Post by Stephen Eddie

🔌 Currys plc has announced its new group CEO, taking over from Alex Baldock in the summer - Fredrik Tønnesen of the Nordics division has been given the top job. Megan Robinson profiles the man the electrical retailers hopes will take it “from strength to strength”. 🟠 B&M Retail may have posted a fall in full-year profits this week after 12 months of “transition”, but CEO Tjeerd Jegen’s “back to basics” strategy gives reasons for encouragement, writes George MacDonald. 🛒 George Arnett’s chart of the week shows that consumers vastly overestimate the profit margins of UK supermarkets. They think grocers are taking in a rate of profit 10-times higher than what is posted by Tesco. He also examines what’s happening with Oxford Street pedestrianisation, following a change from control at Westminster council. 🚢 In an uncertain world, retail’s winners will be those with the most adaptable supply chains, says Manhattan Associates’ Martin Lockwood. “While the risks are escalating, so is the sophistication of the tools being used to manage them,” he writes. 🤖 In her column, Maureen Hinton is unconvinced about AI’s ability to offer retail inspiration and personalisation. “Despite the efficiency of AI, it can often still be very frustrating to deal with when it comes to anything above basics, and we would rather speak to a human,” she ways. 👶 US children’s wear retailer Janie and Jack has started its international expansion in the UK. Group president Mo B. tells Aoife Morgan that London is the “gateway to Europe” and he’s already in talks to secure a second location in the UK. 💒 WED2B is the biggest bridal retailer in the UK and in Europe, and it’s not done growing yet. Co-founder Todd Kennedy speaks to Ellis Hawthorne about the inspiration for starting the business, the importance of pricing transparency, and what people misunderstand about the wedding dress business. ⚽ And ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States World Cup kicking off next week, we’ll be checking out the stores and pop-ups hoping to cash in on football fever, from the England store on Carnaby Street to a collab between Selfridges and Panini. ➡️ Read more of Retail Week’s news and analysis here: https://lnkd.in/edtxea3v