Retail Transformation Show with Oliver Banks

Omnichannel and personalisation are among the most overused terms in retail today. Omnichannel is too often condensed to the transaction and delivery aspects. Meanwhile, we sometimes forget how to add personality to our personalisation. In this episode, Oliver Banks is joined by Ines Clark, former Head of Global Strategy at Farfetch. Together, they break down the omnichannel customer journey and consider how to add the human touch into the pre-purchase stages in a personalised way, to genuinely help customers to shop. Tune in to explore the exciting opportunities for retailers to redefine pre-purchase customer experience. Listen to this episode to discover:Learn why omnichannel is about more than just buying and receiving - and consider what's possible for embracing omnichannel at other stages. How to rethink personalisation into two distinct components. Which sector should retailers look to for inspiration in omnichannel and personalisation?The show notes are at www.obandco.uk/325.

In the fast-paced world of retail, it’s easy to miss important trends and signals that are caught in our blind spot. Those hidden challenges and unnoticed risks can catch even the most seasoned leaders off guard. In this episode, Oliver Banks sits down with Carl Boutet, author of the new book BlindSpot, to uncover why these unseen risks occur, their impact on businesses, and how to avoid being caught off-guard. Together, they explore strategies for staying alert while balancing the critical elements of retail success, from customer focus and competitor awareness to operational efficiencies and financial health. Whether you're navigating technological innovation or operational changes, this conversation will help you sharpen your vision and stay ahead of the curve. Listen to this episode to discover:How to avoid being caught off-guard by the rapidly evolving world of technology. What the most important skills to be developing right now are.How to learn and adapt, as both an individual and as a company. The show notes are at www.obandco.uk/324.

Change is an inevitable part of business, but too much change can create fatigue—leading to confusion, resistance, and burnout at every level of an organisation. In this episode, Oliver Banks dives into the concept of change fatigue, exploring how it impacts teams, leaders, and even end consumers. we explore the root causes of change fatigue, its effects on every level of an organisation, and how you can make change more manageable and meaningful. Whether you're leading change, experiencing it, or supporting those who do, this episode will equip you with insights to ease the strain and embrace transformation effectively. Listen to this podcast episode to:Understand why too much change—too quickly or over an extended period—leads to fatigue and rejection.Uncover the hidden costs of change fatigue on productivity, decision-making, and customer satisfaction.Learn how to identify and address the mental strain caused by change to ease adoption and build competence.Discover ways to prioritize, plan, and orchestrate change to prevent burnout and confusion.Show notes are at: www.obandco.uk/323

Retail is a tough business, and even the biggest brands can face distressing times. In this episode, Oliver Banks is joined by retail expert Rhea Fox to uncover the essential lessons from struggling and failing retailers. Together, they explore the common challenges that distressed businesses face, the warning signs that often go unnoticed, and the root causes of financial difficulties. Whether you're looking to spot risks early, turn around a struggling operation, or avoid these pitfalls altogether, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of retail in uncertain times. Listen into this episode now to hear:Understand the shared challenges and root causes that lead retailers into distress.Spot the telltale traits of businesses that may not realize they're in trouble.Consider whether what the future holds for smaller vs larger businesses. The show notes are at www.obandco.uk/322.

Many aspects of retail success are underpinned by the complexities of human psychology. Every decision your customers make—whether it’s choosing a product, responding to a promotion, or choosing to shop in a store or recommending to friends —is influenced by subtle yet powerful neuro-influences. These cognitive strategies shape perceptions, drive actions, and can unlock significant opportunities for your business. Are you using these to drive your business forward? And should you or does this cross ethical boundaries? Listen now to understand the powerful opportunities and dangers tucked into the psychology of shopping. Listen to this episode of the Retail Transformation Show and discover:What are neuro-influences and where are they used. How effective use of psychology can boost business performance.The unintentional dangers of misusing neuro-influences. The show notes are at www.obandco.uk/321.

Catch up on the best bits from the last 12 months of the podcast. Join Oliver Banks and celebrate 6 years of the Retail Transformation Show with clips and key takeaways diving into AI, 'As A Service' offerings, sustainability, connectivity and great retailing examples from around the world. Listen into some of the best bits. Listen into this episode to hear:How to unlock next-level digital experiences in stores. Why the customer experience is forged faster than you expect. Examples of excellent retailing from across the world. The show notes, including references to all of the topics discussed are at www.obandco.uk/320.

The strongest companies in the retail industry are those that continue to navigate the disruption and continually shift their focus on what matters most. The Retail Transformation Show continues to guide you to do that and the podcast is now celebrating it's 6th birthday. To celebrate, join Oliver Banks and take a look back at the past year and some of the iconic golden nuggets shared in solo shows and with special guests. Listen in to the first part of this best bits episode. Listen to this episode for:Highlights from different episodes, featuring expert guests and from Oliver Banks’s solo shows.Takeaways on topics like new business models, becoming human-centric, avoiding short-term thinking, collaboration and much more.The show notes and full list of episodes are at www.obandco.uk/319.

Delve into the dynamic world of retail expansion. As the retail landscape evolves, we're exploring how savvy retailers are not just surviving but thriving by strategically growing their physical presence. From harnessing the power of omnichannel strategies to creating adaptable store formats, we'll uncover the secrets to building a profitable, sustainable, and customer-centric store empire. Whether you're a seasoned physical store retailer or just embarking on the foundations of your retail estate, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the future of retail. Listen in to discover:How leading retailers are using stores to develop their omnichannel offering.How adaptable store formats are being used to meet customer needs and test and learn. Why data should be used to minimise the risk of opening new stores.The other crucial factors to consider when expanding your store estate. The show notes are at www.obandco.uk/318.

The rise of Retail as a Service (RaaS) has opened up transformative opportunities for retailers, but it also poses serious challenges. In this episode, join Oliver Banks to dive deep into the evolving RaaS landscape and explore the key factors that are shaping its future. From data privacy concerns to expansion into new categories, we’ll dissect the pros, cons, and potential pitfalls of this new business model. Whether you're considering RaaS for your business or are curious about the changing dynamics of retail, this episode offers fresh insights and perspectives on what’s to come. Listen to this episode now to:Understand how RaaS is both levelling the playing field and empowering major retailers.Explore the 5 emerging factors which are shaping the future of RaaS.Discover how non-retail companies are entering the RaaS space and what that means for the future.Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/317.

Retail-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a fast evolving segment of retail which offers new profit streams or the ability to quickly scale a new business or channel. Today, we're exploring how this model is reshaping the retail landscape. From the growth of global giants like Amazon, Ocado and THG to the rise of supply chain innovators like Shein, we unpack the key drivers behind this trend and what it means for retailers of all sizes. Whether you're considering adopting RaaS, already a provider, or wondering about the challenges and opportunities that this shift means for your business, this episode will offer valuable insights into the RaaS opportunity. Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/316.

In the digital world, consumers have an incredible volume of choice, with great visibility but also subject to near infinite distractions. So as retailers, when we have a moment of a customer's attention, we need to consider how to make the most of it. Todd Unger, the Chief Experience Officer of the American Medical Association and author of The 10-Second Customer Journey joins to explore more and share how commerce companies can drive meaningful transformation. Listen to this episode to hear: How customer perception is rapidly formed. Why there are no excuses not to offer a state-of-the-art customer experience.How to understand the customer journey from your customer's point of view.The show notes are at www.obandco.uk/315.

Amazon launched Rufus as its virtual shopping assistant, using Gen AI to support customers as they browse the ecommerce site. But is this a sign of the future of retail or just another chatbot? Join Oliver Banks as he reviews how Rufus performs and considers the longer term opportunities of this technology. Learn about the good and the bad of this initiative and decide if you think this could be an initiative that stands the test of time. Listen to this episode and discover: Whether Rufus is biased to pushing Amazon brands and products. Why Amazon still has work to do. Which new development is most surprising and why. Show notes at www.obandco.uk/314.

Retail is evolving at an incredible pace, with new innovations and trends constantly reshaping the landscape. But at its core, retail is still about one thing: connecting customers to their passions. In this episode, we dive deep into the most exciting aspects of retail today, including the role of content, stores and people. Discover why the true magic of retail lies not in the products themselves, but in how we help customers engage with and elevate their passions. As both a retailer and a consumer, this episode will inspire you to rethink the power of retail. Listen to this episode and:Learn how connecting customers to their passions is reshaping the retail landscape.Explore the role of omnichannel experiences and how they're evolving to meet customer expectations.Discover how custom products and convenience are driving the next wave of retail innovation.Understand the power of community-building and how retailers can foster connections around shared passions.Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/313.

Envisaging the future of retail can feel confusing and potentially a waste of time. We often get stuck in today's problems and challenges, or we go to the other end of the spectrum and consider radical science fiction ideas. But what if we step back and allow ourselves to imagine what retail, and specifically grocery, could look like in 10 years? In this episode, Oliver Banks dives into three exciting concepts from his latest collaboration with RETHINK Retail, exploring shopper-driven innovation, retail media's potential fall, and a revolutionary approach to grocery e-commerce partnerships. Join the conversation as we speculate on the future of retail and how it could impact us all. Listen to this podcast episode and:Consider how we could adopt online shopping tools into the physical store.Discover why we must be prepared for the rise and fall of retail media.Explore how the retail industry can overcome the challenges of unprofitable online operations. Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/312 where you can find the full RETHINK Retail report as well as more episodes to check out next.

Retail is evolving faster than ever before, and the traditional "buy and sell" model might not be enough to thrive in the future. In this episode, we’re continuing our exploration of new business models that will reshape the retail landscape by 2030. From retail media networks to resale programs, we'll break down the innovative strategies that retailers are using to unlock new revenue streams and deliver value. If you want to understand how to stay ahead of the competition and ensure your retail business is future-proof, you won't want to miss this episode. Listen to this episode of the Retail Transformation Show and:Discover the growing power of retail media networks and how they’re transforming retailers into media companies.Learn how Retail as a Service can unlock new revenue streams by offering retail capability and expertise to other businesses.Explore how resale models are helping retailers leverage sustainability to drive profits and connect with eco-conscious consumers.Understand the business model which holds massive value and shouldn’t be ignored.Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/311.

With thin margins and fierce competition, sticking to the classic business model might not be viable enough to ensure future success. The next wave of retail profits will likely come from innovative and disruptive business models that go beyond the traditional "buy and sell" approach to wholesale and retail. In this episode, we're exploring some of the most promising avenues that retailers should consider. Whether you're looking to integrate services, adopt a subscription model, or even launch your own brand, this episode will equip you with insights to stay ahead of the curve and redefine what success looks like in the future of retail. Listen to this podcast episode to:Discover what defines a new business model and why simply expanding your product line isn’t enough.Explore new revenue and value opportunities by moving up the supply chain, offering services, or implementing subscription models.Learn from live examples of retailers who have tried and tested these new business models. Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/310.

Success in transformation isn’t just about reaching the finish line—it’s about what happens after. When a transformation project succeeds, the work isn't over. This episode dives into the critical steps required to ensure the change is sustainable, embedded, and truly delivers maximum value for your business in the long run. From transitioning ownership to business-as-usual teams to celebrating wins with empathy, Oliver Banks explores the often overlooked but crucial activities that make transformation stick. Whether you’re in the final stages of a project or planning ahead, tune in to join Oliver and learn how to wrap up your transformation efforts the right way and set up your organization for continued success. Listen to this episode to discover:The essential handover activities that ensure smooth transitions from project mode to business as usual.The importance of celebrating success with empathy.How to revisit the transformation later to drive ongoing improvements and maintain the change over time.Find the full show notes at: www.obandco.uk/309.

A significant portion of transformation initiatives fail. But for this common outcome, why do we not have a defined or more considered approach to failure? Join Oliver Banks and explore the intentional actions that you must take when your transformation initiative crashes. From damage limitation through to the four types of lessons to learn, step through the aspects that you need to face into. Listen to this episode to discover:A framework of elements to guide you through the process of transformation failure.How to ensure lessons learned are not forgotten. And the metaphor to help understand the considerations you'll need to factor in. Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/308.

Transformation efforts are often fraught with risk, and research shows that many initiatives end in failure. But failure isn't a single, uniform outcome—it's a multi-dimensional challenge that can strike at different stages and in various forms. In this episode, we'll dissect the three different dimensions of transformation failure and explore strategies to avoid these pitfalls. Whether you're leading a major transformation or a smaller-scale change, understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating your journey to success. Listen to this episode and discover:The four types of transformation failure and why you need to recognise them.Why and when failure is a good outcome to celebrate.Five tips to help avoid transformation failure.Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/307.

The world of retail is always evolving and it can be hard to stay up to speed. Fortunately, the new podcast from Oliver Banks has you covered. The Retail Show is the weekly podcast with useful news and relevant views. Listen in to an episode of The Retail Show podcast and remember to subscribe on your usual podcast app. Alternatively, head over to TheRetailShow.uk. In this episode, you'll hear: News you can use - essential headlines and actionable takeaways. Insight spotlight - and why Walmart is talking about "adaptive retail". And finally - an amusing or good news story to help put a smile on your face.The show notes from this episode are at www.obandco.uk/306.