260: Unlocking Retail Simplification

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern retail, there’s an increasing need for simplification. With the continued transition to omnichannel operations and the ongoing introduction of new processes, companies are finding themselves buried beneath layers of complexity. But simplification isn’t just a new buzzword or concept. So why does something that sounds so straightforward become so intricate? Join Oliver Banks as we revisit the foundational discussions of simplification and unpack the pivotal idea that “variation is the enemy of simplification.”

Listen to this podcast episode where you’ll discover:

• Why we get confused about simplification and how these initiatives exist against other transformations.
• The importance of a consistent starting position in simplification efforts and why variation can be detrimental to the process.
• The principle of making tasks easy, quick, reliable, and repeatable for a streamlined experience and practical examples of its implementation.
• And when simplification is not the best approach – and why you should embrace complexity and complications.

Simplifying your business with OB&Co

Oliver and OB&Co help retailers accelerate their transformation initiatives whilst successfully navigating disruption. Discover how, together, we can simplify your operating model and drive your retail transformation forward.

Connect with and message Oliver Banks on LinkedIn or by email at oliver.banks@obandco.uk.

Additional episodes to listen to next

Simplification is one of Oliver’s “ever-trends” – a topic that is always top of mind. In fact, you can check out all of the themes that are ever present in episode 200: The Ever-Trends Of Retail.

Lean Six Sigma was mentioned in this episode and this toolkit can be easily deployed to support your simplification efforts. But this methodology is often confused and underestimated. So check out episode 242: Reinvigorating Lean Six Sigma In Retail and consider how you can take these principles and deploy them into your business.

Simplification is often about making consistent and incremental improvements. To explore the concept of making numerous small changes, listen to episode 210: Making Marginal Gains To Drive Profit