The Edit

January came in fast. AI dominated EVERY conversation, but it's finally feeling more embedded than hyped. Alongside that, we saw store closures and expansions, tariff tensions resurfacing, luxury under pressure and consumers spending cautiously but deliberately

A December retail roundup analysing key US news stories, incl. AI-driven holiday sales, physical store expansion, consumer spending trends, resale growth and leadership shifts shaping retail strategy for 2026.

Retail is about people, not just pay. This story from Aldi, shared during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, shows what it really means to lead with values and support your team when it matters most.

Too many companies confuse brand values with marketing slogans. Lush just showed us what it means to stand for something.

In the age of AI, real leadership means showing up with care, consistency, and integrity. Here's how to spot people-first culture beyond the polished copy.

The High Street is being reimagined as a space for wellbeing, connection and community. From wellness spaces to grief cafés, sensory-friendly supermarkets and social enterprises. 

How AI and retail teams work together to keep stores summer-ready, from heatwave forecasting to front-line delivery.

Marketing strategy starts with discovery, insight and real-world understanding. Here's why that matters more than ever.

A cyberattack doesn’t just take systems offline, it activates an entire network of people. This piece explores the hidden human effort behind retail recovery.

A behind-the-scenes look at how preparing for a university guest lecture made me rethink everything I knew about buyer personas and CRM, thanks to AI.

In a world full of polished promises and performative branding, here's why marketing that reflects your values builds real trust, connection and lasting impact.

Recognition builds more than morale, it builds legacy. Here we unpack why specific, heartfelt credit matters, how it shapes culture and what it looks like in everyday practice.