Ambition, Apathy and the Spirit of Thatcher: Clare Bailey on Lincolnshire, Legacy and Learning to Think Big Again
This morning I was asked for my opinion by BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire about the number of vacant units in Rugby and whether auctioning them off might be the way forward.
Let me be absolutely clear: it isn’t.
Vacant Units in Rugby: Why Auctioning Isn’t the Answer
This morning I was asked for my opinion by BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire about the number of vacant units in Rugby and whether auctioning them off might be the way forward.
Let me be absolutely clear: it isn’t.
AI in Business: Embrace the Future, from Overwhelm to Optimised
AI. It’s the buzzword in boardrooms, the secret sauce behind your shopping recommendations, and possibly the most misunderstood tool in modern business. But love it or loathe it, artificial intelligence is here — and it’s not going anywhere.
At The Retail Champion, we...
Are We Now a Nation of Shoppers Rather Than Shopkeepers?
For generations, Britain was proud to call itself a nation of shopkeepers. We built high streets that were the beating heart of communities. We celebrated local business owners who knew our names, remembered our preferences, and often extended us credit when the purse strings...
Stop Buying Cheap – Start Buying Right: How to Choose Suppliers That Deliver
There’s a growing epidemic in business: the rise of the self-appointed expert.
They pop up everywhere — in retail consultancy, website design, marketing, HR — all with glossy websites, slick pitches, and promises that sound almost too good to be true. Spoiler alert: they...
Silent Selling: How Shop Layout, Scent and Design Influence Customer Behaviour (and Sales)
Last week I joined BBC Hereford Radio to chat all things customer psychology—and why physical retail still has a powerful part to play in a digital-first world. Yes, ecommerce is convenient. Yes, digital gets the clicks. But your bricks? That’s where the magic happens....
Beyond Planning: What the UK High Street Really Needs to Thrive
The new planning blitz is a welcome breath of fresh air – shorter red tape, alfresco dining zones, the “agent of change” and even commercial lease auctions – all designed to plaster a smile on our streets. But pop the cork too soon and you’ll see planning reform is a...
Spinning Plates and Silent Struggles: Mental Health for Business Owners
Being a business owner is often romanticised as the epitome of freedom and autonomy. You’re your own boss, you set your own hours, and you reap the rewards directly. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Yet, the reality for many entrepreneurs, particularly in the fast-paced retail...
Go Big or Go Home: Why I Rebranded The Retail Champion — and What It Took to Get Here
There are moments in business when you know change isn’t just desirable, it’s necessary. Not because something is broken, but because you’ve outgrown the old skin. That’s exactly where I found myself this year with The Retail Champion.