This Northern Summer, I was in Europe (along with what felt like most of the US, plus half of Australia and the rest of the world). Like many commerce practitioners, trips like this quickly turn into retail study tours. What struck me as I navigated the crowds, was that while we often fixate on the Amazons and Walmarts of this world (or the Alibabas and WeChats depending on your location), you can learn so much more from getting off your screen, out of the big box stores and into the markets and high streets.
The principles of being a great retailer now and into the future shine most brightly in ancient marketplaces, old world laneways, and small shops, particularly in Europe. This is the coal face of retail, and it’s where excitement and inspiration is to be found for jaded shoppers and retailers alike. To put it another way, there is more to be gained from the merchants of Venice than any chain store merchants near Venice, Florida.
itim Group plc (LON:ITIM) is a SaaS-based technology company that enables store-based retailers to optimise their businesses to improve financial performance and effectively compete with online competitors. Itim adds retail value by helping multi-channel retailers optimise their business and their stores to improve financial performance and compete more effectively with the “Amazons”.
