143: The Return Of Stores

The pandemic caused turbulence for many physical stores. However, as life slowly returns, there are some big opportunities for stores to bounce back. Here to report from his store tour findings, retail consultant, Ian Scott, joins Oliver Banks. So listen now to hear examples of great physical store retailing, including examples from Selfridges, Lush, Primark, Homebase and many more.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• Why the future is bright for stores.
• Which retailers are doing an excellent job since reopening.
• How home improvement retailers are shifting to a convenience and convenient model.
• And much more!

 

 

Introducing Ian Scott

Ian Scott is an independent retail consultant, with over 20 years of experience within the retail display sector. Previous work has included design and implementation of retail stores and displays, store research and behavioural psychology. In addition, he monitors global innovation and trends in the retail landscape.

He advises clients on retail strategy, as well as providing insights on global retail trends and innovations. He’s worked with brands like LEGO, Coca-Cola, Dyson, P&G, The Body Shop, Estee Lauder and GSK.

He travels extensively, visiting stores to capture best practice and new innovations within the retail landscape.

Connect with Ian Scott on LinkedIn

Watch Ian’s Re-Tales podcast on YouTube

Watch Ian’s panel discussion at Retail Transformation Live.

Ian revisited the virtual stage at Retail Transformation Live in July 2021. Joined by Kizer & Bender and Jeremey Sea, they discuss the post pandemic trends from across the world.

Register for your replay seat at Retail Transformation Live.

Examples discussed in this episode

Ian Scott shared many examples of stores in this episode of the podcast. But to add some colour, literally, here are images from Ian to bring these to life a little more.

All of these images are copyright of Ian Scott.

Firstly, some surprising scenes from retailers who were not ready for the reopening on 12th April.

However, Selfridges have injected an element of fun into the shopping trip through their innovative changing room design.

Lush have refreshed one of their London stores, bringing in features and aspects that have been trialed in other parts of the UK and overseas.

Meanwhile, Levi Strauss have opened a brand building flagship store in London.

And finally, Microsoft decided to close all of their stores worldwide. But instead, they have repurposed and reopened some into experience centres, including the London store on Oxford Circus.

Further episodes of the Retail Transformation Show podcast

If you enjoyed this episode then take a listen to these additional episodes.

Firstly, episode 127: Checkout Free, Frictionless Stores where Tiffany Lung joins to explore this global retail trend. Whilst Amazon are stealing the headlines with their Go and Fresh stores, there is so much more to this phenomenon.

Next, listen to episode 109: Pop Up Stores and Ephemeral Retailing. Here, pop up retail expert, Ghalia Boustani joins to explore this big opportunity to add excitement and energy into your retail proposition.

And finally, check out episode 96: The Future Of The Store Of The Future with Chris Walton from Omni Talk. Chris and Oliver discuss the key considerations for concept stores and developing the next generation of your physical stores.