Today I had the pleasure of joining The Retail Steering Group — a room filled with some of the most passionate, resilient and honest voices in retail.
We spoke openly about the realities of the industry right now… what’s changed, what’s challenging us and, quite frankly, what keeps us awake at night. Retail has evolved beyond recognition in recent years and survival isn’t about luck or a magic formula. There is no secret. It’s about showing up every single day with energy, visibility, determination and an unwavering passion for what you do.
The statistics are sobering — over 40% of new retail businesses don’t make it past their first year. Costs continue to rise, tariffs are crippling for many independents and the pressure is relentless.
At The Dressing Room, our focus has always remained the same: exceptional product, an incredible team and a beautiful environment that continues to evolve with our customer at the heart of it all. Retail isn’t easy… but honestly, where would the fun be if it was?
A huge thank you to Spring Fair and Autumn Fair for inviting me to be part of the Love Letter to Retail Steering Group. It was such a pleasure to spend time with like-minded people sharing ideas, experiences and passion for an industry we all care so deeply about — topped off with the incredible Chimney Lift experience at Battersea Power Station.
An inspiring day 🩷
@springautumnfair @batterseapwrstn
@thedressingroomsocial