The Shop Flaw

In this conversation, Robert Welsh shares his experiences in the makeup industry, emphasising the importance of self-expression and inclusivity. Robert reflects on his time at MAC, where he felt empowered by the diverse and creative environment. The discussion also covers the challenges of navigating the beauty industry, the significance of retail experience in personal growth, and the evolving landscape of customer service and beauty trends. Key highlights include the impact of social media on consumer behaviour and the pressures faced by makeup brands in a fast-paced market.

00:00 Embracing Uniqueness and Self-Expression

04:59 The Power of Retail Theatre

10:10 Navigating the Makeup Industry

15:09 The Impact of Retail Experience on Personal Growth

20:11 The Changing Landscape of Customer Service

24:54 The Evolution of Beauty Trends

30:08 Reflections on the Future of Makeup Brands

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Robert Welsh shares his journey from a professional makeup artist to a full-time influencer. He discusses his experiences in retail, the challenges faced in the beauty industry, and the evolution of MAC Cosmetics. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity in makeup and the impact of social media on the beauty landscape. In this engaging conversation, Robert Welsh and The Shop Flaw hosts explore the evolution of the beauty industry, focusing on the authenticity of MAC Cosmetics, the challenges of transitioning from retail to professional makeup artistry, and the impact of social media on consumer behaviour. We discuss the importance of genuine customer service and the changing landscape of beauty brands, emphasising the need for inclusivity and creativity in the industry.

For a quarter of a century, Mohamed Al Fayed owned the fabled department store, Harrods. Globally renowned, Al Fayed has now been exposed as a serial sex offender, enabled by the prestige of Harrods and the teams of employees who worked for him. The BBC documentary, Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, finally gives voice to the brave victims who share their stories of his horrific crimes and abuses of power, exposing Al Fayed once and for all. Join us as we discuss the harrowing documentary and allegations from the perspective of a shop floor retail employee.

Whilst bricks and mortar retail stores have traditionally been the focus of customer service, with consumers increasingly shopping online, what happens when things go wrong? Join The Shop Flaw host Timothy and Nicole Al Rais of @nicoletalksfashion, who shares her shocking experience with Selfridges online. Having spent in excess of £1000 only to receive an empty box in the post, @namednicole took to Titkok to expess her disatisfaction and the #selfridgesscam viral moment was born... Listen to the story in full here, told exclusively to The Shop Flaw for the first time.

As fashion retail budgets are slashed across the board, what does the future hold for visual merchandising?

Whilst VM teams can be annoying as hell, the love and creativity that they pour into projects is nothing short of incredible. But with bricks and mortar shops fighting for their very survival, is the era of dynamic visual story telling and compelling window displays coming to an end?

2023 was the worst year on record for retail shoplifting, with more than 430,000 cases recorded - an increase of more than a third from the year before. But in the midst of an unprecedented cost of living crisis, this is probably just a fraction of the real number. What is behind this explosion in shoplifting?

“When companies start paying more than minimum wage, and customers start treating staff with a bit of respect - maybe they'll get the customer service they're after..” - With increasing dissatisfaction on both sides of the aisle, is the customer vs. sales assistant narrative really just a distraction from the true crooks of retail?

Join Timothy and Leeds fashion royalty Tracey Campbell for a trip down memory lane! Having met in the early noughties whilst both working at Jigsaw, we reminisce in this hour long episode about those amazing times when retail was still king! Independent fashion stores, an incredible music and clubbing scene, and a big Yorkshire heart, Leeds really did have it all at the turn of the millennium. Has the world fundamentally changed, or have we just both become old and cynical?! Find out in this new one off Leeds special of The Shop Flaw.