News



Problem-Solving Skills in Retail for Customer Service Teams

27 November 2024 by Natalie Fresen
One of the most underrated but extremely valuable skill sets when it comes to project management and the ability to serve is problem-solving skills in retail. Problem-solving in retail starts with solving customer complaints, which is just the beginning.  Analysing where things have gone wrong, what the root causes are, and repairing them for aRead more >

How to Improve Customer Service in Retail

25 November 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Despite the rise of online shopping, approximately 46% of shoppers still prefer in-store shopping, highlighting the enduring appeal of physical store experience and customer service in retail.  On the other hand, the same research shows that 57% of shoppers have stopped visiting brick-and-mortar stores because of unhelpful or inexperienced staff, and 11% of customers favourRead more >

Why Is Customer Service Training for Retail Staff Important?

8 November 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Providing high-quality customer service is a must if you are a retailer aiming to build brand loyalty. That’s why investing in customer service training for retail staff is the way forward. The rise of digital shopping has altered consumer service expectations, and it seems that being able to talk well is no longer the onlyRead more >

Retail Awards: How to Promote an Award Win?

21 October 2024 by Natalie Fresen
For any business, winning a retail award is a proud and joyous moment. A good reflection on your team and some swagger for being recognised in the industry are included in your deserved win. That said, you still need to properly market retail awards to ensure you extract full value from them. Promotion can make yourRead more >

Essential KPIs for Customer Service in Retail

7 October 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for customer service in retail are vital tools for leaders and managers to measure the effectiveness of their customer service teams. As retail grows ever more competitive, customer service is a critical way for brands to differentiate themselves. Don’t forget that being a great manager means surrounding yourself with talent butRead more >

Effective Customer Service Strategies in Retail

4 October 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Customer service is a major retailer differentiator. With ever greater competition and a more crowded market, customer service strategies matter all the more when selling to customers, as excellent customer service helps retain them, improve profits, and create exceptional experiences leading to lasting brand loyalty. A Salesforce survey reveals that 89% of customers are influencedRead more >

Celebrating the People in Retail Awards 2024

27 September 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Last night, the People in Retail Awards 2024 brought together over 400 professionals from across the retail industry for an unforgettable celebration of excellence, dedication, and passion at the Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, London. The evening was brilliantly hosted by Darren Sanderson-Williams from Specsavers, who kept the atmosphere lively and engaging as the bestRead more >

The Importance of Customer Service in Retail

29 July 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Despite all the change in which we operate, customer service is one area of retailing that never changes and where you can still drive for success. Regardless of whether it relates to online platform customer support or behind the counter in physical stores, the importance of customer service in retail is undeniable. Good old-fashioned retailRead more >

How To Encourage Innovation in a Team in the Retail Industry

15 July 2024 by Natalie Fresen
In today’s retail climate, businesses simply cannot afford to stay idle. Cultivating a culture of innovation within their teams is no longer optional; it is an imperative. Everyday consumer expectations are changing, and so for retail innovators to continue a leading transformational charge, they need help championing creativity within their teams that goes beyond digitalRead more >

The Importance of Teamwork in Retail Customer Service Teams

27 June 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Just as in any industry, teamwork is essential for achieving business goals and maintaining a positive workplace atmosphere. While individual work is very important, excellent customer service and customer loyalty are earned through teamwork. Working together as a team is the key to a successful retail business. If your company’s success depends on the satisfactionRead more >

How to Win the Team of the Year Retail Award

26 June 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Team recognition is not only an effective motivator but also one that delivers a strategic advantage in the competitive world of retail. The premier Team of the Year Retail Award, at People in Retail Awards, recognises the hard work, dedication, and high performance of retail teams. Winning will do wonders for the morale of yourRead more >

Announcing the 2024 People in Retail Awards Finalists

10 June 2024 by Natalie Fresen
London, 10th June 2024 – The Retail Bulletin is delighted to announce the highly anticipated shortlist for the prestigious People in Retail Awards (PIRA) 2024. Now in its second year, the People in Retail Awards continue to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions and excellence in the retail sector. These awards highlight the individuals and businessesRead more >

What it Takes to Win a Retail Manager Of the Year Award

29 May 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Store managers who excel in their roles have a strong chance of winning prestigious awards like the Retail Manager of the Year Award.  This recognition emphasises personal strengths and clearly shows how important quality leadership is for retail to come to fruition. For these reasons, this honour is perhaps what any retail leader, store manager,Read more >

The Qualities of Employee of the Year in People in Retail Awards

20 May 2024 by Natalie Fresen
If the employer wants to foster a positive workplace culture, they must acknowledge the employees’ hard work, devotion, and achievements.  Stores offer more than just goods for sale; they are social hubs where people can meet and enjoy themselves. One of the best ways to show how much you recognize your employees’ contributions to theRead more >

The Judging Process in Retail Awards: What You Need to Know

26 April 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Awards play an important role in the retail industry’s recognition system. Awards are a beacon of success and a symbol of industry genius in a fast-paced, highly competitive environment that values innovation and achievement. Retailers all over the world compete for retail awards, not only for their merit but also for the transformative impact theyRead more >

How To Write an Award Entry for the People in Retail Awards

22 March 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Applying for a People in Retail Award is about recognition but also about sharing your team’s outstanding achievements. However, as you will discover, this expression is overused, and your award application must stand out to the judges due to the stiff competition you will face. To that end, this guide will teach you how toRead more >

Interview: Nick Singh

7 March 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Meet Nick, the Mid Market Manager from IKEA, who now joins our judging panel for the prestigious People in Retail Awards 2024. With a keen eye for talent and a deep appreciation for the power of recognition, Nick brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. His dedication to nurturing potential and celebrating success inRead more >

Interview: Tea Colaianni

19 February 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Meet Tea Colaianni, an industry leader with over 25 years of experience in consumer-facing industries, including pivotal roles at Hilton Hotels and Merlin Entertainments. As the Founder and Chair of WiHTL and Diversity in Retail, Tea is dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive working environments, impacting 5 million global employees by 2030. Tea currently serves on multiple boards,Read more >

Building employee engagement and recognition culture: case studies and best practices

18 February 2024 by Natalie Fresen
An engaged and enthusiastic team often separates successful businesses from those that fail in the retail industry, where meeting customer demands is paramount. The foundations of a supportive and uplifting organisational environment are retail employee recognition and engagement. This comprehensive guide aims to explore the fundamentals of retail employee engagement and recognition culture, from itsRead more >

Interview: Gill Smith

17 February 2024 by Natalie Fresen
Meet Gill Smith, the newest judge on the People in Retail Awards 2024 panel. With over 20 years in the FMCG sector, Gill’s journey from chartered accountant to Managing Director at The Perfume Shop showcases her passion for retail and talent development. As a trustee for charities and a board member at the Fragrance Foundation, Gill shapes industryRead more >