David Boynton and Martin Newman turn their focus to the UK government’s apprenticeship levy—what it was meant to achieve, and why it’s falling short. Introduced to boost vocational opportunities and upskill the next generation, the levy has been widely underused, with millions in funds returning to the government. The hosts call for a reevaluation of the levy and emphasize the need for stronger communication and collaboration between government, retailers, and educators to unlock its full potential.

From Levy to Legacy: Unlocking Apprenticeship Potential

In this episode of The Great Retail Debate, Martin and David tackle the impact of e-commerce on traditional retail and the role of technology in providing seamless shopping experiences. They also address the challenges of sustaining profitability while balancing automation with human-centric services, and examine how omnichannel strategies and direct consumer engagement are key to building lasting loyalty in a rapidly changing landscape.

Balancing Automation and the Human Touch

This week on The Great Retail Debate, Martin and David chat about the human side of retail in an age dominated by technology. As AI and automation reshape the industry, they make the case for why people still matter most—on the shop floor, in leadership, and throughout the customer journey. Through personal anecdotes, they demonstrate how a people-first culture boosts brand perception and performance when every employee is empowered as a brand builder.

Empowered Employees, Elevated Brands

Martin Newman and David Boynton take a closer look at UK retail powerhouse Next plc, tracing its journey from visionary roots to its rise as a multi-brand, multi-channel leader. The hosts explore how strong foundations and strategic leadership have driven Next’s lasting impact, while highlighting untapped potential in emotional engagement and the in-store experience.

What’s Next for Next: Is the Retail Giant Still Ahead?

In this episode, Martin Newman and David Boynton discuss where Boots, a leading UK pharmacy and health retailer, has lost momentum and how it might regain its edge. They reflect on Boots’ legacy of consumer trust and a powerful loyalty program, while critiquing underinvestment and a weakening in-store experience. With health and beauty opportunities on the rise, the hosts outline how Boots could reassert itself—including smarter store formats, a revitalized loyalty strategy, and a stronger role in primary care.

Boots’ Revival: Strategies for a Retail Comeback

Martin Newman and David Boynton dig into one of Britain’s most storied retailers, asking what it really takes to stay relevant as the industry evolves. In this episode, they cover how Marks & Spencer has managed to modernize while remaining true to its identity, including everything from refreshed store formats to improved food and fashion ranges. The hosts also consider what other retailers can take away from its leadership approach and long-term strategy.

Marks & Spencer’s Second Act

In this episode of The Great Retail Debate, Martin Newman and David Boynton unpack the rise of Primark, exploring the brand’s laser focus on product and price, its surprising resilience in an e-commerce-driven world, and its bold choice to thrive without traditional advertising or online sales. They also examine the challenges ahead in the digital era and under new leadership, while posing one big question for listeners: is Primark the UK’s most underrated giant?

How Primark Broke the Mold

Self-service counters. Virtual try-ons. A loyalty program millions swear by. Sephora has redefined the way we shop for beauty. This week on The Great Retail Debate, Martin and David trace Sephora’s evolution, showing how its cosmetics shopping model built a blueprint for modern beauty retail. But with rising competition from local players and digital-first brands, can Sephora hold onto its crown?

Sephora: The Gold Standard of Beauty Retail?

With the swoosh as its signature, ‘Just Do It’ in its DNA, and countless signature shoes dominating the world of sports, Nike has been the ultimate symbol of sportswear innovation and cultural power for decades. Now, leadership shake-ups and playbook revisions have left Nike facing something unthinkable: fading brand heat. Is Nike’s next chapter a sprint to the front—or a stumble in its stride?

Nike: Has the Swoosh Lost Its Stride?

In a special episode of The Great Retail Debate, Martin Newman and David Boynton explore the ideas behind Martin’s new book, ROI Reimagined. Challenging traditional measures of success, Martin introduces 11 new metrics—spanning inspiration, integrity, inclusion, innovation, and more. The hosts unpack how long-term thinking, stakeholder alignment, and ruthless prioritization can transform business performance, ultimately showing why customer centricity is not a soft ideal but a powerful strategy for sustainable growth.

ROI Reimagined: Redefining Business Success

Martin Newman and David Boynton—former CEO of The Body Shop—break down the brand’s 50-year journey. They delve into its activist roots, its many ownership changes, and how those shifts have shaped its culture, operations, and performance. Despite the highs and lows, they highlight why The Body Shop’s core values and physical retail presence remain central to its identity—and how the new Oxford Street flagship signals a promising new chapter.

The Body Shop: 50 Years of Purpose and Progress

Welcome to The Great Retail Debate—where the biggest questions in retail meet expert insight, bold opinions, and a touch of controversy.
Hosted by Martin Newman, the champion of customer-centric retail, and David Boynton, the beauty and brand visionary, this podcast features dynamic discussions and fresh perspectives on the evolving world of retail.

From Levy to Legacy: Unlocking Apprenticeship Potential

The Great Retail Debate

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