Retail Transformation Show with Oliver Banks

AI seems to be everywhere - events, suppliers, press, work meetings. In terms of exposure, we've seen a huge surge. But when it comes to embedding AI into retail operating models, most organisations are still finding their feet. The real opportunity lies not in flashy tools or futuristic hype, but in using AI to enhance decision-making, sharpen execution, and empower teams. The value is in the simple and scalable, rather than the sexy. In this episode, we explore how AI can blend into your operating model and business to amplify what you're best at.

Listen to this episode and hear:

• Why reframing AI as augmented intelligence unlocks its real value in retail operations.
• Areas where AI is already augmenting retail operations in leading companies.
• Four principles to help you and your organisation to embrace AI more effectively.

Show notes are at www.obandco.uk/336.

Some of the most critical problems in retail are unsolved, and they're not being looked at seriously enough. Whether it’s waste, supply chains, or workforce conditions, it’s often easier to look the other way. In this episode of the Retail Transformation Show, we explore what happens when retail challenges are left ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ From vast clothing mountains to overlooked supply chain and workforce issues, we uncover the hidden realities that deserve more attention—and ask what changes when we finally choose to see them.

Listen to this episode and discover:

• Why it’s easy for both retailers and consumers to ignore uncomfortable truths.
• The retail areas most likely to be overlooked—and why that’s risky.
• How greater visibility leads to better decisions, accountability, and action.

The show notes are at www.obandco.uk/335.

Retail transformation is never a one-time event - it’s an ongoing journey. A year ago, Oliver Banks's book 'Driving Retail Transformation' was published to help retailers take control of change rather than react to it. Since then, the industry has continued to evolve, but the core principles in the book remain just as relevant today. In this special episode, we celebrate the book’s first birthday by revisiting the Retail Transformation Steering Wheel, exploring the six types of transformation, and reflecting on why people and psychology are still the biggest success factors. Whether you’ve read the book before or are just discovering it now, this episode will help you apply its lessons to your business today.

Listen to this episode and hear:

• How the Retail Transformation Steering Wheel is a vital tool for navigating change effectively.
• The six types of transformation and why retailers can’t afford to ignore them.
• How to get teams engaged in the transformation, overcome resistance, and embed transformation into the organisation’s culture.
• Why you must choose to be the driver of transformation and why this is the biggest mindset shift leaders need to make.

The show notes are at www.obandco.uk/334.

Roll up, roll up! The Retail Technology Show is one of the hottest retail events around right now. In 2025, it's set for its biggest year yet. To help us understand more about what's in store, Event Director Matt Bradley joins Oliver Banks to discuss what's on, and the key challenges and opportunities facing retailers now and as we look to the future. Plus, discover why this "retail carnival" is the show to go to.

Listen to this podcast episode to hear:

• Why you should plan to come to the Retail Technology Show 2025.
• Discover the key themes coming out from 100s of retailer research interviews.
• How the event is set up to help you discover all forms of innovation.

The full show notes are at www.obandco.uk/333.

Retail is built on people. From store colleagues and warehouse operatives to customer service teams, the frontline workforce plays a vital role in keeping the industry running. But in recent years, the structure of retail employment has changed dramatically. Cut backs, automation, flexibility, multiskilling and many other changes have impacted frontline workforce. With rising customer expectations, new technologies, and economic pressures, what does the future hold for retail’s workforce? In this episode, we’ll uncover the biggest workforce trends shaping the industry, the challenges facing retailers and employees alike, and what it truly means to be a people-centric retailer in 2025 and beyond.

Listen to this episode and discover:

• The 5 elements shaping the future of the retail frontline workforce.
• What happens to 41% of frontline store colleagues each week.
• How to factor trends into becoming a people-centric organisation.

Find the full show notes at www.obandco.uk/332.