27 October 2011

Focus on: International brands

We’re finding that the international contacts court & spark is speaking to are looking to staff up their new UK operations by headhunting top UK retailers, not import their own talent. Whilst they are ideally looking for retail professionals who have expertise working within international organisations, they recognise that the UK is home to a high calibre of top retailing executives so they can access the talent they need without relocating their own personnel.

From my own experience working internationally as Retail Operations Director for Laura Ashley within the US I know that there are huge benefits to be gained from working with an international brand. This is a great time for candidates to make their mark and help international brands steal a march on the UK high street.

As the UK retail scene continues to welcome new international brands to our high streets we’re being briefed to secure talent to join these rapidly expanding brands. Read our insight around the cultural differences and expectations that new brands to the UK have when it comes to hiring new talent. Pauline Wood explains:

“Whilst the economy is looking a little gloomy, new brands hitting the UK high street are adding a bit of sparkle which is securing them heightened consumer interest. We’re hearing that brands like Forever 21 who recently opened its third UK store at Westfield Stratford City, are being embraced by UK consumers who are getting excited by a new face in the shopping mall. Their success is sure to inspire US home & cookware retailers Williams-Sonoma and Crate & Barrell who are mooted to be expanding into the UK in the near future.

Equally, strong performing UK retail brands are eyeing up lucrative markets in growth to ease their domestic worries with Superdry, Clarks and Primark are all embarking on large international stores roll out programmes. So what career opportunities does the internationalisation of the high street generate?

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