The Retail Podcast

M&S is building a bigger proposition around the family weekly shop. Primark is lowering prices as competition for value-conscious fashion customers intensifies. Meanwhile, beauty and luxury brands are moving beyond products and free samples towards experiences, consultations and personalisation.

In this UK edition of Five Things Friday, Alex Rezvan and Simone examine five retail developments:

• M&S’s largest standalone Foodhall and what it signals about its grocery ambitions
• Why Primark is lowering prices across hundreds of popular products
• The competitive pressure created by SHEIN, Lefties and other value retailers
• How a luxury beauty brand turned pistachio fragrance into an ice-cream experience
• Sephora’s continued expansion across London
• Why Lancôme is using skin analysis and personalised advice
• The difference between distributing samples and creating a memorable service
• Whether beauty brands can build an ongoing relationship around individual skin needs

The wider retail story is a market moving in several directions at once.

Customers continue to demand value, forcing retailers such as Primark to defend their price credentials. At the same time, M&S is investing in larger food stores designed to capture more complete shopping missions.

In beauty and luxury, brands are creating more accessible experiences that allow customers to engage with them without making a major product purchase.

Alex and Simone also explore an important customer-experience question: does any beauty brand know its customers well enough to remember their needs, track changes and make genuinely relevant recommendations over time?

This episode is relevant to:

• Retail leaders and store-format teams
• Beauty and luxury executives
• Customer-experience and loyalty specialists
• Retail marketing professionals
• Brand activation and experiential marketing teams
• Anyone following UK retail trends

CHAPTERS

00:00 M&S Food Expands and Primark Cuts Prices
02:17 Is SHEIN Taking Primark’s Traditional Customer?
02:44 Luxury Retail Turns Fragrance Into an Experience
04:06 Sephora and Lancôme Rethink Beauty Retail
05:37 Digital Skin Analysis and Customer Profiles
07:34 Why Personal Beauty Advice Builds Loyalty
08:20 Do Beauty Brands Really Know Their Customers?
08:53 Final Thoughts

FEATURED STORIES AND LINKS

M&S opens its biggest-ever standalone food store in Godalming:
https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/newsroom/press-releases/ms-opens-its-biggest-ever-standalone-food-store-godalming-it-invests-bigger

Primark lowers prices across hundreds of favourites:
https://corporate.primark.com/en-gb/a/news/corporate-news/iconic-value-primark-lowers-prices-across-hundreds-of-favourites

Luxury pistachio experience featured on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DbF7IPjDTea/?img_index=2

Sephora London store openings:
https://www.sephora.co.uk/store-openings-london?curr=GBP

Explore Lancôme UK:
https://www.lancome.co.uk/

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#UKRetail #RetailNews #MarksAndSpencer #Primark #BeautyRetail

Five global retail stories in one concise briefing: Starbucks Korea’s marketing crisis, retail-crime legislation in Canada and the US, AI-powered beauty at shu uemura, Lefties’ UK launch and Adidas’ community-focused Bangkok store.

Five international retail developments in under nine minutes.

Alex Rezvan and Jill discuss Starbucks Korea’s response to its Tank Day controversy, organized retail crime legislation in Canada and the US, shu uemura’s AI beauty mirror, Lefties’ UK expansion and Adidas’ community-focused store in Bangkok.

The central question: how are culture, technology, value and experience changing the role of the physical store?

Experience alone isn't enough.

On the next stop of our Road to NRF Europe, The Retail Podcast arrives in Milan to explore how one of Europe's fashion capitals is redefining luxury retail.

If Madrid showed us retail as a destination and London demonstrated experiential retail, Milan reveals something different—the power of curation.

In this episode, we explore how luxury brands build communities through fashion, art, music and culture, creating destinations that customers genuinely want to return to.

✔ Why Milan is redefining luxury retail

✔ Community over mass appeal

✔ The role of culture in customer loyalty

✔ The Three Speeds of Retail:
• Community & Culture
• Experience
• Intelligence

This episode is part of The Next Now: Road to NRF Europe, following the ideas, brands and cities shaping the future of retail ahead of NRF Europe 2026 in Paris.

🎟️ Join us at NRF Europe
Book your ticket: https://bit.ly/4vh5Iz5

Subscribe for more insights from Europe's leading retail destinations.

In this episode

M&S has renewed almost 100,000 square feet of retail space on Oxford Street. Aldi temporarily became Baldi for Pitbull. Holland & Barrett created a wellness pub.

Simone Oloman and Alex Rezvan discuss what these stories reveal about destination stores, cultural relevance and experiential retail.

Also covered: World Cup spending, online versus physical retail performance, Henry Dummer’s appointment at Very.ie and Dress Well Dad Well.

Subscribe for weekly analysis of the people, brands and ideas changing retail.

LINKS MENTIONED

Dress Well Dad Well on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/033AAv7NIHyp8fqjkG3Ijy

Instagram reference
https://www.instagram.com/p/Das0_RYAmZk/

FIFA
https://www.fifa.com/en/home

Instagram reference
https://www.instagram.com/p/DanDeaxiRSR/

M&S Pantheon announcement
https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/newsroom/press-releases/ms-pantheon-ms-unveils-new-oxford-street-flagship

Instagram reference
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DavodQKCDf7/

World Cup and UK consumer spending
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/14/world-cup-sunshine-uk-consumers-splash-out-on-beer-and-online-shopping

Uniqlo is expanding, Shein is approaching a possible Hong Kong listing, and FamilyMart is transforming the convenience store into a fashion and cultural destination.

Alex and Jill also discuss Onitsuka Tiger, Inditex’s omnichannel model and what international retail events reveal about brands before they become globally familiar.

What do Uniqlo, Shein, FamilyMart, Onitsuka Tiger and Inditex tell us about the direction of global retail?

Alex and Jill explore Uniqlo’s international momentum, Shein’s prospective Hong Kong listing, FamilyMart’s move into destination retail, Onitsuka Tiger’s more independent structure and the disciplined omnichannel model supporting Inditex.

They also examine why Asian convenience stores operate very differently from their US counterparts and preview NRF Europe 2026 in Paris.

LINKS MENTIONED

Shein executive chairman and prospective listing:
https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Shein-executive-chairman-to-step-down-as-ipo-nears-completion-sources-say,1852145.html

Shein and Lacoste legal proceedings:
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/shein-says-legal-dispute-with-lacoste-ongoing-2026-07-10/

FamilyMart’s FAMIMA PARK AZABUDAI:
https://www.family.co.jp/company/news_releases/2026/20260709_02.html

CHAPTERS

00:00 International retail briefing
00:46 Uniqlo and Fast Retailing’s global growth
02:02 Shein’s IPO and leadership transition
03:01 The continuing Shein–Lacoste dispute
03:27 FamilyMart’s culture-led retail reinvention
05:20 Why APAC convenience stores are different
06:22 Onitsuka Tiger’s planned separation
07:39 Inditex and the disciplined omnichannel model
08:53 NRF Europe 2026 preview
09:59 Why conferences create brand connection

Subscribe for international retail intelligence, analysis and conversations with the people shaping the industry.

Retail is changing faster than ever—and London is showing what the future looks like.

Ahead of NRF Europe, we take you on a retail roadshow through one of the world's most influential shopping destinations to explore how leading brands are transforming the in-store experience. From Coach's immersive pop-up inside Selfridges to H&M's flagship on King's Road, this episode showcases how retailers are moving beyond traditional stores to create destinations built around personalisation, community and memorable customer experiences.

Discover how live craftsmanship, customisation, retail media and experiential design are redefining physical retail in the age of AI. If you're a retailer, brand leader, marketer or technology professional, this episode offers practical inspiration and real-world examples of what's shaping the next generation of commerce.

In this episode:

• Why London continues to lead retail innovation

• Inside Coach's experiential pop-up at Selfridges

• The power of personalisation and live in-store services

• How flagship stores are becoming community hubs

• Why physical retail is evolving—not disappearing

• Key retail trends ahead of NRF Europe

🎟️ Join us at NRF Europe

Book your ticket: https://bit.ly/4vh5Iz5

If you're attending NRF Europe, come and say hello—we'd love to meet you.

Subscribe to The Retail Podcast for more insights on retail innovation, AI, customer experience, unified commerce and the technologies shaping the future of retail.

#Retail #NRFEurope #RetailInnovation #CustomerExperience #RetailMedia #ExperientialRetail

Luxury retail is evolving beyond products and this week's World Retail Signals explores exactly why.

Alex is joined by Ian and Niamh from the World Retail Congress to discuss the biggest retail developments shaping the industry today.

In this episode:

RH London's new flagship "Gallery" and how experiential retail is redefining luxury.

Why brands including Dior, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Alo Yoga are investing in destination experiences across Europe's luxury holiday hotspots.

The reported sale of Harvey Nichols and what it could signal for consolidation across UK retail.

How retailers like Next, Marks & Spencer and Frasers Group are expanding through brand portfolios and acquisitions.

Why startup innovation continues to drive grocery retail, with insights from the Grocer Gold Awards and the rapid growth of Griddle Bakery.

Whether you're a retailer, brand leader, investor or simply interested in where commerce is heading, this episode breaks down the signals that matter.

Topics covered:

Experiential retail

Luxury retail strategy

RH London Gallery

Retail consolidation

UK high street

Department stores

Grocery innovation

Consumer behaviour

Brand experience

Retail trends

Experiential retail is becoming a key strategy for luxury brands as they look to build stronger customer engagement beyond traditional shopping. In this episode, the World Retail Signals team discusses RH London's immersive flagship, luxury destination activations from brands like Dior and Gucci, UK retail consolidation, and why innovation from emerging brands continues to shape the industry's future.

Chapter Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Welcome

01:13 Meet the World Retail Congress Team

02:17 RH London: A New Vision for Luxury Retail

05:13 Luxury Brands Expand Into Holiday Destinations

07:07 Why Luxury Brands Need New Relevance

07:55 Harvey Nichols Sale & UK Retail Consolidation

10:04 The Rise of Retail Brand Portfolios

10:43 Grocer Gold Awards & Grocery Innovation

12:22 Why Retailers Need Startup Brands

13:12 Ocado Leadership Changes & Closing Thoughts

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Which trend discussed today do you think will impact the industry most? Let us know in the comments below!

Can physical retail still outperform e-commerce?

In this exclusive interview recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific, Steven S. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, explains why physical shopping centres continue to thrive by putting customers at the centre of every decision.

SM Supermalls operates nearly 100 shopping centres across the Philippines and China, welcoming approximately 5 million visitors every day. Steven shares how continuous innovation, inclusive design, community-building and customer-first leadership have helped one of Asia's largest retail property businesses continue growing despite changing consumer behaviour.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why physical retail continues to outperform expectations

• How shopping centres become community destinations

• Lessons retailers should learn before expanding into Southeast Asia

• Why customer experience matters more than technology alone

• How SM Supermalls approaches inclusivity and accessibility

• The biggest mistake retailers make when entering new markets

• Steven Tan's advice for staying relevant in retail

Whether you're a retailer, shopping centre operator, brand leader or retail technology professional, this conversation offers practical insights into the future of physical retail.

Recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific in Singapore.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:23 What is SM Supermalls?

01:26 From Shoe Store to Retail Giant

02:01 The Future of Retail

02:53 Future-Proofing Shopping Centres

04:16 Customer Experience First

05:08 Inclusivity in Retail

07:07 Why Physical Retail Is Growing

08:01 Shopping Centres as Community Spaces

09:23 Advice for Global Retailers

10:13 Listening to Gen Z

10:39 How Brands Stay Relevant

#RetailPodcast #SMSupermalls #RetailLeadership #CustomerExperience #FutureOfRetail #ShoppingMalls #RetailInnovation #NRFAPAC #RetailStrategy #PhysicalRetail

The retail marketing stories that matter this week: why the brands winning Wimbledon aren't the official sponsors, Naomi Osaka's 350% search spike, Charlotte Tilbury lands in Boots, and Google's Head of Agencies UK reveals the World Cup ads topping YouTube's leaderboard.

Google's Carl Read joins Alex and Simone Oloman (NIFT) to discuss the week's biggest marketing stories, including Wimbledon, Nike, Charlotte Tilbury, Boots, Evian, YouTube, Naomi Osaka, John Lewis, Cult Beauty and more.

Topics include:

• Why Wimbledon is becoming a creator-first marketing opportunity

• Naomi Osaka's powerful brand storytelling strategy

• How YouTube advertising is evolving around cultural moments

• Why Charlotte Tilbury's Boots expansion matters

• Pride marketing and authentic community engagement

• What brands can learn from Google's latest YouTube advertising insights

Carl shares Google's perspective on creator trust, emotional storytelling, YouTube performance and why today's best campaigns succeed by giving creators genuine creative freedom.

Whether you're a marketer, founder, retailer or agency leader, this episode explores how brands can stay culturally relevant while building long-term trust.

Featured Guest

Carl Read

Director, Agencies & Partners (UKI)

Google

Featuring

Alex

Simone Oloman

Co-Founder & CEO, NIFT

If you enjoyed the episode:

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💬 Tell us which story stood out most

Sumeet Yadav, Head of Reliance Brands Limited, on luxury retail, global partnerships and what international brands need to understand about India.

How do global brands enter, adapt and scale in India?

In this episode of The Retail Podcast, we sit down with Sumeet Yadav, Head of Reliance Brands Limited, just before his keynote at NRF APAC 2026 in Singapore.

Reliance Brands Limited sits at the centre of India’s global luxury and lifestyle retail ecosystem, with partnerships spanning fashion, lifestyle, eyewear, toys, home, and food and beverage. Its portfolio connects high luxury, premium lifestyle, family retail and scaled consumer experiences.

This conversation explores the leadership, operating discipline and market understanding required to bring international brands into India and build them for long-term relevance.

In this episode, we cover:

• How global brands enter and grow in India

• The role of Reliance Brands Limited in India’s luxury and lifestyle market

• Building international brand partnerships at scale

• Premium retail, lifestyle retail and consumer evolution in India

• Lessons from brands including Hamleys, Mothercare, Diesel, Superdry, Brooks Brothers, Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Tiffany & Co.

• Sumeet Yadav’s leadership journey across Reliance Brands, Hamleys Global, Nando’s, Tommy Hilfiger India and Ford

• NRF APAC 2026 and the future of retail in Asia Pacific

Sumeet Yadav is a founding member of Reliance Brands Limited and a member of its central leadership team. He has helped shape the launch and scale of major international franchises in India and has also led Hamleys Global during its international expansion.

Whether you are a retailer, brand leader, founder, investor or operator thinking about India, this episode offers a rare look at the mechanics behind building global brands for Indian consumers.

Subscribe to The Retail Podcast for more conversations with the people shaping the future of retail, brands, commerce and consumer behaviour.

Links:

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumeet-yadav-8a48a87

Reliance Brands / Reliance Retail: https://relianceretail.com/partner-brands.html

NRF APAC 2026: https://nrfbigshowapac.nrf.com/speakers/sumeet_yadav__

Podcast website: www.theretailpodcast.com

Newsletter: www.retailnews.ai