We asked Ian F. Wade, former Managing Director of A.S.Watson group from 1982 to 2006, what would be his top tips to retail leaders today.
Ianâs retail achievements across Asia, Europe, and the USA are well recorded.
These include becoming the worldâs largest Health and Beauty retailer, as well as buying a larger share of Priceline now (Booking.com) for 2 dollars a share and driving it to be number 1 in the world for internet travel.
1: As a leader donât hide from the problems, they will get worse.
2: Are your management team able to adapt to today's trading and market conditions?
3: On-Line effectiveness, can you cope with the digital transformation age?
4: Sales verses Margin, the essential question.
5: Does your Store design & planning have the "WOW factor" to stimulate interest, attraction and create a memorable experience for the customers?
6: Is your product range stale or still relevant?
7: Is your purchasing and marketing team alert and reviewing price points?
8: Is your store frontage compelling? Reminder, its the biggest advertisement for your brand.
9: Are you aware of each customer in the store? They are precious.
10: Just a reminder, Please donât ignore your problem areas!
Ian was responsible for the fastest growing international business in the world, a visionary strategic leader with unique experience of retail development, acquisition, organic growth, profitable investment, brand re-invention, development and developing markets. An in depth knowledge of running for profit and growth of a diverse portfolio of businesses, including a supermarket / hypermarket chain, the largest health and beauty store chain in the world, a unique luxury perfume and cosmetic chain spanning 15 countries, multi-format airport retailing, beverage manufacturing business, a wine chain and Hong Kongâs most prestigious electrical brand.
An entrepreneur who has contributed to almost half of the turnover of one of the worldâs largest conglomerates, by growing their retail business from 16 to 7,700 stores. A.S.Watson now has 15,000 stores.
Launched ground breaking hypermarkets in China and Hong Kong of up to 20,000 sqm. Developed the new innovate retail format stores including establishing the wine market in Hong Kong through developing Watson Wine.
Being a Senior Executive of a Chinese, worldwide multi-category Group, frequently involved in property development across many Asian countries, particularly in China. Ian was also responsible for the Groupâs hotel division and he was accountable for its P and L.
Expanding the business from Asian player to a more balanced Asia / European retailer with a mix of developing markets and cash generating established operations. Built a fantastic international team who developed unique skills of market entry and development.
In these challenging times, if you are unsure of the way forward let Ian Know.
Ian now shares his knowledge and expertise to help build a mind set for transnational leadership with retailers.
Unlike virtually all consultancies we can execute, not just not just talk about it.
Contact us for more information:
Email: info@waterhousewade.com
Phone: +852 9040 8251