Forwarding thinking retailers prove continued worth of physical retail as laggards cling to outdated models

Retailers that are evolving with purpose, rethinking store formats, pricing strategies, customer experience, and location strategy are finding ways to thrive. Those that remain tied to outdated models or wait too long to act are being left behind.

So says Graham Broomfield, COO at Neve Jewels Group.

In a LinkedIn post, he noted that the past week has highlighted both the challenges and reinventions shaping the future of retail in the UK. On one hand, the headlines paint a sobering picture: WHSmith closed its Doncaster branch after 232 years, stepping back from the high street to focus on travel hubs.

Beales, another long standing name, shut its final store in Poole, citing rising wage costs and tax pressures. Analysts, meanwhile, are forecasting over 17,000 store closures and the loss of more than 200,000 jobs in 2025, a stark indicator of the pressures many retailers are facing.

But this isn’t the full story, Broomfield argued. “Among the noise, we’re also seeing smart, strategic moves: Aldi is continuing its expansion, opening ten new stores and refurbishing 30 more this summer - investing in infrastructure, people, and customer proximity,” he said.

“Dessert chains like Creams and Heavenly Desserts are reinventing the high street, offering affordable, inclusive spaces that speak to how people want to socialise today. Danish homeware brand Søstrene Grene is doubling down on the UK, with plans to double its store count by 2027 and open in new locations this summer. Even Chick-fil-A is entering the UK market with a mix of physical stores and retail roll-outs.”

So, what’s the common thread? Adaptation.

Broomfield concluded: “Retailers that are evolving with purpose, rethinking store formats, pricing strategies, customer experience, and location strategy are finding ways to thrive. Those that remain tied to outdated models or wait too long to act are being left behind. The winners aren’t those doing the most, but those doing what matters most for the customer, in the moment.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.