The Shop Flaw

When life and career implode, and everything we hold onto for dear life no longer brings us joy, where do we go? The Shop Flaw returns without constraints..

Have you ever wondered about the impact of "return-to-store" on a retail store or its staff? Or, wondered how store staff feel when the head office descends on their store? As retail head offices devise ways to get customers back in-store, they often ignore the people who actually know customers best: the frontline staff who interact with them day in and day out. In this eye-opening episode, Grace Hill sits down with Timothy and Jasmine, co-hosts of the chart-topping podcast, The Shop Flaw. As retail store experts, they reveal the shocking reality of the relationships between the head office and store staff, and discuss why so many HQ initiatives miss the mark. Discover why so many brands misunderstand their core customers, and hear how brands can tap into illuminating insights about who actually drives sales by listening to the experts on the ground - their in-store teams. •    To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/insideretailpodcast •    To find out more about EDITED: https://hubs.la/Q02ZymRp0

In this conversation, Robert Welsh shares his experiences in the makeup industry, emphasising the importance of self-expression and inclusivity. Robert reflects on his time at MAC, where he felt empowered by the diverse and creative environment. The discussion also covers the challenges of navigating the beauty industry, the significance of retail experience in personal growth, and the evolving landscape of customer service and beauty trends. Key highlights include the impact of social media on consumer behaviour and the pressures faced by makeup brands in a fast-paced market.00:00 Embracing Uniqueness and Self-Expression04:59 The Power of Retail Theatre10:10 Navigating the Makeup Industry15:09 The Impact of Retail Experience on Personal Growth20:11 The Changing Landscape of Customer Service24:54 The Evolution of Beauty Trends30:08 Reflections on the Future of Makeup Brands

Robert Welsh shares his journey from a professional makeup artist to a full-time influencer. He discusses his experiences in retail, the challenges faced in the beauty industry, and the evolution of MAC Cosmetics. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity in makeup and the impact of social media on the beauty landscape. In this engaging conversation, Robert Welsh and The Shop Flaw hosts explore the evolution of the beauty industry, focusing on the authenticity of MAC Cosmetics, the challenges of transitioning from retail to professional makeup artistry, and the impact of social media on consumer behaviour. We discuss the importance of genuine customer service and the changing landscape of beauty brands, emphasising the need for inclusivity and creativity in the industry.

For a quarter of a century, Mohamed Al Fayed owned the fabled department store, Harrods. Globally renowned, Al Fayed has now been exposed as a serial sex offender, enabled by the prestige of Harrods and the teams of employees who worked for him. The BBC documentary, Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, finally gives voice to the brave victims who share their stories of his horrific crimes and abuses of power, exposing Al Fayed once and for all. Join us as we discuss the harrowing documentary and allegations from the perspective of a shop floor retail employee.

Whilst bricks and mortar retail stores have traditionally been the focus of customer service, with consumers increasingly shopping online, what happens when things go wrong? Join The Shop Flaw host Timothy and Nicole Al Rais of @nicoletalksfashion, who shares her shocking experience with Selfridges online. Having spent in excess of £1000 only to receive an empty box in the post, @namednicole took to Titkok to expess her disatisfaction and the #selfridgesscam viral moment was born... Listen to the story in full here, told exclusively to The Shop Flaw for the first time.

As fashion retail budgets are slashed across the board, what does the future hold for visual merchandising? Whilst VM teams can be annoying as hell, the love and creativity that they pour into projects is nothing short of incredible. But with bricks and mortar shops fighting for their very survival, is the era of dynamic visual story telling and compelling window displays coming to an end?

2023 was the worst year on record for retail shoplifting, with more than 430,000 cases recorded - an increase of more than a third from the year before. But in the midst of an unprecedented cost of living crisis, this is probably just a fraction of the real number. What is behind this explosion in shoplifting?

“When companies start paying more than minimum wage, and customers start treating staff with a bit of respect - maybe they'll get the customer service they're after..” - With increasing dissatisfaction on both sides of the aisle, is the customer vs. sales assistant narrative really just a distraction from the true crooks of retail?

Join Timothy and Leeds fashion royalty Tracey Campbell for a trip down memory lane! Having met in the early noughties whilst both working at Jigsaw, we reminisce in this hour long episode about those amazing times when retail was still king! Independent fashion stores, an incredible music and clubbing scene, and a big Yorkshire heart, Leeds really did have it all at the turn of the millennium. Has the world fundamentally changed, or have we just both become old and cynical?! Find out in this new one off Leeds special of The Shop Flaw. 

We're off to work at…BRANDY MELVILLE! The good, the bad and the downright ugly aspects of the biggest employment sector in the UK are laid bare in this first of its kind retail podcast. Buckle up as Timothy and Jasmine lift that fitting room curtain, giving you a warts and all front row seat into the realities of life on the shop floor.

Hi guys! We didn't want to not touch base with you all whilst we take a short break from recording. The last year has been a whirlwind, and The Shop Flaw has evolved from just the two of us, to amazing guest interviews, to our inboxes popping with wild retail stories, shared by you, our incredible listeners! Catch up with us as we talk over the nuts and bolts of podcasting and reveal our new confessions format…We can't wait to bring you closer to the show than ever before! J & T x

Join us as we enter Mini's World, Adwoa Owusu-Darko' dynamic creative platform that incorporates fashion, copywriting, consultancy, tv and panel speaking engagements, and broadsheet interviews…Adwoa is as impressive as she is engaging. Her insight into navigating a creative career offers sage advice to any budding young entrepreneur. Listen as she implores us not to quit the 9 to 5, viewing regular income as a fundamental facilitator in any creative pursuit. Topshop, New Look, Clarks, Adwoa has done it all. Foot fetishes, drunken football fans, and the odd inadvertent celebrity diss add levity to this new episode of The Shop Flaw. We are really proud of this one, and hope you enjoy it too! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With stints in retail and communications roles (all whilst studying for a degree), Wadzi shares her struggles of juggling online fame with the more traditional 9-5. Presiding over an enviable social media presence, Wadzi is celebrated for her observational commentaries on everything from fashion, to the class system, to veganism…But back to retail! Shoplifting, shocking wastefulness, and the odd dumpster dive are all covered in this episode of The Shop Flaw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dynamic Gen Z extraordinaire, Hannah, has many strings to her bow. Actress, model, social media star….distressed retail worker! Scouse by design, Hannah cut her fashion teeth in Leeds, working at Urban Outfitters during her studies before relocating to London. The good, the bad, and the ugly, Hannah talks openly about the importance of queer inclusive workplaces, employee conflicts, staff shortages, and her new found fame as an unlikely Tory minister favourite.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jasmine, Timothy, and Ariana for episode 1 of season 2 of The Shop Flaw! Born and raised in Galway, Ireland, Ariana's savagely honest take on luxury brands from Gucci to Givenchy and everything in between will leave you howling! Like so many of us, Ariana dreamed of a career in fashion and saw retail as an obvious first step on that career ladder…..Cue hilarious mishaps, nightmare managers, department store politics, and managerial decisions that will leave you shocked. Ariana talks candidly and movingly about her retail experiences and the ensuing mental health struggles that brought an abrupt end to her time on the shop floor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we look back on the past year and forward to all that a new year can bring, we reflect on The Shop Flaw's launch, the struggles of finding a career, and the mental impact of the shit show that was 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For those of us in retail, Christmas has been in full swing since early November. Monstrous playlists, late finishes and aggy customers…the holiday season is to be tolerated at best. Join Jasmine and Timothy as they discuss their chaotic Santa's grotto experiences, festive family memories, and the dreaded Boxing Day sales.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once regarded as one of the worlds most luxurious department stores, Harrods is an icon of British retail. In episode 16 of The Shop Flaw we are joined by retail veteran Rhiannon who lifts the lid on the inner workings of the fabled store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once regarded as one of the worlds most luxurious department stores, Harrods is an icon of British retail. In episode 15 of The Shop Flaw we are joined by retail veteran Rhiannon who lifts the lid on the inner workings of the world famous store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK housing crisis has affected everyone in some way or another, but renters have been hit particularly hard. As London becomes ever more hostile to young creatives and those in the retail and service industries, Jasmine and Timothy grapple with the challenges of surviving on a retail wage in episode 14 of The Shop Flaw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK housing crisis has affected everyone in some way or another, but renters have been hit particularly hard. As London becomes ever more hostile to young creatives and those in the retail and service industries, Jasmine and Timothy grapple with the challenges of surviving on a retail wage in episode 13 of The Shop Flaw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK's graduates are suffering the worst jobs market in years, with wages decreasing and fewer positions available. Those whose education was blighted by the pandemic are finding that their prospects have barely improved since graduating. And yet it isn't just graduates who are feeling the pinch, with the cost of living crisis hammering down on already squeezed budgets, retail workers are left wondering whether that meaningful pay rise will ever materialise… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK's graduates are suffering the worst jobs market in years, with wages decreasing and fewer positions available. Those whose education was blighted by the pandemic are finding that their prospects have barely improved since graduating. And yet it isn't just graduates who are feeling the pinch, with the cost of living crisis hammering down on already squeezed budgets, retail workers are left wondering whether that meaningful pay rise will ever materialise… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst celebrities never fail to provide hilarity on the shop floor, influencers who pop up at the opening of any and all retail envelopes remain intolerable quite frankly. Rude, demanding, and with no discernible talent, influencers remain akin to a nasty respiratory infection you just can't shake... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another monotonous day on the shop floor…that is until Victoria Beckham enters the building thinking she owns the joint. Retail perks are few and far between, but celeb interactions are the gift that keeps on giving. From the delightful to the downright rude, celebrities in the wild never fail to cause a stir on the shop floor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the most annoying person in the shop isn't a customer but a person from head office. They've forgotten what manners are, refuse to make eye contact and don't bother with names. They think they've made it quite frankly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With poor pay across most of the retail sector, staff discount's and allowances remain highly coveted, particularly if you work for a brand that you love. Just be careful not to spend your whole paycheck lining the pockets of your employers... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love it or hate it retail just doesn't pay! In the midst of a cost of living crisis where incomes are squeezed more than ever, we discuss the impact of low wages on shop floor employees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charity shops, we love them! Those places where we use to find a bargain are slowly becoming less affordable. Join us as we discuss second hand platforms, hidden gems and the future of our favourite charities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remember high streets? Where we went to buy CD singles and lived out our youth. Now on a knife edge, we reminisce and ponder their chances of survival in a digital age on episode 4 of The Shop Flaw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once the jewel in the crown of every high street, many department stores up and down the country are closing their doors for the last time. Join Timothy and Jasmine for a dose of nostalgia and real talk on the state of retail in an age of online shopping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Timothy….25 years in retail and still bringing it on the shop floor. But let's be real! His glittering retail career hasn't come without a price...and Jasmine is right there to remind him of his customer service fails! That's what friends are for…Sales assistant realness. It ain't easy! Customer is always right? We beg to differ… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another long day at work and Timothy and Jasmine are plotting their escape from retail. That's exactly how The Shop Flaw podcast was born. From throwing around ideas at our retail job to actually recording the first episode was a Herculean effort. But forget the actual podcast content. Imposter syndrome was our number one enemy.#retailproblems #workinginretail #retailbelike #retail #retailstories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.