The latest edition of UK retail’s most inspiring individuals list has been published, showcasing a record number of new faces and highlighting the trailblazers who are revolutionizing the fashion and beauty sectors. Retail Week’s Retail 100 list includes several noteworthy newcomers, including Victoria Prew, the CEO and founder of Hurr Collective. Prew’s platform has amassed an impressive collection of luxury brands, such as Burberry, Celine, and Dior, worth more than £1 million. Another notable addition to the list is Jens and Emma Grede, the husband-and-wife team behind Skims, Kim Kardashian’s underwear brand, whose value exceeds £3 billion.
Emma Grede, who also serves as the chair of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, advocating for the representation of Black-owned brands on retailers’ shelves in the US, has made a significant impact on the UK retail scene. This year’s Retail 100 list also recognizes Lucy Gorman, the chief executive at THG Beauty; Naomi Simcock, the retail director at John Lewis Partnership; and Moses Rashid, the founder and CEO at The EDIT LDN, as executives to watch due to their potential to drive substantial growth in the retail industry in the coming years.
Even without being a retailer himself, consumer money-saving advocate Martin Lewis features on the list as a highly influential figure in retail. His money-saving ideas and devoted consumer following have earned him recognition. In the Retail 100 list’s Strategists category, there has been a notable 47% increase in recognition compared to the previous year. Leaders such as Andy Higginson and Régis Schultz of JD Sports have been instrumental in driving significant changes within the sportswear retailer. Their plans for expansion include opening 350 international stores annually over the next five years, with a particular focus on North America and Europe.
The list also includes 23 individuals celebrated as Experience Innovators, demonstrating the importance of customer experience to the industry’s leaders. Roisin Currie, the CEO of Greggs, is recognized for her successful collaboration with Primark on a clothing line, while Taku Morikawa, the chief executive at Uniqlo Europe, is commended for his creativity in enhancing and expanding the fashion retailer’s UK store network. Uniqlo’s standout Covent Garden store, featuring unique elements like a Japanese-style tearoom, a florist, a courtyard, and an exclusive TfL-branded range, is a testament to Morikawa’s innovative approach.
Although beauty executives from Boots and Superdrug’s owner are mentioned on the list, one standout inclusion in the Experience Innovators category is Charlotte Tilbury, the founder of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty. Tilbury has accomplished the rare feat of creating a global brand that can compete with luxury giants while empowering women and instilling confidence in their purchases. Her inclusion highlights the significant contributions she has made to the beauty industry.
Overall, the Retail 100 list reflects the ever-evolving and dynamic nature of the UK retail sector. These inspiring individuals represent the future of the industry, driving growth, innovation, and a relentless focus on customer experience. As the retail landscape continues to transform, their leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of UK retail.
Useful links:
1. Retail Week
2. Fifteen Percent Pledge
