The Retail Podcast (Video Feed)

Boots’ Fragrance Boutique, Designers @ Debenhams, Søstrene Grene’s UK Surge, NikeSKIMS, Laura Ashley

Five Things Friday — UK Edition with Simone Oloman & Alex.
This week’s five:1) Boots’ first fragrance-only boutique at Broadgate, London (opens 23 Oct 2025).2) Designers at Debenhams returns (AW25) with Ashish; Kim Cattrall fronts the campaign.3) Søstrene Grene posts record results; UK is the standout growth driver.4) NikeSKIMS launches as a new women’s brand: performance credibility meets culture.5) Laura Ashley returns to bricks & mortar: 10,000 sq ft flagship at Lakeside.
References:- Boots newsroom (fragrance-only concept): https://www.boots-uk.com/newsroom/news/boots-reveals-its-first-ever-fragrance-only-concept-store/
Disclosure: Opinions are ours. Not investment advice.#Retail #UKRetail #FiveThingsFriday #Boots #NikeSKIMS #LauraAshley

Five Things Friday: Luxury in Riyadh, Shein Pop-Ups, Amazon Fresh Shifts, Retail Contraction & Burberry’s Comeback

This week on Five Things Friday, Alex and Simon unpack the retail stories shaping headlines and boardrooms:
Shein sparks backlash with a London pop-up designed for independents
Amazon Fresh shutters physical grocery stores—pivoting tech into airports and e-commerce
UK retail sales decline for the twelfth month straight, according to the CBI
Starbucks retrenches: closing UK stores while doubling down on experience-led formats
Primark trials in-store clothing repair, raising questions on sustainability vs. greenwashing
H&M Group shutters stores worldwide, while Arket opens on London’s King’s Road
Burberry turns heads at London Fashion Week with its Burberry Portraits campaign on TikTok & Instagram
 
The retail landscape is contracting, experimenting, and redefining luxury for the next chapter.
⏱️ Chapters:0:00 –
Intro & Riyadh luxury preview
2:49 – Shein’s controversial London pop-up
4:31 – Amazon Fresh pulls the plug on cashierless stores
6:02 – CBI data shows UK retail sales decline 12 months straight
7:09 – Starbucks closures & experiential pivot
9:04 – Primark launches clothing repair pop-up
11:07 – H&M store closures vs. Arket expansion
12:45 – Burberry Portraits TikTok & London Fashion Week comeback
15:30 – Closing thoughts & community shout-out
Referenced sources:Amazon Fresh updateCBI September 2025 surveyStarbucks EMEA updateTikTok – @omo.orojeTikTok – Burberry PortraitsInstagram – Burberry Portraits Reelhttps://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/retail/amazon-uk-online-grocery-delivery-amazon-fresh https://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/articles/retail-sales-fall-for-twelfth-month-in-a-row-cbi-distributive-trades-survey-september-2025/ https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2025/emea-update-focused-on-getting-back-to-starbucks/ https://www.tiktok.com/@omo.oroje/video/7323298506976939296 https://www.tiktok.com/@burberry/video/7534720871588498710?q=burberry%20portraits&t=1758882300201 https://www.instagram.com/burberry/reel/DO8zvqmiMRD/

Five Things Friday APAC: Shanghai Fashion Week, India’s Beauty Boom & Holiday Optimism in Australia

Welcome to Five Things Friday APAC Edition (yes, on a Monday this time!). In this episode, we unpack the big signals shaping retail and consumer markets across the region and beyond.
Here’s what we cover:
Shanghai Fashion Week SS26 – momentum, buying power, and why global buyers are watching China again.
India’s luxury beauty boom – $800M today, $4B by 2035, and why retailers are planting seeds now.
Recession Glam – consumers trading down but still splurging smartly in beauty and fashion.
Retail realignment – how APAC and Europe may be drawing closer in strategy and trade.
Australia’s retail optimism – Deloitte’s 2025 holiday report shows green shoots of growth.
🔗 References and further reading:
⁠Vogue Business on Shanghai Fashion Week⁠
⁠Reuters on India’s luxury beauty surge⁠
⁠Deloitte Holiday Retail Report 2025⁠
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly retail intelligence direct from the global frontlines.
#Retail #APAC #FiveThingsFriday #LuxuryRetail #Beauty #ShanghaiFashionWeek #India #Australia #Podcast
 

Glovo’s Quick Commerce Strategy Explained by VP Connie Kwok | The Retail Podcast

In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex Rezvan sits down with Connie Kwok, Vice President of Quick Commerce at Glovo, to unpack the future of on-demand retail. From groceries and electronics to medicine and AirPods, Glovo has become one of Europe’s most dynamic marketplaces—operating in 23 countries and redefining convenience beyond speed.
 
Connie shares her perspective on:
What “quick commerce” really means for today’s customer
Why speed alone is no longer enough—accuracy and convenience matter too
Localisation across 23 countries: assortment, pricing, and regulation
Operational levers like batching, membership fees, advertising, and dark stores
The cultural contrasts between Asia, Europe, and social commerce in China
Why delight and discovery—not just transactions—will define the next era of retail
 
Whether you’re in retail, e-commerce, or logistics, this conversation offers a masterclass in how global platforms adapt to local behaviours while scaling sustainably.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Welcome
00:20 – What is Quick Commerce?
01:03 – Defining customer convenience beyond speed
02:40 – Why Europe converges on 30-minute delivery vs. India’s 15
05:14 – Localising operations across 23 countries
07:05 – Partner model vs. dark stores
10:00 – Key categories: groceries, electronics, medicine, alcohol
12:45 – Awareness challenges beyond food delivery
14:33 – Fashion and returns dilemma
15:58 – Marketplace vs. delivery-only
17:12 – Technology and operational efficiency at scale
18:30 – New gifting experience in Glovo
19:54 – What Europe can (and can’t) learn from China’s social commerce
23:40 – Discovery and delight vs. pure transactions in retail
24:00 – Closing thanks
🔗 Explore Glovo: https://glovoapp.com

Updated: Five Things Friday (UK): Fashion Week activations, Tala at Westfield, DYLON’s repair pop-up, Apple × Dua Lipa, brand TV

London Fashion Week’s smartest activations, Tala’s next store move, circularity brought to life, Apple’s youth brief, and why brands are making TV.
Episode SummaryIt’s Five Things Friday — UK Edition. Alex and co-host Simone Oloman break down five stories shaping retail and culture this week:
British Vogue’s concept café during London Fashion Week and why mindfulness-led micro-experiences restore relevance;
Tala doubling down on stores with Westfield London, and how IRL activations fuel discovery and social reach;
DYLON’s LFW pop-up turning care, repair, and personalisation into circular habit-building;
Apple’s youth brief: nostalgia aesthetics, wired headphones, one-purpose devices—and why a Dua Lipa campaign signals the tone;
The rise of brand-made TV: scripted, story-first series that beat ad fatigue and build long-form loyalty.
Episode Notes / Show Notes (with references)
Tala coming soon to Westfield London: https://www.westfield.com/en/united-kingdom/london/retailers/tala-coming-soon/83612
LFW-style cultural reference (Instagram Post): https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxpxazuIwT/
DYLON UK & Ireland (activation/circular care): https://www.instagram.com/dylon_uki?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Vera Bradley (brand reference): https://verabradley.com/
Brand TV / longer-form trend (example reel): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOjGDS9EXTx/?__d=1%2F
KeywordsRetail UK, London Fashion Week, NRF Europe, Tala, Westfield London, DYLON, circular fashion, brand TV, Apple iPhone, Dua Lipa, Gen Z, retail media, in-store experience
Episode Type: FullSeason/Ep: (set as needed)Author: The Retail PodcastCopyright: © The Retail Podcast / Alex RezvanContent Advisory: Clean

Behind the Scenes of NRF Europe with Jill Dvorak and Ryf Quail

In this special episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex Rezvan sits down with Jill Dvorak (SVP Content, NRF) and Ryf Quail (Managing Director, NRF APAC) for a behind-the-scenes look at NRF Europe’s inaugural show in Paris.
From global connectivity to the future of retail leadership, the conversation spans:
Why Europe needed its own NRF “Big Show”
The pace of retail innovation and technology adoption
Retail as a people and emotional business
What’s ahead for NRF New York and NRF Asia-Pacific
How regional shows are reshaping global retail growth
Retailers from more than 40 countries gathered in Paris, and this episode captures the energy, insights, and optimism driving the industry forward.
👉 Subscribe for more global retail insights

Asda’s Adaptive Line, JLP’s H1, AI Carts at Morrisons, 5 Things Friday UK with Simone Oloman

Five Things Friday (UK) with the incredible Simone Oloman 
• Adaptive fashion at Asda
• JLP’s H1 turnaround plan
• AI trolleys at Morrisons
• Barbour × FARM Rio
• Oxford Street car‑free day
This week we break down five UK retail stories shaping the Golden Quarter: George at Asda’s 28‑piece adaptive clothing line (inspired by the late Nicky Newman), John Lewis Partnership’s H1 results and investment push, Instacart’s Caper smart trolleys landing at Morrisons, Barbour’s joyful collab with FARM Rio, and Oxford Street going traffic‑free on Sunday 21 September (12–8).
Chapters
00:00 Cold open
00:10 Welcome & volume note
01:37 Story 1 – George at Asda: adaptive clothing (inspired by Nicky Newman)
04:02 Story 2 – John Lewis Partnership H1 results & investment
07:03 Story 3 – Morrisons x Instacart: AI smart trolleys (Caper Carts)
09:03 Story 4 – Barbour x FARM Rio collaboration
11:49 Story 5 – Oxford Street traffic-free day (Sun 21 Sep, 12–8)
12:54 Week ahead & sign-off
 
Links & sources
Requested sources (credited)- Asda – Adaptive clothing range (press release): https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2025/08/09/new-george-at-asda-adaptive-clothing-range-honours-legacy-of-nicky-newman- John Lewis Partnership – Half‑Year Results 2025/26 (official PDF): https://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/content/dam/cws/pdfs/Juniper/HYR2025/JLP-Half-Year-Results-2025-26.pdf- Instacart & Morrisons – AI shopping trolleys (press release): https://investors.instacart.com/news-releases/news-release-details/instacart-and-morrisons-bring-ai-powered-shopping-trolleys-uk- Barbour × FARM Rio – collection page: https://farmrio.uk/collections/barbour-farm-rio?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22739867213&gbraid=0AAAAAqwOh7SWH-U6wP_HlnLlKJv7T42Go&gclid=CjwKCAjwiY_GBhBEEiwAFaghvkqYhKTWY4Pqn-CPlKL0aY-NSzPOwEIdwgYLrDhBUunQXqz1DXqEIRoC7jwQAvD_BwE- Nicky Newman – Instagram post referenced: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN7uPz1jf6-/Asda adaptive:- https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2025/08/09/new-george-at-asda-adaptive-clothing-range-honours-legacy-of-nicky-newman- https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/09/asda-george-adaptive-clothing/John Lewis H1:- https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/britains-john-lewis-track-full-year-profit-growth-2025-09-11/- https://www.ft.com/content/23e3ed3e-1055-47b2-a967-2a994e61a6caMorrisons x Instacart:- https://www.instacart.com/company/pressreleases/instacart-and-morrisons-bring-ai-powered-shopping-trolleys-to-the-uk/- https://chainstoreage.com/morrisons-launch-first-uk-pilot-instacart-smart-cartsBarbour x FARM Rio:- https://www.barbour.com/us/farm-rio.htmlOxford Street 21 Sep:- https://www.london.gov.uk/media-centre/mayors-press-release/mayor-invites-londoners-to-experience-oxford-street-like-youve-never-seen-it-before-as-street-is-transformed-and-made-traffic-free-for-landmark-event- https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/oxford-street-traffic-free-eventWaitrose BCC & awards:- https://www.johnlewispartnership.media/news/waitrose/07042025/waitrose-becomes-first-supermarket-to-set-new-benchmark-for-better-chicken-welfare-standards- https://thegrocergoldawards.co.uk/live/en/page/winners-2025HostsAlex — helps organisations that sell to the retail industry stay relevant with credible thought leadership.Co‑host: Simone Oloman — co‑founder & CEO, Need It For Tonight (NIFT).Support the show• Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify• Join the newsletter: RetailNews.AI• Be a guest or partner: hello@theretailpodcast.comEditor’s noteWe’ve re‑balanced the intro music to align with broadcast loudness targets (see notes below).DisclosuresNo paid placements in this episode. Affiliate links may appear in the description or on our website.Related industry headlines (credited)- Valiuz & Infinity Advertising form European retail media leader: https://www.mousquetaires.com/communique/valiuz-et-infinity-advertising-sunissent-pour-creer-le-leader-europeen-du-retail-media/- Reuters – Giorgio Armani’s will: sell or IPO path (report): https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/giorgio-armanis-will-instructs-gradually-sell-fashion-brand-or-seek-ipo-document-2025-09-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com- FashionNetwork – Groupe Rocher selects Regent to acquire Petit Bateau: https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Groupe-rocher-selects-regent-to-acquire-petit-bateau,1760833.html- Reuters – Kering delays full Valentino acquisition to 2028: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/kering-delays-full-valentino-acquisition-2028-amid-debt-concerns-2025-09-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.comCredits & Fair Use: Third‑party names, marks, and media belong to their respective owners and are used here for news reporting/commentary with attribution via the links above.

Five Things Friday EU Edition Petit Bateau → Regent, Kering–Valentino 2028, EU Retail Media Shake‑Up

Kering pushes Valentino buyout to 2028, Armani’s will lays out a staged sale/IPO, Petit Bateau heads to Regent, and Valiuz × Infinity create a European retail media leader—plus Qijco adds repairs to the “Vinted of DIY.”
Kering defers the full Valentino acquisition to 2028 as debt pressure bites; Giorgio Armani’s will instructs heirs to sell a first stake and later a controlling tranche or pursue an IPO; Groupe Rocher selects Regent to acquire Petit Bateau; and a major alliance—Valiuz × Infinity Advertising—emerges to form a European retail media leader. We also spotlight Qijco, the Belgian “Vinted of DIY,” adding repair services to resale and rentals.
Stories & sources• Kering–Valentino delay (Reuters): https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/kering-delays-full-valentino-acquisition-2028-amid-debt-concerns-2025-09-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Armani’s will (Reuters): https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/giorgio-armanis-will-instructs-gradually-sell-fashion-brand-or-seek-ipo-document-2025-09-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Petit Bateau → Regent (FashionNetwork): https://www.fashionnetwork.com/news/Groupe-rocher-selects-regent-to-acquire-petit-bateau,1760833.html• Retail Media alliance (Groupement Les Mousquetaires press release): https://www.mousquetaires.com/communique/valiuz-et-infinity-advertising-sunissent-pour-creer-le-leader-europeen-du-retail-media/
Additional context• Qijco (“Vinted of DIY”) adds repairs to resale/rentals (FR coverage):– eCommerceMag: https://www.ecommercemag.fr/Thematique/retail-1220/veille-internationale-2170/Breves/qijco-vinted-bricolage-etend-marketplace-service-reparation-outils-485086.htm– Zepros Habitat: https://habitat.zepros.fr/actus/qijco-marketplace-brico-jardin-produits-occasion-location-desormais-prestations
Copyright & fair useAll linked articles are © their respective publishers and are referenced here for news reporting, commentary, and attribution. Please read the originals for full context.
 Chapter markers
00:00 — Intro & NRF Europe week
01:15 — Qijco: the “Vinted of DIY” adds repairs (BE/FR)
05:48 — Kering–Valentino deal deferred to 2028 (Reuters)
06:31 — Petit Bateau: Groupe Rocher selects Regent (FashionNetwork)
09:32 — Armani’s will: staged sale or IPO path (Reuters)
11:13 — Retail Media: Valiuz × Infinity Advertising (press release)
13:54 — Wrap
🧭 Business impact (why this matters now)
Luxury consolidation pressure: Kering’s delay and Armani’s succession terms point to valuation resets and capital discipline across European luxury in 2025–2029. Reuters+1
Iconic brands under new ownership: Petit Bateau’s path with Regent mirrors the “heritage brand + global scale-up capital” pattern; execution will determine whether heritage becomes international growth or dilution. FashionNetwork+1
Retail media scale: Valiuz × Infinity Advertising expands reach across 10,000+ stores in six countries, raising the bar on first‑party retail audience activation in Europe. Expect escalating competition with Carrefour and others. Groupement Mousquetaires
Circular economy in DIY: Qijco’s repair layer on top of resale/rental strengthens utilization and lifetime value of tools—smart signal for home improvement ecosystems. ecommercemag.fr+1

APAC Retail in 13 Minutes: Mobile Commerce, 1-Hour Delivery, Korea Tourism, Urban Revivo, AI Grocery

APAC is running a different retail race: mobile-first commerce, one-hour delivery wars, tourism tailwinds in Korea, China fast-fashion push overseas, and a working model of AI-native grocery in Singapore. In this Five Things Friday APAC with Ryf Quail (NRF APAC) we break down what’s signal, what’s noise, and what operators should do next.
What you’ll learn• Why APAC’s ecommerce growth remains mobile-led—and why Western playbooks don’t port cleanly• China’s “instant retail” price war (Alibaba × Meituan × JD): unit-economics and regulatory risk• Korea’s visa-free Chinese group travel: how to staff, assort, and promo for itineraries• Localise formats: Yum China’s smaller, value-centric boxes and tighter delivery ops• China’s Urban Revivo targets 200+ overseas stores—fast-fashion competition resets• Inside FairPrice “Store of Tomorrow” (Singapore): the most complete AI-assisted supermarket we’ve seen
Chapters00:00 Intro & show update01:00 APAC ecommerce: growth + mobile share04:04 China’s 1-hour delivery price war06:11 Korea tourism: visa-free Chinese group travel08:09 Yum China: small formats, capital discipline09:14 Urban Revivo: 200+ overseas stores10:06 FairPrice “Store of Tomorrow” (Punggol, Singapore)13:22 Wrap
References / image sourcesGSMA Mobile Economy APAC: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-economy/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/GSMA_APAC_ME2025_WEB-1.pdfSensor Tower ecommerce apps (context): https://sensortower.com/blog/ecommerce-performance-in-shopping-season-2024U.S. mobile share context: https://redstagfulfillment.com/what-percentage-of-ecommerce-sales-on-mobile-devices/Reuters – China instant retail race: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/chinas-e-commerce-companies-are-getting-singed-by-price-war-2025-09-08/Korea visa-free Chinese group tours (from 29 Sept): https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/policies/view?articleId=278542Yum China (formats/capital): https://ir.yumchina.com/ and https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/new-pizza-hut-concept-stores-china-help-frugal-diners-save-2024-09-06/Urban Revivo global push: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/chinese-zara-rival-urban-revivo-steps-up-global-push-with-new-stores-fashion-2025-09-03/FairPrice × Google Cloud “Store of Tomorrow”:https://www.googlecloudpresscorner.com/2025-08-27-FairPrice-Group%2C-Singapores-Largest-Retailer%2C-Deepens-AI-Collaboration-with-Google-Cloud%2C-Brings-New-Agentic-Applications-to-its-Store-of-Tomorrow-and-Workforce
Subscribe for weekly APAC signals. Comment: which of these five will you test in the next 30 days payments, instant delivery, tourism targeting, format shift, or AI grocery?
#APACRetail #Ecommerce #MCommerce #InstantDelivery #ChinaRetail #SouthKorea #YumChina #UrbanRevivo #FairPrice #AIinRetail
 

NRF Europe Preview: Sephora Keynote, Apple + Adyen Payments, Store Tours, 15k Attendees

What to expect at NRF 2025: Big Show Europe keynotes, payments, tours, and how to work the floor.
NRF’s first Retail’s Big Show Europe (16–18 Sept, Paris) is almost here. Jill Dvorak, NRF’s SVP of Content, walks us through the theme “Retail Together,” the Sephora opening keynote, why payments (Apple + Adyen) are a growth lever, and how to get the most from the Retail Store Tours. We also touch on Best Buy’s momentum and the Authentic Brands Group–Guess deal shaping portfolio strategy. Practical tips inside: plan sessions, leave time to roam, and prioritise AI + payments use cases.
Show Notes
Event overview & registration: https://www.nrfbigshoweurope.com/en/
Event overview page: https://www.nrfbigshoweurope.com/en/about/event-overview
CreditsHost: Alex Rezvan. Guest: Jill Dvorak, SVP Content, NRF.