I have found that the level of service and professionalism is exceptional. For me, one of the most important aspects of any relationship is ongoing communication and ensuring that I am kept up to speed with a process and how this is progressing and this is certainly an element of the service provided that I feel is a strength of Cast.
Retail Sector Overview
Between 2015 and 2021, there’s been a 32% growth in the number of warehousing units – with a movement towards large warehouses. Previously, high street retailers were the dominant purchasers of these spaces. But the triple threat – the pandemic, Brexit and technological disruption – have flipped this on its head. Now 3PLs and online retailers are taking up the space, with upsurges of 42% and 614% respectively.
- For every £1bn spent online, an additional 775,000sq ft of warehouse space is required.
- There’s no sign of a drop in the demand for home delivery, so this is the ‘new normal’ for the wholesale and retail sector.
- Since 2020, UK shoppers now spend more money online than any other country (on average).
- Retail is the largest private sector for employment in the UK, with around 2.8 million people working in the industry.
- The gender split is currently 58:42 (female/male), though between 2010–2020 the majority of retail jobs lost in the sector belonged to women. With retail work now shifting to warehouses and logistics centres, these roles are more likely to be secured by men.
Retail Sector Details
Highly skilled and agile leaders are required in the retail and wholesale sector due to the need to adapt to the technological interruption, and effectively manage sudden change – including crises. Positions vary from global commercial buying to supply chain management.
- We recruit a broad spectrum of roles in retail and wholesale, such as buying and merchandising, warehouse and distribution, and supply chain management.
- Along with strong technical ability and crisis management, skills such as leadership, innovation and commercial understanding are highly valued.
- The sector offers plenty of opportunity for career progression, with the potential to achieve management status at a relatively early age.
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