COMMENT


GEARING UP FOR GROWTH


redesigned Retail Technology magazine. It’s taken a while, but the team here hope you think it was worth the wait. Regular readers may have already


W


noticed some changes to the website, RetailTechnology.co.uk, this year - if not, why not visit the new look site? At the same time, we have been


working our socks off to give the UK’s oldest publication focused on all things IT and commerce-related a major overhaul too. Moving from bi-monthly to quarterly, with bigger 60-page issues, the new magazine focuses on exclusive in-depth project analyses, alongside hot- topic features, like mobile, e-commerce integration and payments. It is fitting then that we have had a


glorious summer but, now that we’re all back into the swing of things, most retailers are laser focused on capitalising on green shoots of growth. According to recent Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development predictions, growth is expected to accelerate in the second half of this year and the economy will expand by 1.7% between June and December. David McCorquodale, head of


retail at KPMG UK and Retail Think


elcome to this, the first of a new look, completely overhauled and


Tank member, recently commented: “Compared to the carnage that occurred in 2012, this year we are seeing a far more settled picture, which is a welcome sign for the retail industry. Certainly, there is less gloom, and expectations that retailers will enter into administration are lower, but for those sitting on large debts, there is still inevitably a risk of insolvency.” Despite working capital being tighter,


he added: “The retailers left standing appear to be working on the right areas of their business and are feeling and being more positive.” It is understandable that there is plenty


of evidence of retailers investing in IT now, readying their systems for growth. Retail giants, including the likes of Carphone Warehouse, Tesco and Marks & Spencer, are all represented in the Autumn issue, as they reveal plans to put more information in the hands of their staff and customers using the latest interactive and mobile technologies. Even their midsized peers, such Anglia Co-op or YO! Sushi, are examining how such developments could not only streamline operations, but also boost customer service levels. At the same time, rising UK household


debt may stifle the recovery’s ‘feel good’ factor as far as disposal incomes and their impact on retail sales is concerned.


Editor Miya Knights e: miya@retailtechnology.co.uk t: 07810 648 706


©Zendu Contracting Services Ltd.


Sales Director Lynn Neil e: lynn@retailtechnology.co.uk t: 0208 123 5040


Design Rory Seaford Design e: rory@roryseaford.com t: 07976 941282


Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations 6,749 Jan 11 – Dec 11


ISSN No 1359-0146 04 Autumn 2013 www.retailtechnology.co.uk


Vicky Redwood, chief UK economist at Capital Economics and Retail Think Tank member, added: “Because things have been so bad for retailers for a long time, it can be easy for the media to latch onto any positive signs of improvement and blow any small signs of recovery out of proportion. The fact remains that most people still don’t have any more money to spend, but more positive economic news could have a bearing on their purchasing behaviour.” Continuing reports about the ailing


British High Street and the rise of online fraud only serve to underline the fact that retail as an industry is not out of the woods yet. This is why upcoming updates to card payment regulations and even HMRC Gift Aid changes cannot be overlooked and must be factored in when launching a project or specifying new technology, alongside its drivers and benefits. So, with features and exclusives


like these, plus some new and familiar items bringing you expert advice, case studies, innovations and industry views from around the world, the new Retail Technology magazine aims to be the one- stop shop for anyone with an interest in retail IT developments. Do let us know your thoughts. Miya Knights, Editor


Circulation & Subscriptions e: lynnneil@retailtechnology.co.uk t: 0208 123 5040


Subscription prices for one year are: £75 (UK), £85 (Europe), £110 (Overseas)


Published under licence by: Zendu Contracting Services Ltd. West Sussex PO22 6JR


t: 0203 286 5006 www.retailtechnology.co.uk


Reasonable care is taken to avoid errors in this magazine but no liability is accepted for any errors which may occur. No material in this publication may be reproduced in anyway without the consent of the publishers. The publishers will not accept any responsibility for the safe return of unsolicited manuscripts, software or equipment. Please keep a copy of all work submitted for publication and do not send original artwork. We will assume permission to publish any unsolicited material unless otherwise stated.


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