Chapter Overview
The Problem We Face:
For years, physical retail has been judged using measures designed for a different era.
Traditional profit-and-loss models capture transactions, but fail to account for the wider role stores now play:
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Influencing digital sales
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Building trust
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Shaping brand perception
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Creating long-term customer value, loyalty and community
This gap doesn’t limit ambition because stores underperform.
It limits ambition because their contribution isn’t being measured properly.
Location
The Marylebone Hotel
47 Welbeck St,
London,
W1G 8DN
What We’re Doing About It:
Agile Retail has partnered with the University of Stirling on an Innovate UK–funded partnership to develop a validated, commercially ready framework for measuring the true value of physical retail. This work builds on academic rigour and live store data to establish a “Retail Valuation Model” moving beyond sales-per-square-foot to capture the full commercial and experiential contribution of stores in a modern, omnichannel landscape.
What We’re Inviting You Into:
We’re convening a small group of senior operators to test, challenge, and help validate the model before it becomes embedded as a standard. This is not a presentation. It’s a working conversation over dinner.
Curators:
Professor Paul Freathy
Paul has held several senior roles at the University of Stirling, including Director of the Institute for Retail Studies and Chair of the Retail Division. His work spans international engagement, transnational collaboration and retail education development, including partnerships with governments, statutory bodies and funding organisations.
Agenda:
7:30pm - Arrivals and Introductions
8:15pm - Working Dinner​​
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10:00pm - Carriages
Professor Steve Burt
Steve is a leading expert in retail marketing, holding senior roles including Senior Deputy Principal and Director of the Institute for Retail Studies. He brings expertise in retail strategy, consumer behaviour, and international markets and is a prominent voice in retail research.
Upcoming Chapters:
Date: March 19th
The Retail Valuation Model
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Date: May 14th
Topic: TBC
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Date: September 17th
Topic: TBC
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Date: July 9th
Topic: TBC​
Date November 12th
Topic: TBC
What is The Retail Book Club?
At Agile Retail, we’re deeply passionate about the intricate dynamics of retail stores and the perpetual evolution of the retail landscape. We’re always trying new things and working with others to transform the retail landscape. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of retailers, each offering unique perspectives and insights that have further ignited our determination to redefine the narrative of retail.
The Retail Book Club brings together a small group of industry experts representing a wide spectrum of retail domains who re-write the book of retail. Together, we delve into a different topic each month, exchanging anecdotes, best practices, and thought-provoking ideas that underscore this dynamic industry. Our events are designed to be intimate and exclusive, fostering an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue and a deep exploration of the challenges and opportunities that define the retail landscape.
Thank you for joining us, your insights and contributions are invaluable as we collectively endeavour to shape the future of retail.