Imogen Bailey, Associate Editor of Ragtrader magazine and host of Ragtrader Radio, talks with Richard Facioni, ACTA Capital founder and CEO, about the changes made by their brands to accommodate impacts from COVID.

We start by reviewing Richard's business experience, the retail brands he has invested in and how each of them has evolved through the pandemic to serve an ever-changing client base, including the opportunities and restrictions lockdowns have brought to fashion-focused retailers. Richard reveals how his brands have reduced revenues and increased profits despite closing over 200 physical stores.

The discussion also identifies the maturing of customer trends and needs that can be met through collaborative efforts, personalised experiences and the judicious combination of online and offline shopping. Furthermore, we touch upon customer structures that have changed permanently and those that may revert to their pre-COVID forms.

We wrap up the episode with a discussion of the pandemic's unpredictable and different effects on brands as well as a comparison of consumer changes during lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. Richard also gives keen insights into the varied aspects of the fashion retail industry from both the online and physical worlds.

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Ragtrader Radio is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Ragtrader, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Ragtrader, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

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Host: Imogen Bailey

Facilitator: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Ragtrader - © 2021