In this episode, we speak with Anna Youngston, founder of Majury Merchandising and former merchandising professional at Accessorize, about her transition from a long-standing career in retail to establishing her own consultancy. With over 20 years of experience in merchandising across major British fashion retailers, Anna provides valuable insights for professionals in fashion, retail, and business strategy.

Her career spans well-known retailers such as Harvey Nichols, Principles, Accessorize, Warehouse, and Topshop. She now works with small businesses, helping them strengthen their commercial performance through data-driven merchandising strategies. This episode offers practical guidance for retail buyers, founders, and operators navigating a highly competitive and fast-changing market.

One of the key misconceptions Anna addresses is the belief that merchandising is only relevant for large businesses. In reality, it is often the missing component in smaller brands seeking sustainable growth. She explains how better stock visibility, range planning, and forecasting can significantly improve performance. Her consultancy work highlights how many small brands fail to unlock the full value of their data. Whether addressing pre-orders, managing cash flow, or responding to evolving customer behaviour, effective merchandising is not optional - it is essential.

Anna also discusses the importance of reactive agility. Successful merchandising is not only about long-term planning, but also about adapting quickly to challenges. From excess stock to supply chain delays, the ability to make timely, informed decisions can significantly impact cash flow and profitability.

She emphasises the importance of understanding financial performance at a granular level. Whether discussing pre-order models, seasonal range architecture, or margin contribution, she underlines the value of knowing precisely where growth is coming from.

Anna believes there is a need for objective, data-led decision-making. Emotional attachment to products or legacy ideas often results in poor commercial outcomes. The ability to pivot with intention and strategic clarity is a critical skill for modern retail businesses.

Takeaways from the Episode:

Merchandising isn’t just for big brands - it’s a game-changer for small businesses.
Don’t be afraid to pivot, and don’t just rely on hope - it's not a good sales strategy!
Know your numbers: You have to make sure you understand your forecasting, lessons learned, and your building blocks
Whether you’re a brand founder, a solo entrepreneur, or a retail team member trying to get a grip on your stock and strategy, Anna’s wisdom offers practical tools to build resilience, make smart decisions, and grow with confidence.

Connect with Anna Youngston or follow Majury Merchandising on Linkedin, or check out https://www.majurymerchandising.com/

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you loved this episode we've got more retail gold coming your way!

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In this episode, we dive into the powerful wave of change sweeping across the retail world as more brands step up to do the right thing. From circular business models and resale platforms to thoughtful retail strategies and new legislation pushing fast fashion to rethink its impact we cover it all.

Whether you're in the industry or just a curious shopper, this conversation breaks down the big shifts and spotlights brands and retailers that are truly leading by example.

Circular Retail Is Booming -

Circularity isn't just a buzzword it's becoming a business imperative. Platforms like Vinted are redefining how consumers shop, pushing mainstream retailers to adapt or risk irrelevance. We explore how the resale and reuse economy is reshaping everything.

-> The Rise of Rental & Pre-Loved: From renting occasion wear to proudly buying pre-loved pieces, the stigma is gone and the demand is real. We chat about the creative ways brands are building loyalty and sustainability through rental services and secondhand offerings. Think fashion with a conscience.

-> Retailers We're Loving Right Now - Shoutout to Positive Retail and The Cirkel and Loved Before brands that are building communities, offering value, and proving that ethical, thoughtful retail can also be stylish and fun. We discuss what sets them apart and why they’re worth keeping an eye on.

Retail News Round-Up -

-> Jellycat’s Strategy Shift- We discuss Jellycat’s bold move to refine their stockist network choosing to support fewer independent retailers more meaningfully, with better brand experiences in-store. Plus, how the Jellycat Café is bringing the brand to life in playful, immersive ways. Perhaps this new strategy opens the door for another brand to step in and find similar success to Jellycat especially with independent retailers continuing to play a key role in helping emerging brands get discovered by consumers.

-> France Takes a Stand on Fast Fashion 🇫🇷- Yes!! France just introduced a new tax targeting fast fashion retailers and we’re here for it! Could this be the start of a global shift toward holding the biggest offenders accountable? We certainly hope so.

💡 Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Circular retail isn't optional anymore it's the future, and every retailer needs to have a strategy.
   
   
2. Consumers are embracing pre-loved and rental more than ever, and brands that adapt will win long-term loyalty.
   
   
3. Sustainability is becoming mainstream, not just a niche, governments, consumers, and brands are all stepping up.

The retail world is being reshaped by purpose, not just profit. From secondhand to strategy, the brands leading this change are doing more than selling—they're setting standards. It’s a reminder that doing the right thing isn’t just ethical, it’s smart business. 👏

✨ Don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe if this episode inspired you! Tag us with your thoughts we love hearing how you're seeing change in retail too.

#RetailRight #SustainableRetail #CircularFashion

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If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :)
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In this vibrant episode, we sit down with Caitlin and Claire, the designers behind The Outdoor Edit, a bold new Scottish brand reimagining how we design and enjoy our outdoor spaces. With a mission to treat outdoor areas as an extension of the home, The Outdoor Edit brings fresh, trend-led thinking to a market previously dominated by muted tones and safe choices. Their debut range spans everything from parasols and cushions to bistro sets, lighting, and fire pits crafted to work in everything from small balconies to spacious gardens.

We dive into their design journey, exploring how inspiration from Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, international design fairs like Salone and Maison, and trend platforms such as WGSN and Pantone helped shape their six curated themes. Each one offers a unique personality from the playful, neon-soaked Moments of Joy inspired by Gen Z’s “kidult” culture, to the rich, elegant hues of Dark Bouquet and the soft, grounding neutrals of Coffee Naturals. The result is a range that invites customers to personalise their outdoor spaces just like they would an interior room.

Caitlin and Claire also share how they built the brand from the ground up from mood boards and product design to packaging and the website all with the goal of creating an elevated yet approachable customer experience. And with themes designed to be mixed and matched, there’s flexibility to build a look that’s entirely your own.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Outdoor Living is Evolving Post-pandemic, outdoor spaces are no longer afterthoughts they’re now considered integral parts of the home. The Outdoor Edit embraces this shift with trend-driven products that help people express their style outdoors just as they do inside.

1. Design-First Doesn’t Mean Inaccessible. With a strong focus on trend forecasting, The Outdoor Edit ensure their collections are stylish yet practical. Their range is designed to fit all budgets and spaces, from a tiny city balcony to a sprawling garden allowing anyone to update their outdoor look with just a few key accessories.

1. Colour and Personality are In! Out goes grey, in comes bold, joyful colour. The Outdoor Edit champions a move toward vibrant palettes, geometric prints, and expressive design, encouraging customers to be playful and daring in how they curate their outdoor havens.

Whether you’re a seasoned design enthusiast or just looking to refresh your space, this episode is packed with inspiration. Outdoor edit is giving buying and beyond listeners 20% off the range, just use BBEDIT20 at the checkout to redeem. This offer ends on 9th July.

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If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :)
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If you'd like to show a little more love, then head here to give us just a little bit *extra* and show us your support :) thank you!

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