A bumper Christmas could be in store for the retail sector: a weak pound and cheaper rents have seen international firms expand into the UK.London especially has benefited from international shoppers bolstering the footfall of its shopping districts. But retailers are looking inward to source and develop talent, mindful of the
After acco

unting for seasonal factors, September’s Markit/CIPS Business Activity Index for the services sector, which includes retail, registered 52.8, higher than August’s low of 51.3 and above the 50 no-change mark for a 17th consecutive month.

According to Charlie Jackson, director at recruiter Jackson Rose, international retailers are increasingly choosing to expand into the UK, due to favourable rents, combined with shopping tourists taking advantage of a weak pound. Indeed the 2010 report of ’How Global is the Business of Retail?’ from CB Richard Ellis Global Research & Consulting found that London remains the top destination for attracting international retailers. But it’s not just the capital that has benefited, says Jackson: “We have won two foreign clients and one that is opening a store in major towns in England, London, Manchester and in Dublin in Ireland.”

Luxury brands have been successful due to everyone coming here because it is so cheap to shop. That’s going to change next year

But such confidence could diminish next year. Grant Morris, managing director at Elite Associates, told Recruiter that next year’s VAT increase, combined with interest rates going up, will mean consumers have less money in their pocket, hitting tourist spending. “Luxury brands have been successful due to everyone coming here because it is so cheap to shop. That’s going to change next year. I think the luxury retailers will be fine but a bunch of shoppers may not be around next year

“For now, however, candidates have picked up on more positive sentiment and are looking for new challenges, says Morris. “People are more confident about moving. This year, there are more people on the market but it is still difficult to find certain skillsets.”
Russell Crowe, director at Retail Kudos, told Recruiter these skillsets include asset managers and acquisition managers in the retail property sector and instore pharmacists.

Sainsbury’s is seeking not only pharmacists, but experienced store managers, and recruits with skills in digital, food technology and product development, says Jackie Hallums, Sainsbury’s head of resourcing. But the retailer is increasingly looking inwards to source talent. “Our careers website has seen an average 22% more hits this year. Strategies driving direct sourcing approaches are definitely impacting the business of recruitment agencies,” she says.

Ultimately, if tomorrow’s talent is not present within the organisation then retailers will

seek to create it. Aldi regional managing director Richard Holloway told Recruiter that it has an ongoing requirement to recruit over 60 area managers per year and a significant number for stores around the county.

“For Aldi, the demand for graduates is across the Aldi retail placement scheme and the Aldi area management programme. Graduates enter through the placement scheme, and the area management programme places graduates and second careerists. Both schemes are looking for candidates who can demonstrate an all-round ability, combining academic and non-academic qualities and who show drive and determination.”