Inflation in Britain is at its highest in 30 years, having risen to 5.4% in the 12 months to December 2021 and it is expected to reach 7% by the spring, according to the Bank of England.

When Selfridges first opened its doors in 1909, it drew crowds by turning shopping into an adventure, using theatre and innovation. Bleriot’s monoplane was displayed there fresh from its maiden Channel crossing and John Logie Baird chose the store to first demonstrate television to the public.

As retail – and the role of tech within it – fast evolves, skill sets, training needs and career paths need to adapt at the same pace. In what skills must we invest to grow the retailers of tomorrow and make retail a career that attracts the very best?

One of the things that caught my eye in the Institute of Customer Services UK’s (UKSCI) most recent report on customer satisfaction was the suggestion that a growing number of customers are prepared to pay more for improved service.

We’re releasing our new research into the issues facing people in unmanageable debtin the midst of an economic crisis triggered by Covid-19, which is tipping many people into financial difficulty through no fault of their own.

Retailers need to stop expecting business to return to “normal”. 

As we’ve seen, next-gen customers are increasingly expecting more from their energy suppliers. They want their providers to adopt lower carbon technology, use smart meter data to improve billing visibility, simplify microgeneration and integrate with other sectors, such as insurance.

Today’s consumers are experiencing a renewed appreciation of the value of retail, as well as the importance that shopping brings to their quality of life.

Capita’s white paper explores how focusing on empathy, kindness and sincerity will equip organisations to help their most vulnerable customers.

Companies today are dealing with an increasing range of vulnerable customers and should remember that seemingly small changes can have a significant impact.