Retail Reckoning - Retail Stories from Retail Frontlines

Peak season doesn’t reward panic - it rewards preparation.

In this episode of Retail Reckoning, myself, Clare Bailey and e-commerce pro Steph Briggs lay out the Q4 playbook: three website fixes you can do this week, email + remarketing that actually converts, the simple SEO steps most indies skip, and the ops guardrails that stop Christmas disasters before they start.

Plus, how to keep the human touch that Amazon can’t copy.

Preparation beats panic. So click play to learn how to do it.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Reck...

Welcome to another episode of Retail Reckoning! In today’s show, host Clare Bailey looks into how sustainability and supply chain resilience are no longer just buzzwords - they’re powerful drivers of profit and customer loyalty.

With supply chain disruptions becoming the norm and eco-conscious consumers pushing brands to do better, retailers are faced with new challenges and opportunities.

Clare unpacks the latest risks shaking up the retail landscape, explores the shift towards near shoring and greater transparency, and reveals why greener operations don’t just help the planet—they can boost your bottom line too...

As we approach the critical shopping season, it is imperative to recognise that the preparation for Black Friday commences well in advance.

Hi, I'm Clare Bailey, and welcome to this new episode of "Retail Reckoning".

The salient point here is that retailers must take proactive measures now to ensure their platforms are primed for the anticipated surge in e-commerce activity. This entails not only rectifying technical issues such as bugs and broken links but also enhancing the mobile-friendliness of websites, as a significant proportion of transactions occur via smartphones.

Also, optimising email marketing...

The current state of Rugby town centre is alarming, as it is reported that one in four shops remain vacant, a statistic that underscores the pressing need for strategic intervention. In this bonus episode, Clare Bailey, the Retail Champion, provides insights to BBC CWR into the implications of this phenomenon and the potential measures that local authorities, such as Rugby Borough Council, can enact to revitalise the area.

The council's proposal to auction off leases on long-empty retail units is a significant step, albeit one that raises concerns regarding its effectiveness in addressing the underlying issues of...

September isn’t just the end of summer. It’s retail’s reset button. In this episode, I, Clare Bailey, The Retail Champion, am talking you through why September is the real starting gun for quarter four.

From the back-to-uni boom to freshers’ week loyalty grabs, and Halloween’s shaky baskets, the signs are everywhere: heritage alone won’t protect the High Street.

Woolworths, Debenhams, Claire’s Accessories, River Island — all proof that nostalgia can’t compete with fast-moving consumer behaviour.

I'll break down the mood, the numbers, and the brutal truth: if you’re not ruthles...

Welcome to another episode of Retail Reckoning with me, Clare Bailey.

In this week’s show, we move beyond the headlines about planning reforms and tackle what it really takes for the UK high street to thrive.

With the government slashing red tape—think easier outdoor dining permits and fast-track conversions for empty shops—there’s plenty of buzz.

But do these changes address the core issues facing retailers and local economies, or are they just window dressing on deeper challenges?

I'll dive into the harsh realities: rising costs, sky-high rents, inflatio...

Too many retailers still believe discounting is the only way to keep customers walking through the door.

In this episode of Retail Reckoning, I, Clare Bailey, will explain why that mindset is a fast track to collapse. From the real meaning of value in 2025, to the dangers of a “race to the bottom” on margins, Clare explores how economic uncertainty, squeezed supply chains, and outdated 9–5 trading hours are reshaping the retail landscape.

Discover how independents and big brands alike can compete on more than just price — with smarter stock strategies, customer reassurance, and creating moments of joy t...

What do this summer’s trading patterns tell us about the Golden Quarter ahead? In this episode of Retail Reckoning, retail expert Claire Bailey unpacks the UK retail trends every high street and e-commerce business should know before heading into Christmas.

From the impact of hot weather on spending habits, to back-to-school and back-to-university purchasing, shifting consumer moods, and the growing importance of convenience, Claire explains how these factors will shape winners and losers in the months ahead.

We cover:

How summer sales trends influence Christmas performance

Why “convenience is currency” for to...

Welcome to “Retail Reckoning,” the place where you get the real truth about what’s happening on Britain’s high streets.

Hosted by Claire Bailey, aka "the retail champion", this podcast is basically a walking encyclopedia for all things retail. We skip the sugar-coating and get straight to the good stuff.

Claire brings you sharp insights, honest stories, and no-fluff advice from someone who's lived and breathed retail for years.

Whether you love your local high street or just want to know what’s really going on behind the shop windows, you’re going to get...