It’s a truth universally acknowledged that UK retailers are competing in challenging times. Yet many are responding by investing in their businesses. In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter, we report on IRUK Top500 retailers who are doing just that.
Amazon today said it would raise its minimum wage for UK employees by November 1 – a historic move that puts its wages well above not only the national minimum wage but also the real living wage, as set by the Living Wage Foundation. That’s a move that will help it to compete in a full employment market. Today we also report as Selfridges outlined how investment in digital and stores was contributing to its record results. Its new Accessories Hall (pictured), for example, has helped it capitalise on growing demand for accessories.
ScS says it’s had a setback as sales through its House of Fraser concessions fell by almost 10% – yet it is to invest in the customer experience in the coming year. It’s through such investment that retailers of all kinds will thrive – only by giving customers the experience they want can retailers hope to prosper.
Today’s guest comment comes from Ron Lifton of Netscout who argues that investing in technology will help retailers stay ahead fo the competition as the high street goes digital.
In times of challenge, it’s good to hear from others who are facing those same challenges on how they are responding: this year’s InternetRetailing Conference takes a new approach to doing that, with an emphasis on round tables and panel discussions as well as keynote speakers.
Finally, we report on Royal Mail research that gives fresh insights into the changing shape of peak, and peak delivery.
Image courtesy of Selfridges
