Talking Shop by Retail Sector

About Talking Shop by Retail Sector

Welcome to "Talking Shop", powered by Retail Sector. We go behind the scenes of the ever-evolving retail industry, bringing you intimate conversations with the sector's luminaries and high-achievers. Every week, we navigate the challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and dissect the strategies that shape the world of retail. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a budding entrepreneur, Talking Shop offers invaluable insights to help you stay ahead. Tune in and level up your business acumen.

Publisher

Mulberry Media

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Sept 2023

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

149 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Challenger FMCG strategy: rate-of-sale data, bootstrapping, and shelf space

   On this episode of Talking Shop, we are joined by Siddhi Mehta, founder of Rhythm 108. An Oxford Engineering graduate and former McKinsey consultant, Siddhi traded corporate strategy to build a pioneering, plant-based confectionery brand from the ground up. In this episode, we unpack how she identified a genuine market gap in a crowded sector, the commercial realities of winning and keeping shelf space in Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and how challenger FMCG brands can fund rapid growth without massive ad spend.

2. 

   24 Sept 2026

   'Custodians of a destination that holds memories for millions of people': The secrets of Trafford Centre

   In this episode we speak to Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre. He brings almost two decades of experience in store management at M&S to his role today, where he helps oversee everything from facilities and security to guest services, marketing and the day-to-day customer experience. We’ll talk about the importance of understanding what’s really happening on the mall floor, how he builds and maintains strong relations and open communication with brands, and what it means to ‘preserve the wonder’ of the Trafford Centre and how it ensures that every visit it is an enriching guest experience.

3. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Luxury design meets DRS rules: why collaboration is really crucial

   On this episode of Talking Shop we’re joined by Mark Tosey, Head of Production at Lewis Moberly. Lewis Moberly is the award-winning agency behind iconic packaging for brands like Waitrose and Selfridges. In this conversation, Mark breaks down what happens when creative design meets the hard technical realities of manufacturing. We look at the upcoming 2027 Deposit Return Scheme, how complex finishes like metallic foils impact recyclability under circular rules, and how brands can communicate functional updates authentically without cluttering their packs.

Who has been a guest on Talking Shop by Retail Sector

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jonathan Simmons
• Becky Lombardo
• Claire Barber
• Stephen McDermid
• Susannah Schofield

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

4.5 / 5

11 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

89

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Talking Shop by Retail Sector

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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