Clare Bailey - Founder, The Retail Champion

Your Go-To Retail Consultant and Media Retail Expert

Known as the “Walking Encyclopaedia of Retail”, Clare Bailey (formerly Clare Rayner)—The Retail Champion—is one of the UK’s most respected authorities on retail, high streets, and consumer behaviour. With a sharp eye for detail and a knack for making sense of the ever-changing retail landscape, Clare combines her unparalleled expertise with a refreshing dose of wit and wisdom.

From Shop Floor to Boardroom

Clare’s career began flipping burgers—on the fast track at McDonald’s, no less—before climbing the retail ladder to work with household names like Marks & Spencer, Dixons, and Argos. Her talents soon caught the eye of global heavyweights SAP and Accenture, where she honed her skills in retail technology and process improvement. This hands-on experience across all levels of the industry makes Clare uniquely positioned to advise everyone from global brands to independent shops.

The Media’s Retail Go-To Expert

You’ve likely seen Clare sharing her insights on Good Morning Britain, BBC Breakfast, Sky News, Netflix and Channel 5. She has a talent for distilling complex retail data and trends into relatable, actionable insights that resonate with viewers. Whether she’s discussing high street regeneration or the latest consumer habits, Clare’s dynamic and engaging delivery ensures she stands out as a trusted media expert.

Captivating Speaker and Author

Clare’s energetic, no-nonsense approach makes her a hit on the conference circuit, where she tackles topics like retail trends, eCommerce strategies, and the future of high streets. She’s also the author of two must-read books: “The Retail Champion: 10 Steps to Retail Success” and “How to Sell to Retail: The Secrets of Getting Your Product to Market”. Both are packed with practical advice and insider knowledge for retail professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

Retail Consultancy with a Difference

At the helm of The Retail Champion consultancy, Clare partners with businesses of all sizes to optimise operations, improve profitability, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. From major players like Amazon and Barclaycard to independent retailers, Clare applies her data-driven approach to create lightbulb moments and actionable strategies. Think of her as a “business engineer” for retail: unpicking what’s not working and fine-tuning processes for maximum impact.

A Trusted Retail Expert Witness

Clare’s expertise also extends to the courtroom. As a retail expert witness, she provides clear, evidence-based analysis for high-stakes legal cases, delivering compelling testimony that simplifies complex retail issues.

Why Clare Bailey?

Whether you’re seeking an engaging keynote speaker, a savvy media commentator, or a no-nonsense retail consultant, Clare Bailey delivers the goods. With her wealth of experience and approachable style, she’s the expert you want in your corner to tackle retail challenges head-on.

Ready to work with Clare? Discover more at www.retailchampion.co.uk and see her in action via the SumUp playlist.