement, loyalty, and motivation. Opportunities for skill improvement and learning directly fuel a healthy retail culture, as research reveals that companies that engage in employee development enjoy a 24% larger profitRead more >

Announcing the 2025 People in Retail Awards Finalists

London, 16th June 2025 – The Retail Bulletin is thrilled to unveil the eagerly awaited shortlist for the esteemed People in Retail Awards (PIRA) 2025. Marking its third year, the People in Retail Awards continue to honour and celebrate exceptional achievements and excellence within the retail industry. These awards spotlight the individuals and businesses –Read more >

What Is a Culture of Learning? And Why Retail Needs One

If you work in retail, you know that the only constant is change. New technology, evolving retail trends, and evolving customer expectations constantly challenge us. Creating a culture of learning in retail isn’t just smart; it’s a game-changer for teams that want to stay ahead. What exactly is a culture of learning, and why is itRead more >

Corporate Volunteering in Retail: Why It Matters

Corporate volunteering in retail is on the rise; the result is increased advantages for both businesses and the general public. In 2024, the UK saw the highest year-on-year uplift in employee volunteering participation at 300%. The total proportion of the UK population participating in volunteering and giving programmes was 14%, which was an increase ofRead more >

How to Build a Community Engagement Strategy in Retail

Long gone is the time when retailers could afford to be impersonal suppliers whose only goal was to make a sale. This shift has made community engagement a strategic necessity for creating customer loyalty, trust, and fortune in the long term. Retailers can no longer just sell something; consumers expect them to make a difference. As moreRead more >

How to Create a Culture of Learning on The Sales Floor

Retail is changing fast, and customers are getting more demanding, better informed and more selective. That’s why you should promote a culture of learning on the shop floor; you need a team that’s knowledgeable, curious, adaptable, and always learning. Not only does a culture that prioritises learning engage and satisfy employees, but it can also driveRead more >

The Top 5 Principles of Community Engagement in Retail

In the current retail environment, community engagement is no longer just a nice-to-have, but it’s a key part of their marketing strategy. Successful community engagement in retail needs to be genuine and founded on authenticity. Retail goes beyond mere transactions: retailers need to build relationships that drive trust, loyalty, and shared purpose. More and more, consumers areRead more >

The Advantages of Community Engagement for Retail Brands

The retail world is quickly changing from its one-sided transactional setting to a two-sided relationship between brands and their customers. With growing competition and changing customer expectations, retail brands are re-evaluating how they engage with customers. One of these strategies is community engagement. Engaging with the community is much more than a marketing strategy; it can helpRead more >

How to Win the Customer Service Team Awards in Retail

Acknowledging great customer service teams in the retail sector is critical. These teams are significant in building a brand’s reputation and ensuring customer loyalty. One of the best ways to honour their contributions is to enter them for industry awards, such as the Customer Service Team of the Year and the Customer-Facing Team of the Year awards.  WinningRead more >

What Is Excellent Customer Service in Retail?

Did you know that a staggering 86% of buyers are willing to pay more for a great customer experience? This statistic highlights the importance of customer service in the retail environment. Excellent customer service goes beyond mere transactions. It’s a turning point that can decide customers’ loyalty, brand reputation and a retailer’s success. Providing excellent customerRead more >

Examples of Good Teamwork in Retail

Retail associates and employees are the foundation that helps retail businesses succeed. Strong, soft skills, like those associated with teamwork, communication, and active listening, are must-haves that rate beyond product knowledge and technical skills. Working in retail requires complete coordination in order to provide a satisfying experience for customers, accomplish common goals, and keep the workRead more >

How to Measure Client Satisfaction in Retail

Measuring client satisfaction in retail is more than making sure its customers are happy. In the highly competitive retail environment, knowing the factors that affect customer satisfaction enables retailers to improve the quality of services, alter their offerings, and boost profitability in the long run. Happy customers tend to return more often, purchase more, andRead more >