All Interviews articles
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Interview
Q&A: Ikea chief executive Peter Jelkeby on new formats, retail parks and Oxford Street
Ikea UK and Ireland chief executive Peter Jelkeby shares the story behind the compact stores move, what shoppers can expect from them and what he’s most excited about in the retailer’s new Oxford Street location
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Interview
Q&A: Oner Active founder Krissy Cela talks activewear, loyalty and opening stores
Oner Active founder Krissy Cela sat down with Retail Week to discuss building brand success in a crowded market, the importance of customer loyalty and plans for expansion into physical retail next year
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Interview
Q&A: Kingfisher CEO Thierry Garnier on his ‘bullish mitigation’ of rising costs
B&Q and Screwfix-owner Kingfisher’s chief executive Thierry Garnier and chief financial officer Bhavesh Mistry talk about rising costs, the AI revolution, Homebase and more.
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Interview
Q&A: DFS CEO Tim Stacey on finding growth in a market slowdown
DFS group defied consumers’ big-ticket jitters with strong order growth in its last results, and upped its profit guidance to boot.
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Video
Watch: M&S CEO Stuart Machin wins Retail Leader of the Year
Stuart Machin’s success at Marks & Spencer was recognised as he was named Salesforce Retail Leader of the Year at this year’s Retail Week Awards. M&S’ strong performance under Machin showed his impact on the business, where there have been improvements in every aspect.
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Video
Watch: ‘National treasure’ Alan Wrigley wins Pride of Retail Award
At the Retail Week Awards 2025, we celebrated the career of B&Q Oldham greeter and fundraising legend Alan Wrigley with a special Pride of Retail Award.
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Interview
Retail Week Awards 2025: From the trolley park to the boardroom – Leader of the Year Stuart Machin
When Marks & Spencer chief executive Stuart Machin is being interviewed, it’s day 1,008 in the role.
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Interview
Retail Week Awards 2025: Andy Higginson on crises, competition and customers wanting it all
Andy Higginson has played a key part in transforming the retail landscape and consumer expectations, as well as fighting for the interests of the whole industry.
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Interview
Q&A: EE managing director of commercial on supercharging its stores
With EE making huge strides in its retail operations, Retail Week spoke to managing director of commercial Sharon Meadows about taking the brand from a telecoms company to an experience-focused retailer
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Interview
Asda chair Allan Leighton: ‘There is no pressure on me to turn this into a quick fix’
Following a mixed set of results for the 2024 financial year, Asda executive chairman Allan Leighton says his work is only just beginning at the retailer and insists he’s in it for the long haul.
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Interview
Interview: Majestic Wine CEO John Colley on creating a ‘Screwfix of wine’
Last year’s acquisition of wine bar chain Vagabond provides an opportunity to draw upon the power of data and take Majestic into a new phase, chief executive John Colley reveals as he explains the thinking behind the deal.
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Interview
Debenhams boss Dan Finley: ‘I want to be to retail what Spotify is to music’
Chief executive Dan Finley talks about his plans for Debenhams to be to retail what Spotify is to music.
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Interview
Q&A: Avon chief marketing officer – ‘we need to fish where the fish are’
As Avon continues its mission to modernise, Retail Week spoke to its chief marketing officer, Ozlem Citci, to find out how she is driving an improved omnichannel strategy, getting the word out and the continued importance of empowering women.
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Interview
Interview: B&Q chief executive Graham Bell on playing the hand you’re dealt
In an industry where many are struggling to see past the first quarter, B&Q boss Graham Bell is architecting a 10-year vision of its future.
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Interview
Q&A: Frasers Group chief customer officer talks Sports Direct membership, building loyalty and unlocking success
Frasers Group chief customer officer David Clark talks exclusively to Retail Week about the retailer’s new Sports Direct Membership, the importance of building customer loyalty, elevating the omnichannel shopping experience and plans to roll the programme out across Flannels and Frasers in future.
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Interview
Q&A: Abercrombie & Fitch MD talks Oxford Street, being cool and global growth
During a tour of Abercrombie & Fitch’s newest store on Oxford Street, managing director of EMEA Scott Clarke-Bryan talks to Retail Week about the brand’s ongoing expansion, the significance of its new location, what it means to be ‘cool again’ and how it remains ahead of the competition
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Interview
Interview: Ann Summers bosses Maria Hollins and Vanessa Gold on getting their edge back
At the helm of one of the UK’s most controversial brands, Maria Hollins and Vanessa Gold talk to Retail Week about rediscovering its purpose and mixing business with pleasure
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Interview
Q&A: Boux Avenue chief product officer on design, innovation and never fearing the competition
As the calendar flips to February 14th, lingerie specialist Boux Avenue hits another of its annual peaks. Chief design and product officer Zoe Price-Smith sat down with Retail Week to discuss lingerie trends, the importance of competitors and third-party partners alike, why innovation is key and what’s next for the brand in 2025
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Interview
Q&A: SharkNinja chief commercial officer talks global growth and constantly innovating
SharkNinja has climbed the ranks to become a globally recognised brand selling kitchen appliances, beauty tools, and household cleaning devices.
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Interview
Q&A: Deichmann UK managing director on putting ‘our money where our mouth is’ in 2025
Retail Week sat down with Deichmann’s UK managing director Simon Wilson to discuss affordability and value at Deichmann, the importance of the omnichannel shopping experience and the Deichmann ethos