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

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. Session 2 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.