That’s according to our latest Retail Salary and Benefits Guide. Filled with insights from over 23 million jobs ads, you will learn how to build an attractive compensation package to help attract the talent your business needs to succeed.

Discover how to:

• Remain competitive by benchmarking salaries against industry, location and job title averages
• Enhance employee engagement by readjusting remuneration packages to include sought after benefits
• Expand your talent pools by understanding what motivates candidates in compatible industries to move

Download guide

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter

Starting on 1 January 2025, for an initial six-month trial, the Carbon Inset Programme will reward importers with 50kg CO₂e of carbon credits for every loaded import container they move through DP World’s UK terminals. These independently certified credits, issued quarterly, will showcase participating companies’ efforts to reduce the indirect (Scope 3) emissions in their supply chains.

“Unlike traditional carbon offset credits, which compensate for emissions through external projects like tree planting, inset credits reflect a tangible reduction in emissions achieved directly in a company’s own supply chain,” said DP World in a recent statement.

DP World’s inset credits are generated through its subsidiary, Unifeeder, which deploys lower-carbon fuels across its Northern European shipping network. These credits are verified and pooled, allowing registered importers to access independently certified carbon credits.

For businesses, this represents a transparent and measurable way to cut Scope-3 emissions – indirectly produced along the supply chain, according to the company’s announcement.

The inset initiative builds on DP World’s Modal Shift Programme, which reduced emissions for its partners by more than 17,000 tonnes in its first year.

“Insetting carbon emissions is a transparent, direct and pragmatic approach with immediate measurable impact for our customers,” said John Trenchard, vice president of commercial & supply chain at DP World in the UK.

“By providing easy access to an independently certified inset programme, we aim to create better awareness and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices. By participating in the trial, a world first, import cargo owners can actively contribute to global decarbonisation efforts while aligning with their own sustainability goals.”

If 50% of import volume participates in the trial at DP World’s UK box terminals, this could replace over 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuel with lower carbon marine fuels, equivalent to the reduction of 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to the UAE-based operator.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter

Fabio De Bernardi, VP of business development at Adverity, has spent his career helping businesses navigate the complexities of data. In our conversation, he shares his insights into why clean, actionable data is critical for modern retailers, the common pitfalls they face, and how organisations can transform their approach.

The state of retail data: drowning in information

“Retailers have been working with data for a long time,” Fabio begins, “but much of it has traditionally been focused on supply chain management, warehouse operations, or pricing. The use of marketing data – audience insights, customer behaviours, campaign analytics – is relatively new for many.”

Fabio believes this shift has left many retailers playing catch-up. “Retail media, for example, is an area of incredible potential. But it’s also a prime example of how messy data can create confusion. If retailers can’t structure and interpret the second-party data they’re generating, they’ll struggle to build the kind of media ecosystems that drive value.”

At the heart of the problem is a lack of the right skills and strategies. “Retailers are often overwhelmed by the volume of data they’re handling,” Fabio explains. “They don’t always have the expertise needed to identify what’s useful and how to leverage it effectively.”

Messy data, messy decisions

One of the biggest challenges retailers face is messy, unstructured data. Fabio paints a vivid picture of what this looks like in practice. “Imagine customer data coming in from multiple sources—online transactions, in-store purchases, loyalty programmes, returns, and even social media interactions. Each source might record information differently, creating silos that don’t talk to one another.”

The consequences of this chaos are far-reaching. “Inconsistent data can lead to disastrous decisions,” he says. “Take marketing campaigns, for example. If your data is out of sync – say, showing product availability in a region where stock is low—you’re not just wasting your ad spend; you’re damaging customer trust.”

This disconnect isn’t limited to retail. Fabio sees similar struggles across industries, but he believes the stakes are particularly high for retailers. “For many businesses, becoming data-driven isn’t just a competitive advantage; it’s a matter of survival. The high street is shrinking, e-commerce is booming, and customers are more demanding than ever. If you’re not making informed decisions in real-time, you risk becoming irrelevant.”

Why clean data matters more than ever

So, what does “clean data” mean, and why is it so important? Fabio breaks it down: “Clean data is accurate, consistent, and ready to be used. It’s about having a single version of the truth that everyone in the organisation can rely on.”

For retailers, clean data enables better decision-making across the board. “Whether it’s targeting the right customers, optimising inventory, or measuring campaign success, clean data ensures that decisions are based on reality, not guesswork,” Fabio explains.

But it’s not just about accuracy. Fabio emphasises the importance of timeliness. “In retail, speed is everything. Data has to be not only correct but also up-to-date. If your insights are even a day late, you could miss out on opportunities or make decisions that are no longer relevant.”

Building a data-driven culture

Becoming data-driven isn’t just about technology; it requires a fundamental cultural shift within organisations. Fabio believes this transformation needs to happen at all levels.

“Some of the biggest obstacles come from within,” he says. “You might have senior leaders who see data as a ‘nice-to-have’ rather than a necessity, or teams that are too siloed to share insights effectively. To change this, you need buy-in from the top but also grassroots efforts to push for better practices.”

Fabio encourages individuals to take the initiative. “If you’re someone who values data and sees its potential, don’t wait for leadership to mandate change. Be the person in your organisation who advocates for better data practices. The personal benefits are huge—you’ll perform better in your role, gain recognition, and help move the company forward.”

From chaos to clarity: the journey to clean data

For businesses looking to improve their data practices, Fabio suggests starting with a clear understanding of what data is needed and where it exists.

“Step one is mapping out the data landscape,” he advises. “Identify the sources you need – whether that’s marketing platforms, sales data, or customer feedback – and work out who owns this information within your organisation. Without this groundwork, you’ll struggle to achieve anything meaningful.”

Technology plays a crucial role in maintaining data quality, but Fabio stresses that it’s not a magic bullet. “You need the right systems in place, but technology is only as good as the rules you set. Companies need to define what good data looks like for them and implement tools that can monitor and flag issues automatically.”

The dangers of bad data

One of Fabio’s most striking insights is about the risks of relying on bad data. “It’s better to have no data at all than to have bad data,” he says. “When you’re working with incorrect or incomplete information, you’re not making informed decisions—you’re gambling. And the stakes are high.”

He recalls a recent presentation where he mapped out the relationship between data quality and business risk. “When you have clean data, you maximise the value it brings while minimising risk. But if your data is unreliable, you’re in the worst possible position—thinking you’re data-driven but actually making random, uninformed decisions.”

The future of data in retail

Looking ahead, Fabio sees clean data as the foundation for even more advanced capabilities. “AI and machine learning are becoming central to retail, but they’re only as good as the data they’re fed,” he explains. “The next challenge is scaling data operations while maintaining trust and accessibility.”

He also highlights the growing importance of data democratization—making data accessible to the right people at the right time. “It’s about giving every department, from marketing to supply chain, the insights they need to act quickly and effectively.”

For Fabio, the stakes couldn’t be higher. “Retailers who fail to invest in their data will find themselves outpaced by competitors who are faster, smarter, and more agile. The future belongs to businesses that treat data as their most valuable asset.”

Get in touch

Retail success in the data era requires more than just collecting information – it demands a commitment to quality, integration, and action. As Fabio puts it: “Clean data isn’t just a technical requirement; it’s the lifeblood of a modern retailer. Without it, you’re flying blind.”

For those looking to take the next step, Fabio offers simple yet powerful advice: start small, think strategically, and build a culture that values data at every level.

Want to clean up your data and unlock smarter, more impactful insights? Learn more about Adverity’s solutions and how they can help your business thrive by clicking here.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter

To gain insight into what lies ahead, Retail Gazette speaks with James Brooke, CEO of Mapp – Global Marketing Cloud provider. Brooke’s deep expertise in eCommerce, digital marketing, and AI positions him as a pivotal voice for the industry.

Reflecting on recent years, Brooke highlights the immense challenges that have tested retailers. The fallout from the cost-of-living crisis, soaring customer acquisition costs, and geopolitical instability created a turbulent environment. Yet, as 2024 draws to a close, there is cautious optimism.

“Retailers have faced high levels of stress, particularly as we enter peak trading season, where 50% of annual sales can be made,” Brooke explains. “But with inflation easing and some economic stability returning, there’s a sense that 2025 could be a better year – despite the unpredictable geopolitical backdrop.”

Brooke’s insights underline a pivotal truth: while challenges remain, the foundations for growth and innovation are stronger than they have been in years.

Key trends shaping eCommerce in 2025

The loyalty revolution

One of the most striking shifts Brooke identifies is the pivot toward loyalty-driven strategies. Rising customer acquisition costs – up 15%, according to ContentSquare – have forced retailers to rethink their approach. The focus is now on maximising customer lifetime value rather than pursuing one-off transactions.

“Retailers are moving away from the idea of ‘buying’ success,” Brooke observes. “With organic growth slowing and mobile penetration already at saturation, they’re realising the importance of building long-term relationships. Concepts like ‘share of wardrobe’ in fashion reflect this shift, where brands aim to embed themselves deeply into consumers’ lives.”

This strategic evolution, Brooke explains, requires a comprehensive transformation of how businesses create value, moving from transactional to relationship-focused models.

AI as a catalyst for change

Artificial intelligence stands at the forefront of ecommerce transformation. Brooke anticipates that 2025 will see the emergence of AI shopping agents – tools that will fundamentally change how consumers interact with brands.

“These agents will act as intermediaries, curating options, summarising offers, and even making purchases on behalf of consumers,” Brooke predicts. “Imagine an AI assistant using your preferences to filter choices or even pre-emptively buy items. This will reshape the way brands structure their catalogues, promote products, and engage with customers.”

Beyond customer-facing interactions, Brooke emphasises AI’s potential to enhance operational efficiency. From supply chain optimisation to demand forecasting, AI can help retailers predict size demand by demographic or location, reducing waste and improving profitability. These advancements align with growing consumer expectations for sustainability and efficiency.

The omnichannel imperative

The demand for seamless customer experiences across digital and physical channels is another defining trend for 2025. According to Brooke, disjointed omnichannel strategies – such as inconsistent return policies – alienate customers and erode trust.

“Customers expect a unified experience,” he explains. “Integrating data across all touchpoints to create a single view of the customer allows retailers to forecast demand, tailor product assortments, and deliver personalized experiences.”

Brooke points to apps as a critical tool in achieving this goal. “Apps are becoming the retailer’s voice in the phone ecosystem. They’re not just about convenience but also about capturing first-party data to build deeper customer relationships.”

Privacy and trust as competitive advantages

As data privacy regulations tighten and consumers grow more protective of their personal information, Brooke highlights the importance of transparency and trust.Privacy and trust as competitive advantages

“Retailers that embrace privacy-first practices will gain a significant advantage,” he says. “Consumers are increasingly wary of how their data is used, and businesses that respect their preferences will build stronger, more loyal relationships.”

Brooke notes that markets like Germany are leading this charge, with privacy-conscious solutions becoming the norm. This trend underlines the importance of first-party data and the need for retailers to engage consumers directly rather than relying on third-party sources.

Technology evolution: Flexibility over monoliths

Brooke also discusses the shift away from monolithic eCommerce platforms toward more flexible, composable solutions.

“The days of legacy systems like ATG and Hybris are fading,” he notes. “Retailers are now gravitating toward platforms that offer flexibility and scalability, whether that’s enterprise-level solutions or more accessible platforms like Shopify.”

This evolution enables retailers to adapt quickly to emerging use cases, reduce costs, and enhance the overall shopping experience.

Under-the-radar trends: AI-powered conversations and ethical personalisation

While AI is dominating headlines, Brooke points to conversational commerce as a trend that’s quietly gaining traction. “Voice interfaces like Alexa, coupled with smarter AI, will make interactions with retailers more intuitive,” he says. “These systems are becoming more capable of understanding natural language, creating a seamless shopping experience.”

Additionally, Brooke highlights the growing importance of ethical personalisation. “Personalisation can no longer be a ‘black box.’ Retailers must be transparent about how they use data and allow customers to opt in meaningfully. Those that lead with trust and openness will win in the long term.”

Bold predictions and actionable advice

When asked for his boldest prediction for 2025, Brooke doesn’t hesitate. “AI shopping agents will become a reality,” he asserts. “They’ll start small but quickly grow, fundamentally altering the retailer-consumer relationship.”

As for advice, Brooke stressed the urgency of action. “You need to build organisational muscle around AI and insights-driven technologies now. Start small, iterate, and learn. Waiting will leave you unprepared for the future, much like the brands that ignored eCommerce in its early days.”

Embracing 2025’s opportunities

The future of eCommerce is rich with opportunity for those willing to adapt. As James Brooke emphasises, advancements in AI, loyalty strategies, and omnichannel integration will shape the next chapter of retail. Retailers must act decisively, investing in the tools, technologies, and strategies that will define success.

“2025 is not about waiting for the perfect roadmap,” Brooke concluded. “It’s about experimenting, learning, and preparing for a future that’s already here. The winners will be those who embrace change with agility and foresight.”

For retailers ready to seize the moment, 2025 offers the chance to not just survive but thrive in a dynamic, competitive landscape.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter

Whether it’s left on a doorstep, returned to the sorting facility, or – worst of all – lost in transit, failed deliveries are a significant source of irritation. Imagine a customer who finally carved out time from a hectic schedule to shop online, only to miss the delivery and embark on an endless loop of tracking down the parcel. For modern consumers, that hassle simply doesn’t fit into their busy lives, and many are turning to parcel lockers as a solution. 

For retailers, this shift in consumer behaviour presents both a challenge and an opportunity. As customer expectations evolve, savvy retailers are looking to out-of-home (OOH) delivery options to capture this growing demand. And with 58% of B2C package deliveries (according to the Last Mile Experts’ Out of Home Delivery in Europe report) taking the form of out-of-home delivery options like parcel lockers, offering this convenience could make all the difference in closing sales and building loyalty. 

Convenience-driven demand: why the concept works

Today’s shoppers aren’t willing to compromise on convenience. With lives that are busier and more mobile than ever, they demand flexibility in how, when, and where their purchases arrive. According to YouGov research, 45% of consumers say they expect to use OOH delivery options always, often or sometimes, avoiding the wait and frustration that comes with a failed doorstep delivery.

Consider the challenges of a nurse working night shifts or a busy professional juggling their work and social life. They simply aren’t home to receive packages or access parcel shops during the day. Parcel lockers, that are accessible 24/7 (unlike parcel shops), allow these customers to pick up orders on their schedule, transforming delivery into a manageable, stress-free experience. 

With 71% of customers saying they’d opt for out-of-home delivery if it meant significantly lower costs than home delivery (according to Sendcloud data), the appeal of OOH goes beyond convenience alone. This dual benefit of affordability and flexibility is changing the way customers think about deliveries and influencing their purchase decisions. 

Retaining sales through preferred delivery options

For retailers, there’s huge benefits to be gained from expanding the options available to customers. In fact, diversifying delivery options has the potential to boost sales. Sendcloud reports that 44% of European customers abandon an online order if they don’t see their chosen shipping option. For brands, providing a range of delivery choices – including OOH – at checkout is an essential way to reduce cart abandonment and capture sales that might otherwise be lost.

Parcel lockers and service points are becoming established as credible, cost-effective alternatives to doorstep delivery. Retailers that make these options available to customers aren’t only streamlining logistics, but are also actively enhancing the customer experience, giving them control over their deliveries in a way that builds loyalty and encourages repeat purchases.

Driving sustainability and affordability

Beyond convenience, OOH delivery supports a broader sustainability agenda that appeals to the modern consumer. Parcel lockers and service points significantly reduce the number of repeat trips by delivery drivers, lowering the carbon footprint associated with multiple delivery attempts. InPost’s 2022 research found that 86% fewer couriers are required by parcel lockers per 1,000 lockers, compared to home delivery. Given that research from The Hellenic Institute of Transport found that 20-30% of a city’s carbon emissions come from the last mile, it’s clear to see why OOH can make a marked impact on sustainability goals. 

Building customer loyalty through a better delivery experience

For eCommerce retailers, low-cost shipping might drive conversions, but it’s the quality of the delivery experience that keeps customers coming back. In the age of personalisation, flexibility is essential.

This demand for adaptable delivery has spurred a surge in Automated Parcel Machines (APMs), with their numbers growing 29% across Europe in 2023 alone, according to a report from Paracel and Postal Technology International. APMs, along with OOH options more broadly, allow customers to exert control over the delivery process, enhancing their experience and reducing the chance of a failed delivery.

Meeting the future of delivery demand

Retailers striving to keep up with the pace of eCommerce innovation are finding that adapting to shifting consumer preferences – especially as they pertain to delivery – is a must. For example, 2024 research from InPost and Retail Economics found that 71% of Gen Z have used a parcel locker, and that 73% of under 35s prefer parcel lockers over parcel shops. 

As McKinsey notes, “the retail industry has seen as much disruption in the last five years as it did in the previous 25.” For online brands, staying competitive in this climate means recognising that doorstep delivery is no longer the “holy grail” of fulfilment. 

Today, OOH delivery presents a compelling option for cost-conscious, convenience-driven consumers, especially those seeking flexibility and sustainability. Retailers that act now to incorporate these solutions can expect not only improved customer satisfaction but also a more resilient, adaptable fulfilment strategy. And, for many shoppers, this choice isn’t a luxury but an expectation. For retailers, meeting that expectation could be the difference between a missed sale and a loyal customer. 

For more information on InPost’s out-of-home parcel delivery solution, get in touch today.

To quote Gartner, “understanding the purchase drivers of various generations of consumers — each with nuances in purchase behaviors, personal values and buying habits — will become an imperative for survival.”

For a limited time, you can unlock this report for what we believe are the most exclusive insights into what technology to invest in to cut through the market hype.

UNLOCK THE RESEARCH

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter

In our latest whitepaper, Retail Gazette and Zendesk explore how utilising AI for your frontline staff could be the solution.

Download the whitepaper today to learn about:

• AI-powered tools that can take on administrative work, leaving employees to focus on impactful interactions
• How AI can help employees identify and prioritise urgent customer needs, reducing wait times and improving satisfaction
• Ways AI can personalise training for seasonal staff, equipping them to deliver excellent service

Download the whitepaper

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter

When we last examined the state of the frontline two years ago, our findings showed a frontline stretched thin, balancing burnout, uncertainty and reactive decisions in the aftermath of the pandemic. Fast forward to 2024, and while some challenges have eased, others persist, reshaping the realities of frontline work.

Our new Deskless Report 2024 dives into this evolution, sharing fresh insights from five industries: retail, grocery, foodservice, hospitality and distribution and logistics. We polled nearly 800 respondents, including executives, managers and employees, on themes like daily challenges, communication effectiveness, training needs and use of technology.

So, where do frontline organizations go from here? We’ve identified key insights that reveal what’s really happening and how businesses can create a better experience for their teams—starting today.

Here’s a glimpse:

1. From crisis mode to guarded optimism

The daily chaos has subsided, with fewer employees feeling burned out and more expressing optimism about their future.

But that doesn’t mean all is well—there’s still a long way to go. Challenges like understaffing and burnout linger, creating a reality where “less bad” still isn’t good enough.

2. Career advancement isn’t always the answer

There’s a widespread belief that offering career growth opportunities will automatically improve frontline satisfaction. But the data tells a different story. While over half (56%) of managers express interest in career development and upskilling, only 41% of frontline employees share that same desire. Their focus is on succeeding today, not necessarily climbing the ladder tomorrow.

This means that while career paths matter, companies must prioritize immediate needs like stability and support before aiming for long-term growth. Addressing issues such as inconsistent schedules, lack of communication and limited access to tools can make a bigger impact to them having a great shift, today.

3. Empower your managers to drive change

Managers sit at the intersection of employee needs and company goals, making them critical to solving frontline challenges. Yet, their needs for support and training often go unmet—in fact, our research shows that 67% of managers feel like they are “making it up as they go along” at work at least some of the time.

In addition, while our report reveals that 66% of managers feel their organization invests in their growth, many still face daily hurdles. To create a more sustainable frontline environment, companies must focus on empowering managers and helping them support their teams more effectively.

Intentional changes—like offering more training and prioritizing well-being—can significantly impact managers’ confidence to lead.

Ready to dive deeper?

The Deskless Report 2024 is packed with insights and actionable solutions to tackle the frontline’s toughest challenges. From improving communication to creating a sense of community among employees, our report is a must-read for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of frontline workers.

Get the full report and see how you can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter

With our Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator, it’s easy to break down and understand the real numbers behind your POS. See exactly where the costs stack up and uncover the savings that modern systems bring.

Ready to see how much you could be saving? Start calculating your TCO today.

Calculate TCO

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter

Our latest guide, 6 Game-Changing Automation Rules To Make Peak Season Stress-Free, is here to help you streamline your operations and succeed during the busiest time of the year.

It’s time to start planning NOW to ensure next peak season is less stressful and more profitable – and Brightpearl by Sage is here to help.

Their latest guide, 6 Game-Changing Automation Rules For a Stress-Free Peak Season, shows how automating simple tasks like order fulfillment, shipping selection and fraud detection can transform your busiest time of year.

Grab your free copy now

Download Now

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter