The Source Academy, Sheffield
There were three guest speakers at the conference. Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall Shopping centre, Randal Casson, Retail Audit Partner for PwC in Yorkshire and Thierry Bayle, Founder of Global Fashion Management.
There was much discussion on how and if online shopping is affecting the high street and shopping centres. The reality is that the online shopping market is here to stay, however many shops are adapting to accommadate this. The future will be omni-channel retailing. This is to create a seamless approach to the customer experience through all shopping channels. For instance 'click and collect' is available in many shops now. Westfield London has introduced a click and collect hub in partnership with Collect+ which allows customers to pick up their purchases from the centre and also try them on in within a premium lounge area. This will increase footfall into the centre. Customers may wish to browse other shops if the item wasn't right, or maybe get a bite to eat afterwards. I think many other shopping centres across Britain will follow suit.
Westfield London's click and collect lounge area
Also available are connection to the web through internet points. Here you can purchase items that are unavailable in the store. H&M has recently launched their 'Scan and Buy' app, which enables the customer to scan an item with their smart phone to check if another size or colour is available to purchase online.
My hometown of Rotherham is an example of how the high street is changing. It gives us a good idea in which direction many high streets are heading in the future.
Apprenticeships are helping young people to carve a career in retail. The Whistle Stop sweet Shop, Rotherham is owned by husband and wife team Kara and Tony Chapman. They needed extra staff and with the help of The Source they recruited an apprentice, Jenna. After completing her course, Jenna manages the new Sheffield store.
The Whistle Stop Sweet Shop
People no longer want to just shop at big chain stores. They are looking for something different. No one wants to walk down the street and see four other people wearing the same jacket as they are. Our high streets have seen a change with the number of independent retailers opening their stores. Charlotte Schothern, 21 opened Patchwork Pig on the high street in Rotherham in October 2012 with help from funding she received from UK Steel's Kickstart Fund. The fund grants up to £500 to start-up business to purchase essential equipment and services that can get them trading.
The Patchwork Pig offers unique and affordable gifts
Rotherham was included in one of Mary Portas' high street pilot schemes. According to Rotherham's Town Team footfall has risen three years in a row with 86 new businesses opening. In 2014 Mary opened The Makers Emporium, a partnership between Rotherham Council, The Source Skills Academy and Rotherham Youth Enterprise. It is Funded by the High Street Renewal Award. More than 30 makers share the retail space selling an array of products including, art, home-wares, gifts and jewellery (of course crocheted items by me).
Inside The Makers Emporium
My collection at The Makers Emporium
I think the future of retail looks bright. With the omni-channel approach and funding to help high streets and new businesses we have a lot to look forward too.
I would love to know what you think the future of retail will be. Post below with your ideas and any changes that have happened in your town.
Links
Thierry Bayle http://www.globalfashionmanagement.com/
Randal Casson http://www.pwc.co.uk/
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