Well here we are...the second sunny issue of Retail Rocks, the online magazine created for retailers of all sizes. The feedback we had from our first winter issue was brilliant, with readers telling us about features that had resonated and also making suggestions as to what they'd like to see written about in the future.

So, always bearing that in mind, one of our first features looks at a retailer that works hard to get people into stores and less reliant on online shopping screens and come into town. Kevan Blackadder, Head of Cheltenham BID, put us in touch with Alison Jacobsen, award-winning manager of Molton Brown who gives her thoughts on how and why collaboration works and we've got images of her latest event where she worked alongside fashion designer Jan Knibbs, to showcase all things wedding.

Other experts we have been talking to include Catherine Erdly who advises retailers of all sizes, from absolute novices to corporates who've been around for decades. Catherine takes us through who she believes is doing well and why along with her view of where retail and shopping are heading in the next few years.

We were also curious to know what shoppers think about their own retail environment and so put a few questions to Maybe*, the social listening platform. We confess we were stunned that after 48 hours via Facebook messenger they had collated over 24,000 responses from people of all ages, from towns of varying sizes, about how they shop and what they think the future holds for a successful community and retail environment. Breaking news...it's not all about the parking.

For those looking at testing the waters, and finding out how consumer groups can help shape their business work, we speak to Matt Barr, marketing lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire where you'll find Cotswolds' first Consumer Behaviour Lab and we also take a peek at the anticipated opening of the UK Digital Retail Innovation Centre (UK DRIC) in Gloucester to see how this space will shape the future of retail across the whole country.

An area that seems to be thriving in these uncertain times for retail is the Charity sector. Of course, you cry, their rates are minimal and they don't pay for their stock or staff so we spoke to Mark Chapman from the Retailers Charity Association to see how the sector is really faring, issues they've faced and what advice they would give others in the industry. We also hear from Guy Biggin, expert in the charity sector and Managing Partner of national accountants Crowe UK.

We meet Rachel Savage, Founder of Brand New Story who talks about how a retail business needs to find its own story and be sure to stick to it (let's face it there's nowhere to hide with social media) and we look at some brilliant ways of window dressing that don't have to cost a fortune.

The aim of Retail Rocks is simply to share information with local retailers so we can work together and continue to show the rest of the world that the Cotswolds is a fantastic place to live, work and most definitely shop. A big thank you to our sponsors listed below, for their belief in the industry and subsequent support of the magazine.

Finally massive thanks to our Rocker Mona Turnbull and model Alexa Taylor on this issue's cover. We are huge fans of Mona and her rocking body art, to read more about her https://rockthecotswolds.tumblr.com/post/163691054042/stuck-in-a-barn-with

If you have any feedback or areas you'd like covered in future issues please don't hesitate to get in touch at melissa@rockthecotswolds.com.

Melissa

Melissa Ormiston

Editor

Retail Rocks the Cotswolds

Rock the Cotswolds is a not-for-profit campaign. It was launched in 2014 by Oli Christie, Nicky Godding and Melissa Ormiston to challenge popular misconceptions of the area as simply rolling vistas and pretty villages.

While great for tourism, this picture overlooks the region’s many world-leading businesses, including retailers, which offer ambitious young and skilled people a great work/life balance. We all know there’s as much going on across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire as in London and you just need to know where to look.

Rock the Cotswolds regularly reveals new people and businesses who are making their mark across the Cotswolds. Called Rock the Cotswolds’ Rockers, over 200 are profiled and showcased every month on www.rockthecotswolds.com.

Massive thanks to the supporters of Retail Rocks online magazine including: