With the recent opening of Amazon’s first bricks and mortar physical store in London, Karl shares his thoughts with China Daily on Amazon’s innovative ‘Just Walk Out’ technology, and whether it can compete with the established big supermarket names.

COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns and restrictions made it a tough 2020 for the UK retail industry, with scores of shops closing and some even going out of business. Here, Karl talks with China Daily on how this has impacted the high street leading in to the new year, and how more and more people have turned to online shopping.

Ahead of his session at the Spring Fair @ Home event in February 2021, Karl sat down with Spring Fair to talk about his journey and career highlights within the retail industry, the key to the success of his market leading retail consultancy company, Visual Thinking, and some encouraging words of positivity.

In this article with Retail Week, Karl and other industry experts share their view on how to encourage an enthusiastic resumption of retail therapy among consumers.

With the announcement that high street shops, department stores and shopping centres can start to open their doors again after 12 weeks, Karl discusses with China Daily on how the post-lockdown changes will affect retailers and shoppers alike.

As part of the new tactics put in place by supermarket retailers, Karl elaborates on the reasons behind these changes that appear to be working, as shelf stocks creep back to normality and people get into the rhythm of shopping on a weekly basis for the items they need.

With annual partnership profits reported to be substantially down on last year and the staff bonus in doubt, Karl raises his opinion on where John Lewis potentially has gone wrong ahead of their board meeting next month.

As consumers are becoming more aware, Karl discusses the highs and lows for retailers over the festive period regarding customer shopping trends both online and within stores.

As another big brand name disappears from the UK retail sector, other well known brands have shut up shop and many more are struggling to survive. Karl joins TRT World News with guests and host Shiulie Ghosh to discuss the key issues and what can be done to save the British high street?

Karl shares his views on a recent shopping experience to John Lewis Milton Keynes with Winifred Robinson on BBC Radio Four ‘You and Yours’ Consumer Affairs Programme. Reflecting on the recent announcement of the John Lewis Partnerships’ corporate restructure, Karl sounds a cautionary note of how the move could negatively impact on shoppers, and where investment should be focused if it is to regain its once fabled position for high retail standards and superior customer service. Click below for the article.

The pizza market is changing, as consumers demand a hot and tasty meal at the click of a button. So, how are pizza players reacting? The recent tie up between Asda Kitchen and Just Eat offers customers fantastic quality with the bases of our pizzas freshly made instore, along with great value versus popular high-street pizza delivery brands and franchises. In this Insight article within the November issue of British Baker, Karl discusses why the pizza counter is only going to grow in importance for the nation’s grocery retailers.

In many ways, these headlines should come as no surprise given the underlying weakness in consumer confidence ... and high level of corporate retail failures that have been making headlines for the last 3 to 5 years.

The Retail Exchange reports from the final day of World Retail Congress 2019 in Amsterdam, bringing together speakers from around the world including IKEA, L’Oreal and Lord Stuart Rose. There was also an exclusive look at the outcomes from the inaugural Congress Hack, which took place over the course of the event to explore how major global retailers in the room worked with experts to hack some of the industry’s biggest challenges. As Day 3 came to an end, we caught up with speakers and those attending to get their thoughts on the key take-outs and themes dominating this year’s event.

Don’t believe everything you read. The death of the high street has been widely reported - a lot of talk about local retail high streets becoming ghost towns. Karl is joined by The Original Factory Shop's CEO, Emma Fox to prove there is still ‘retail life’ out there.

For many years, Chinese consumers have associated British brands with heritage, culture, quality and style, and in recent times. Karl shares his views with China Daily about why the UK could be set to become a keen target for China investors.

As technology and automation becomes more prevalent in the world of retai. Karl joins The Retail Exchange podcast to discuss the power of people, why human interaction within the physical retail environment is still important, and how retailers can better engage their most valuable of resources.

I'm surprised at how, as an industry, we continue to allow tech to dominate the conversation. For me, it’s time we started to restore a greater sense of balance and natural harmony to strategic retail decision-making. All too often now we rely on a device for this, a robot for that. There is (or promised to be) an algorithm, an app, a device and report for everything… every problem a retailer has can be solved digitally. Or so we’re told. Do we really need “experiovation”? Yes, that’s a ‘thing’, apparently.

The retail industry continued to witness significant changes. From huge investments by players looking at international markets to M&A, downsizing of store numbers by traditional players to investment in physical stores by ecommerce players. The Valentine flagship store at Lower Parel, Mumbai is a Smart Shop store combining the excitement of Physical Retail with the efficiency of Digital Technology to seamlessly integrate their offline stores with their strong online presence. The store, a dedicated heaven for intimate apparel and lounge wear, was designed to bring out the delicate designs of the brands intimate wear.

Despite the current tough retail climate, Karl managed more than an air of optimism when attending this year's NRF Big Show event in New York as he shared his views on what is set to dominate the retail agenda in the year ahead.

Karl shares his retail insight with BBC Radio Scotland to discuss how this much-miligned retailer can overcome some of the retail challenges that continue to blight its attempts to revive high street performance.

The struggles continue for one of the UK's most famous department store retailers. Karl talks to ITV News following the Debenhams' AGM to discuss the boardroom reshuffle and the challenges that still lie ahead for the retailer.

As a host of retailers announce Christmas trading results, Karl discusses the highs and lows for retailers over the festive period and looks ahead to what lies instore for 2019.

Of the millions spent on these adverts, how many retailers are actually cashing in on their investment, driving carry-through of the campaigns instore and – crucially – inspiring shoppers to purchase? During the past few weeks I’ve made even more of a point of stopping into stores on my business travels, paying close attention to how – and indeed if – Christmas campaigns are translated instore. And the harsh reality is that not many retailers do this particularly well.

As Majestic Wines reveals is latest financial results, Karl talks to BBC News about ways the retailer could deliver retail transformation and improve the customer experience to drive future sales growth.

A year ago, Visual Thinking launched its Insight Briefing into the department sector, seeking insight into the views, opinions and shopping habits of UK shoppers. Our conclusion was the sector’s future was hanging in the balance. The headlines coming out of House of Fraser, Sears and Hudson’s Bay over the past twelve months, and more recently Debenhams, are sobering and vindicate the reports’ findings. While there has been much talk of ‘transformation’, retailers are having to look the beast squarely in the eye. That means making brave and bold decisions – albeit not headline-friendly ones. This is no time for simply dipping a toe in the sea of change. What’s needed is true evolution followed by effective implementation of change across as many stores as possible, as quickly as possible.

Heraklion has seen a number of big chain brand stores arrive in the island’s main port city in recent times. From Intimissimi and H&M to adidas, Tommy Hilfiger and Starbucks. For now the effect is to create a two-speed retail class. The destination itself feels somewhat disjointed, with a mixed picture of highs and lows. In a few years time, it is likely that much of the local and authentic character of Heraklion will be overshadowed and squeezed out. But for now, there are still more than a few local retailers that are worthy of a visit.

It's no surprise really that many brands these days take a vanilla, people-pleasing approach, sitting on the proverbial fence, paralysed with fear of causing offence approach. The result? Brand inertia. Boring, middle-of-the-road nothingness. There are exceptions. Marmite has challenged us to ‘love it or hate it’ for years – there’s no room for ‘I don’t know’. And sure, some people hate it. But those that love it, really love it. This is passion and it’s what brands should be inspiring in their customers.

Supermarket sales are predicted to hit £197bn by 2021. As the hunger for change in the sector grows, assumptions that have underpinned the business models of the big grocery retail players for so many years no longer hold true. Evolving shopper habits, ongoing cost pressures, increased competition and further consolidation. Karl talks to The Retail Exchange to share his views on what the future could look like for grocery.

Specialising in contemporary kitchen interiors, Dzine’s store is everything you’d expect but no less impressive for it. Minimalism is very much the watchword in this store, both for its products and the environment in which they are displayed. Product is undoubtedly king. Yet through the deft use of simple cooking elements and accessories (such as the balanced display of pans and utensils), Dzine elevates the retail experience from one that could have been cold, austere – even pretentious – to one that feels like an engaging and useable space, helping customers to imagine the Pitt Holland made products taking pride of place in their own home.

The UK’s biggest grocery retailer aims to tackle the rise of the big two major discounters head on with a promise to sell “the cheapest products in town”. On launch day, Karl talks to BBC Scotland about what it means for Tesco, and the industry. "Make no mistake: this is Tesco laying down the challenge – “We too can have a discount operation and compete just as well on quality and price as you do.”

By far the biggest question for Tesco’s newest member of the family is one of scalability. For Tesco to make a success of Jack's they are going to have to move fast – at least 100 stores within the next 2 years. Instead, its targeted opposition to the likes of Aldi could only amount to 10-15 Jack’s stores during the next year. That’s hardly a serious challenge. On launch day, Karl talks to BBC News 24 about what the launch of Jack's means for Tesco, and the wider grocery retail sector.

It’s hard to escape the feeling that Tesco has zeroed in on ‘Buy British’ post-Brexit opportunities – 74% of people in the Fenland district, where the first Jack’s store is located, voted ‘Leave’ in the EU referendum. Coincidence? On launch day, Karl talks to BBC News 24 about what the new discount fascia from Tesco means for the brand, and the wider grocery retail sector.

San Francisco Bay is now so expensive it’s displacing people in search of somewhere similar, but more affordable. With its year-round warm climate and socially liberal attitudes, San Diego is now firmly a city in transition.

My recent personal journey to eating more healthily begged questions not only about what kind of food I should be eating for lunch or dinner, but also the question of ‘what kind of retail experience I want when I go food shopping’. Due to pressures of work it’s all too easy to reach for that quick fix that provides an instant hit of satisfaction. But all too often, you’re still left feeling empty. Sadly, it’s a similar, all-too familiar story in retail too.

The efforts of some of the major multiples are not only sparking taste buds, but also the judges’ interest at the 2018 British Bakery Awards. Visual Thinking founder Karl McKeever once again joined the judging panel to decide who would be awarded the coveted title of ‘Supermarket Bakery Business of the Year’. Winners ASDA have taken a ‘back to basics’ approach with their bakery strategy and instore execution. Avoiding the more obvious temptation of developing a new bakery concept, they’ve rolled up their sleeves and reviewed and improved everything about their current ways of working and instore delivery.

The capital of Portugal’s Algarve once boasted a charming old town and harbour. But lately, tourists are more likely to spot boarded-up buildings, small and shabby bars and restaurants and prolific graffiti. The property boom of the 2000s brought in a massive tourism influx, ably aided by the then-new low-cost airlines opening up the region as the go-to destination. Then came the global economic crisis that bred severe local debt, and subsequent austerity.

Summer is boom time for plastic use. Look around any swimming pool on while holiday this summer and you’re sure to be greeted by the sight of kids splashing around on giant inflatables in the shape of animals, birds, doughnuts... you name it. Despite pressuring their parents to pack them to take home, the vast majority of these are left discarded thanks to luggage allowances and lack of storage space (and use) back home. After all, how often will a giant inflatable turtle be used in a grey UK summer? Although if you have paid £82 for a Sunnylife Tropical Island Inflatable from John Lewis, then… just maybe.

Right now in New York City (rarely noted for doing anything that’s pared down), retail design and visual merchandising is adopting a much more theatrical approach. In the run up to the 2000s, high end retailers moved in favour of a very stark instore aesthetic – deliberately very bare, plain and simplistic in an almost monastic sense. Mainstream high street retailers eventually adopted the trend too, stripping back their interiors but, as a result, removing many important brand personality traits too.

In just a few short years Pride has been transformed. Originally an event to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969, it has grown to become a truly global celebration of the LGBTQ+community and diversity, in all its forms. But Pride, it seems, is increasingly no longer under the sole ownership of its own community.

Buying for a baby can be pretty stressful. What they need is a reassuring retailer who can gently guide them through the maze of choices. Unfortunately, there is a danger that many could soon have nowhere to go. With further restructuring likely, Mothercare’s fate is hanging in the balance. But this is no time for throwing the toys out of the pram.

Business is brisk within its most popular mall destination, Tyson’s Mall. First opened to the public in 1968, it became one of the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled shopping malls in the Washington metropolitan area. Today, it is still a major draw for those who still want the mall experience in DC, due in large part to a committed programme of investment and refurbishment over the years. This has ensured it has evolved and remained relevant. A great example of this is the addition of an outdoor terrace, complete with artificial lawn and games.

It seems everyone has an opinion, yet some topics are over discussed. M&S is one of them. But listening to the hordes of external voices will, ultimately, add little value either. Like a football stadium filled with thousands of ‘managers’ on a matchday who could all do a better job. What M&S needs now are trusted, experienced hands and (finally) real action to transform retail performance – and quickly.

Paying for experiences is hardly new. We visit sporting events, music festivals, the theatre, historical landmarks, and know that there will be an entrance fee. And as more and more retailers are moving towards embracing the new ‘experience economy’, could paying to visit a retailer soon become the new norm?

Venice could easily be used as a metaphor for the current state of retail. Like the tide that laps against its palazzos, the city is ever-changing, over the years it has been forced to use its initiative, it works hard to maintain a distinct identity, and it continues to rely on innovative ideas in order to survive.

While the new levy will hit those with a sweet tooth, it is consumers with a conscience that have, traditionally, paid the price. Want to support brands that are socially responsible? You’ll pay more. Buy organic – pay more. Make ‘green’ choices in the products you purchase – pay more. ‘We can’t afford to shop at any store that has a “philosophy”!’ Although these words may come from the iconic, albeit fictional, cartoon matriarch Marge Simpson, when discussing where to go shopping, they capture the sentiment perfectly.

Too often the starting point is not a requirement to solve a clearly defined shopper need but the selfish want of retailers to be seen as being on-trend and staying in step with competitors. Whether, despite shiny tech promising to offer salvation, augmented-reality mirrors or QR code scanners, gadgets and gizmos truly do deliver more enticing shopping spaces.

Leading through continued success takes one type of person. Pulling people up, making them believe and giving them hope and motivation during bleak times takes quite another. While I often like to focus on the importance of teamwork in retail, it would be almost negligent to overlook the importance of that one person at the top – with a clear vision, focus and determination – in delivering success. One such example is departing Burberry boss Christopher Bailey. This visionary leader delivered his last London Fashion Week show recently, and deserves to be applauded for his revolutionary work with the brand.

The all-powerful, alpha male subtext is no longer dominant. Instead, commentators everywhere – both male and female, across the whole media spectrum – are changing the focus. This new tone is spanning politics, TV, Hollywood and journalism. In the US, Trump, Allen, Weinstein and Spacey are continuing to leave a lasting – and negative – legacy. Closer to home, equal pay rows at the BBC and the fallout from the President’s Club headlines have turned established concepts on their head. While some men have been rightly tamed and shamed, the wider male population may be forgiven for feeling vulnerable and scared to comment or speak out for fear of being shot down.

While many resolutions are often short-lived, increasingly, as a society, we are seeking new ways to achieve a more permanent solution when it comes to reducing consumption levels, in all aspects of our lives. Recycling more, eating less, cutting down on social media, and reducing spending. Thankfully, despite some predicting we are close to some kind of retail apocalypse, it appears we are not ready to shop less – just differently. While upcycling and recycling are far from new watchwords, the growth of the resale market continues apace. The difference is that, increasingly, the vintage sector is shaking off the ‘shabby’ and ‘scruffy’ label, with more and more sophisticated vintage concepts to be found.

Some buy into the myth that only technology can save retail; I don’t. Remember QR codes? And what of NFC or iBeacons? They totally revolutionised shopping, right? All too often, technology is applied for technology’s sake – retailers just can’t help themselves. And often there is scant consideration given to how it benefits shoppers, or if it solves a genuine need.

Woolrich is founded on the principles of tradition, exploration and a constant search for technical innovation and new materials. Its latest, in Toronto – the brand’s first store in Canada – proves a smart, sophisticated space. It’s perfectly placed, too – the city’s Yorkdale mall is increasingly becoming the premium ‘indoor shopping destination’, housing many upscale national and international brands.

Retailers could learn a lesson or two from the way we view these festive songs. For me, window displays aside, there is so much more that retailers can and should be doing to bring a sense of imagination and playfulness to the festive in-store experience through VM, while still harnessing our nostalgic love of tradition.

London has seen a fresh injection of new entrants on its high streets in recent months. The most notable recent addition was that of Polish fast fashion retailer Reserved; bringing its brand to the UK for the first time. But what happens once the initial excitement of a new opening has diminished?

On my visit to Toronto last month, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the way Canadian stores have embraced the festive season. This year, they have gone all out to really bring the wow factor, delivering a fantastic offering that leaves instore celebrations in the UK... well, out in the cold – feeling somewhat tired and underwhelming by comparison.

The 2018 edition of Vend’s list of top retail influencers has been published. This year, the list has been expanded to add more individuals outside of North America, with Visual Thinking founder and managing director Karl McKeever joining leading figures including Matthew Shay, president and CEO at National Retail Federation, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, and Bryan Roberts, global insights director at TCC Global.

As the number of agencies involved in the daily delivery of retail objectives continues to grow, Karl shares his views on how to achieve greater collaboration, what needs to change, and where responsibility for driving new ways of working should lie.

As a result of changes being taken within, and forced upon the industry, the pressure to make retail experiences more engaging, effective and efficient has never been greater. Squeezed from one end by increased competition and rising operating costs, and shoppers who are increasingly transient at the other; there is no shortage of retailers left wondering what their best options are for the future.

The powerhouse within the EU, you'd be forgiven for assuming that the city’s retail landscape is dominated by the big in-your-face brands. Brimming with unconventional delights, enthusiastically celebrating individual audacity and placing an intricate focus on service. While there is plenty on offer for those seeking the big and the bold, those seeking to explore a new path will find a world of much smaller delights at their fingertips.

It is time to hit the reset button. I’m not talking about complex five-year retail transformation strategies designed to find a new sense of purpose and better engage customers in the face of evolving shopping behaviour – though, clearly, many retailers have lots of big-picture thinking still to do. No, I’m talking about a different kind of reset. Dubbed ‘Project Reboot’, Topshop's decision to temporarily close the vast majority of its stores in order to overhaul its merchandising before the start of Christmas was hailed by some journalists as an ‘unusual step’. For Arcadia: yes. But as with many good ideas, the old ones are often the best.

For Toys R Us fun has come at a price. As recent examples have gone to show, survival in the current volatility requires not just resilience but the vision to successfully land transformational change. The retailer’s statement that its stores will ‘continue to operate as usual’ is clearly a statement designed to provide comfort in turbulent times, (for investors, store teams, and shoppers). Though in reality what it must do is anything but the ‘usual’ – and fast.

Home to a slew of corporate tech pioneers, such as Alphabet Inc, Airbnb and Uber, San Francisco is also a city that rivals New York and LA for brand appeal. The result is a city awash with opinion makers, taste shapers and sector disruptors who are exposed to the latest digital thinking on a daily basis, in all aspects of life. On my latest visit to the Bay Area, the appetite for experimentation was clear, with countless retailers trialing new tech initiatives.

While the rest of us have just begun readjusting to life back at the office, several retailers have announced that the axe will fall on thousands of jobs. They are just the latest in a growing number of retailers to embark on major restructuring programmes that, in one form or another, will have a significant impact on retail operations.

With its eye on international expansion, fashion retailer Urban Revivo will have noted London's status as a "key global fashion center". I share my thoughts with China Daily as chinese brand Urban Revivo confirms plans to open a new store in London.

Karl was brought in to support and advise Alex Polizzi in advising another independent retailer on its shopfloor transformation. Product presentation, layout and space planning were all key in creating an engaging and commercial shopping experience.

According to cliché, we men hate shopping. But if that’s right how come menswear sales are booming in the real world and in off-line stores? Karl considers why all is not so precisely cut.

As part of the Twofour 'The Fixer' television series, Karl advises Alex Polizzi on the pathway in helping an independent business make huge visual and revolutionary changes to their business model. Advising on a long term pathway for sustainability, customer interaction and financial success.

Seasonal consumer feature. Use this classified information to stick to your strategy and avoid collateral damage to your wallet. Karl shares his thoughts on how to navigate the complex battle lines instore.

His company specialises in helping retailers to look their best and sell more products. We asked him about his favourite shops and what’s happening instore.

Karl McKeever, and his company Visual Thinking, help to transform the face of the High Street. Here he describes a busy week on the road, from Manchester to Marseille.