In this episode, Katie chats with Neil Clifford, CEO of Kurt Geiger. Hear about his journey from a dyslexic schoolboy leaving school with only one O-level at 16years old to becoming CEO of Europe’s largest luxury shoe and accessory retailer.

Since that drawing of a green flash trainer for his art O-level, his career in fashion retail spans now 30 years, half of this time has been spent at Kurt Geiger. Kurt Geiger currently operates in 28 countries with 57 freestanding locations and it manages the luxury shoe business in the UK’s department stores including Harrods and Selfridges.

Hear how Neil has worked to expand the KG business beyond the UK and entering into international partnerships and successfully launched the KG business online. He discusses the challenges of Covid on the retail business and how the company adapted both practically and how its ethos has evolved as a result. Kindness and creativity. Giving thousands of shoes to NHS workers and setting up their own charitable foundation.

Listen as they delve into ideas around ambition, leadership, business lessons, management, and inspiration in the retail space. They discuss the practical challenges of footwear retail, price points, and why Neil is still optimistic about shopping on the high street.

They chat about the importance of supply chain, sustainability, and how it is impacting the footwear retail business, highlighting they are now selling fewer products, but at higher prices and better quality. Would you build a shoe store out of old shoes?

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This podcast is produced by Audio Coast