All articles by Leo McKee
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OpinionOpinion: Retailers must adapt to changing consumer behaviour
The end of summer may offer a useful interlude and reflection before the somewhat frenetic arrival of the autumn and winter seasons.
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OpinionOpinion: Planning is vital to a successful staff conference
Many retailers run annual conferences for their store teams. Often, these can be vibrant motivational events. Others can have the opposite effect.
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OpinionOpinion: Retailers must invest in training to create valued jobs
As retail continues to change, so will jobs in the industry in order to adapt to new realities such as the national living wage.
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OpinionLeo McKee: Adapt to survive the changing shape of retail
As trading patterns shift and consumer habits change, retailers must evolve with the times in order to ensure a successful future.
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AnalysisLeo McKee: Sunday trading is not right for all retailers
Longer Sunday hours could benefit retailers and shoppers but there can be valid reasons not to trade on what some see as a day of rest.
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OpinionComment: Inspire commitment in the workforce by promoting from within
When selecting new managers, look to your existing colleagues first – the grass is not always greener on the other side.
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OpinionComment: Don’t write the high street’s obituary just yet
The future of the high street has concerned retailers in recent years, but rates reform could give run-down town centres a new lease of life.
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OpinionComment: Retailers should see that returned goods mean returning customers
Instead of seeing returns as an inconvenience, retailers should recognise the opportunities a returning customer presents.
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OpinionComment: Rent-to-own inquiry allows retailers to engage with critics
As the rent-to-own sector faces an All-Party Parliamentary Group inquiry, retailers should remember the importance of welcoming scrutiny.
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OpinionComment: Store staff are essential for customer insight
Retailers must ensure that their store staff can put their ideas forward as getting feedback from the shopfloor can only improve a business.
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OpinionComment: Working with private equity partners can be beneficial for retailers
Some of retail’s outstanding success stories have come from the private equity world, says BrightHouse chief executive Leo McKee.
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OpinionComment: The poorer in society don’t deserve a poor retail deal
It is time to stop unfairly marginalising lower-income consumers, says BrightHouse chief executive Leo McKee.
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OpinionComment: Seamless customer service is key to retail loyalty
For retailers, these are times of continuing dramatic change. Happily, another constant factor is the quality of the people we employ.
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OpinionComment: Retailers must evolve with the times to remain customer-centred
I’m sure that, like me, you’ve been glued to the recent BBC2 series Robert Peston Goes Shopping. The series provided a concise but definitive history of retailing in the UK.
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OpinionComment: Coherence, consistency, and completeness are key
Today’s consumers live complex lives. At every turn, they are bombarded with information and advice.
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OpinionComment: Generation Y forces rapid change for retailers
Retailers must adapt to trends led by consumers born since the mid-1970s. I’ve been around retail for more than three decades and have seen some tumultuous changes.
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OpinionCore values are key to business success
It would be heartening to regard the recession as only a harsh phase in the macroeconomic cycle, and one from which we will duly emerge.
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OpinionTap the potential of grey power
There is scope for some retailers to radically revise their assumptions and practices regarding employment of older workers.
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OpinionHow to pick your retail dream team
Retailers were delighted when England qualified for the 2010 finals. Our delight has been transformed into practical actions. Stores across the country are featuring imaginative promotional themes and campaigns, focusing on World Cup 2010.
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OpinionA holistic view makes good business
Working towards responsible corporate citizenship certainly can advance a retailer’s stature within the wider social context.