Future-Proofing Retail in an Online-First World: A Strategic Masterclass

A practical, management-level workshop for retailers who want to stay relevant, profitable and resilient.

Who this workshop is for:

Retail business owners and managers who feel increasing pressure from online shopping and changing customer behaviour, want practical ways to future-proof their business and clarity on what to focus on next. This proggramme focuses on how retail is changing now, how to compete without racing online giants, make smarter decisions with limited time and staff and build a business that can adapt again and again.

Programme Outline:

Module 1 – What’s Really Changing in Retail (and Why It Matters to Your Shop).

• How online shopping has changed customer expectations (even when they shop locally).
• Why price is no longer the only reason people buy online.
• What large platforms are good at, and where they struggle.
• Where local shops still have a real advantage.

Module 2 – Choosing Where to Compete (Instead of Trying to Do Everything).

• Exploring ways your local shop can successfully compete today.
• Making clear choices that reduce stress and improve results.
• Identifying your strongest competitive lane.

Module 3 – What Successful Retailers Are Doing Differently (and Why it Works).

• Identifying trends.
• Developing a trusted brand.
• Using loyalty and staff development as a competitive advantage.
• Developing a model that works against online competition.

Module 4 – Using Digital and AI Without Adding More Work.

• Digital and AI tools for small teams.
• How retailers are saving time (not creating more work).
• Using digital to support the shop - not replace it.
• Where technology helps decisions, and where human judgment matters.

Module 5 – Making It Easier for Customers to Buy from You Than Online.

• Removing friction from the buying experience.
• Turning convenience into a reason to visit the shop.
• Exploring ways to increase repeat business for your shop.

Module 6 - Next Steps: Turning Today into Action

• Develop a 90-day action plan for your business.

Participants leave with:

• a clear 90-day action plan for their business.
• one priority to improve their shop experience.
• one practical digital or operational improvement.
• one idea for collaboration or local engagement.
• clear information on how LEO can support next steps.
  
  

💼 Facilitator: Aisling Hurley

Aisling brings over a decade of creative leadership and digital innovation expertise. As co-founder of Teamwoodcraft and a seasoned strategist for global brands (British Airways, Menarini, Covalen), Aisling bridges the gap between entrepreneurship, creativity, and academia. With lecturing roles at Trinity, UCD, and Maynooth, and as an award-nominated changemaker, she infuses her sessions with energy, insight, and a passion for collaborative transformation.