Remember the familiar adage, “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas”?

Welcome to Retail Reckoning. I'm Clare Bailey, founder of Retail Champion.

In this episode I'm sharing why that's relevant to one of the biggest secrets to successful Christmas trading in retail—training.

I'll explore why so many retailers panic-hire and rush new employees onto the shop floor with little to no preparation, risking poor service and damaged brand reputation.

I'll share personal stories, practical insights, and examples from leading retailers like Waitrose to show how investing in ongoing training builds trust, drives sales, and creates lasting customer loyalty.

Whether you manage a bustling chain or a local independent shop, this episode reveals why investing in your team's skills and service isn’t just an expense—it's your competitive advantage.

Timestamped summary

00:00 Proper Training Builds Better Service

06:20 Building Trust Drives Customer Loyalty

08:24 "Emotions Drive Customer Loyalty"

12:12 Retail Success Through Culture

14:50 "Trust Drives Long-Term Loyalty"

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