Over the next few weeks, the UK will take its first steps towards emerging from lockdown. Like many other sectors, retail has been hit hard, with the majority of high street outlets forced to close for a significant period. For many consumers, this has necessitated an increased reliance on online shopping. For retail sales technology expert Conversity, retaining this focus on online is key even after physical stores reopen, given the impact social distancing measures are likely to have on store footfall and the level of personalised service sales advisors can provide.

While the reopening of high street stores will be welcomed by many, it is important to note that the consumer dynamic has undergone a rapid evolution in recent weeks. Millions have embraced online shopping, with lots of these being new converts who previously had made most of their purchases in-store. Older shoppers, for example, spent almost double the amount on groceries online in April than they did in the same month last year.

Top Drawer announces the launch of CONNECTED, its initiative to bring the design and retail community even closer together. 

CONNECTED will allow its community to share industry insights, stimulate connections and open dialogue through a comprehensive programme of digital content and networking. Presented by some of the industry’s best, this will include webinars, product launches, blogs and polls created both to unite and to inspire suppliers and buyers. 

Kicking off CONNECTED, Google Digital Garage will, on Tuesday 5th May at 9.30am, share their ideas on “How to design a standout Digital Marketing Strategy”, with a focus on how small creative businesses can use digital marketing channels to build a successful strategy to help navigate this uncertain and ever changing time. To register for this webinar, please visit www.topdrawer.co.uk/connected 

Personalised Memento Co would like to again, reassure there customers that they have in the main, extensive levels of stock in which to fulfil  customers’ requirements. Deliveries continue to be received from suppliers, ensuring that PMC continue to support their customers’ during this busy period. The current climate has seen many traditionally slower selling lines increase in popularity, and these are unfortunately accounting for the majority of the out of stock updates.

Although we are all living in unprecedented times, PMC would also like to thank the delivery partners for continuing to operate and deliver customer orders in the usual timely and prompt fashion.

In the main, service levels are continuing to be met, but PMC would also like to thank all their customers for showing patience with any delivery delays they may experience.

Looking to the future, PMC are also using this opportunity to continuing the streaming of products ranges from the website, in readiness for some fantastic new, and on-trend designed products.

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

The organisers of the Home & Gift show have today announced the launch of Harrogate @ Home, a comprehensive online programme that has been designed to support, celebrate and champion the retail industry throughout this difficult period.

 In addition to a series of blog articles written by retail experts and exhibitors, Harrogate @ Home will include fortnightly webinars and culminate in a three-day virtual event on 20th, 21st and 22nd July. Registrants will have exclusive access to exciting product launches and thought-led seminar sessions fronted by the show’s network of leading speakers. 

Show Director, Kelly Grant, comments “Home & Gift, much like the retail industry it serves, has always been a show about people and it is our mission to still continue to bring our beloved industry together and champion it through shared learnings and genuine connection, even in the face of adversity.