Author Archives: Martin Schofield

Shop ‘Til the Bots Drop: AI and it’s takeover of Retail

AI and its takeover of retail

Keir Starmer has called AI the defining technology of our generation. There are some who will consider this a bold statement, especially given that every era has had its game-changers, from the moon landing during Starmer’s childhood to the internet boom of the 1990s. But here’s the thing: AI isn’t just another technological advancement. It’s[…]

Tomorrow’s Retail Leaders: Why We Love Working with Emerging Brands

Tomorrow's Retail Leaders

At Retail247, our passion for emerging brands goes beyond simply providing services. We genuinely admire the unique energy these brands bring to the retail industry, challenging norms and breathing fresh life into every part of the customer journey. These innovative retailers redefine traditional models, bringing new products, distinct shopping experiences, and forward-thinking concepts that capture[…]

Master the Ocean, not just the Wave

Master the Ocean, not jus the Wave - Retail Tech Thought Leadership

If you’re riding the crest of a wave in retail, you are at the height of your success. You have momentum, and your popularity is soaring. You are enjoying a purple patch, and you’re the envy of everyone. However, waves are of a temporary nature, they eventually crash after reaching their highest point. The “break[…]

Digital Product Passports: Why Retailers Must Act Now

digital product passports blog header

In this article, Martin Schofield (Retail247 CEO) outlines the competitive benefits of Digital Product Passports and why it’s important for retailers to ensure DPPs are a part of their 2025 roadmaps. By now, most retailers will be familiar with what Digital Product Passports are. In case you’re not, here’s a link to our DPP FAQ[…]

From Bell to Bezos: Why AI in Retail is Important

AI in retail

In this blogpost, Martin Schofield discusses innovation and the importance of embracing it. AI in retail is becoming increasingly prevalent, and Martin outlines the impact it will have. In 1876, an internal ‘Western Union’ memo declared that “the ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is[…]

ERP vs Best of Breed, which is better?

ERP

In this blogpost, our CEO Martin Schofield outlines the strengths and weaknesses of best of breed solutions, and how they compare to an ERP. I want to emphasise how adopting a ‘best of breed’ approach to solution selection and deployment empowers retailers looking to embrace digital transformation. To this end, I am going to boldly[…]

From Retailer to Supplier

retail

I have spent the majority of my career to date firmly on the retailer side of the fence. I had technical and leadership roles with The Burton Group, Debenhams, Burberry and Harvey Nichols that then embraced Logistics, Digital, and Retail Operations as Group Retail Operations Director for Harvey Nichols. I will always remember sitting on[…]

What’s next for Retail247?

archean

As you know, our PIM solution, Origin, goes from strength to strength with new customers and new functionality; but what else have we been up to? Central to any retailer’s operation is the visibility and control of stock. Modern retail demands a real time and accurate view of stock in all locations and in all[…]

Retail247 – The Early Days Part 2

Another retail innovation adventure in the mid to late 90s was again during my Debenhams tenure. “We need a Wedding List service; John Lewis has got one” was pretty much the spec for this retail project. I was by now acting as budget holder, PM, BA and Solution Designer combined, but this time had the[…]

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