The International Retail Academy

The International Retail Academy Creating epic customer experiences for retailers! Sales & leadership coaching. Workshops, talks 🔥

17/06/2026

Over the years, I've worked with hundreds of retail leaders.

The strongest leaders aren't necessarily the most experienced or the most naturally talented.

They're the ones who consistently practice a few simple habits.

1. They start their day with intention
They don't leave their mindset to chance.
Whether it's a walk, a workout, a few moments of reflection, or simply taking time to think before the day begins, they create space to lead themselves first.
Because how you start your day often shapes how you lead it.

2. They are clear in their communication
Great leaders don't assume people know what's important.
They take time to communicate priorities clearly.
What matters today?
What should the team focus on?
What does success look like?
Clarity reduces confusion and helps teams perform with confidence.

3. They keep learning
The best leaders never stop developing.
They read.
They listen.
They ask questions.
They seek out new ideas and different perspectives.

Because when leaders grow, their teams benefit too.

Leadership isn't about being perfect.

It's about being intentional, consistent, and committed to improving.

Which of these habits would make the biggest difference in your leadership today?

Retail Leadership | Leadership Development | People Development | Leadership Mindset | Retail Teams

Over 50% of Gen Z discover products on social media.By the time many customers walk into a store, the journey has alread...
16/06/2026

Over 50% of Gen Z discover products on social media.

By the time many customers walk into a store, the journey has already started.

They’ve seen the product online.
They’ve watched reviews.
They’ve followed recommendations.

And often, they’ve already formed an opinion.

That changes the role of the store.

It’s no longer about convincing customers to buy.
It’s about helping them make the right decision.

The best retail teams understand this.

They validate what the customer already knows.
They answer the questions social media can't.
They personalise the experience.
And they help turn interest into confidence.

Because while social media may create awareness, it's often the in-store experience that determines whether a customer chooses to buy.

That's where great retail teams continue to make a difference.

Customer Experience | Gen Z Retail | Retail Leadership | Store Performance | Retail Teams

15/06/2026

A few behind-the-scenes moments with the Hunkemöller.

Retail Leadership | Regional Managers | People Development | Retail Training | Leadership Development

12/06/2026

So many people are waiting for better conversations, better opportunities, and better experiences.

But often, they're waiting for someone else to go first.

A more interesting conversation doesn't happen by accident.
A stronger connection doesn't appear out of nowhere.
A positive culture doesn't build itself.

Whether you're leading a team, supporting a colleague, or serving a customer, the same principle applies:

Go first.

Be the one who asks the thoughtful question.
Be the one who shares an idea.
Be the one who encourages someone.
Be the one who brings positive energy into the room.

Because the quality of our interactions is rarely created by chance.

It's shaped by what we're willing to contribute.

In retail, this matters more than ever.

The energy, confidence, and attitude leaders bring to work each day influence the experience of their teams and ultimately their customers.

If you want more positivity, more growth, and more meaningful connections, don't wait for them to arrive.

Create them.

Retail Leadership | Leadership Mindset | People Development | Team Culture | Retail Teams

"My team have made a step change in their service levels, and I am so grateful."Feedback like this is exactly why we do ...
11/06/2026

"My team have made a step change in their service levels, and I am so grateful."

Feedback like this is exactly why we do what we do.

Peter Ibbotson partnered with Kayleigh and the TIRA team to support the development of his people through workshops and ongoing team coaching sessions.

“Kayleigh is a fantastic speaker, and the engagement from the team was superb.”

For us, great training isn't about delivering a workshop and walking away.

It's about creating lasting change through practical learning, reinforcement, and ongoing support that helps teams build confidence and apply what they've learned in the real world.

When teams feel more confident, service becomes more consistent.

And when service improves, customers feel the difference.

Thank you, Peter, for your trust, partnership, and kind words.

Retail Leadership | Customer Experience | Retail Training | People Development | Retail Teams

10/06/2026

At The International Retail Academy, we don't believe in surface-level training.

Retail teams don't need more information for the sake of it.

They need development that feels relevant, practical, and connected to the reality of the shop floor.

That's why we help retail brands design experiences from the inside out.

Starting with the people.

Because customer experience isn't created by a training manual, a process, or a presentation.

It's created by confident teams, strong leaders, and meaningful interactions that happen every day in the store.

When people feel capable, supported, and clear on what great looks like, the customer experience naturally improves.

If you're rethinking how your stores feel and how your people connect with customers, we'd love to help.

Retail Leadership | Customer Experience | Retail Training | People Development | Retail Teams

70% of buying decisions are made in-store.Customers may have researched online, compared options, and read reviews befor...
09/06/2026

70% of buying decisions are made in-store.

Customers may have researched online, compared options, and read reviews before they arrive.

But the final decision often happens standing in front of the product.

It’s in that moment where hesitation appears.

Questions surface.

Confidence is either built or lost.

This is where retail teams make the difference.

A well-timed conversation.
A thoughtful question.
A team member who is present, knowledgeable, and ready to help.

These moments don't just support the sale — they influence it.

Because customers aren't only looking for products.

They're looking for reassurance that they're making the right choice.

If teams aren't present in that moment, the opportunity often goes with it.

Customer Experience | Retail Leadership | Retail Training | Store Performance | Retail Teams

08/06/2026

Lead With Impact.

Over the past few months, we've had the privilege of partnering with Hunkemöller on a bespoke leadership development journey for their Regional Managers across the Netherlands, Nordics, and Germany.

This wasn't about delivering a one-off workshop.

It was about creating a programme that reflects the realities of multi-site retail leadership and helps Regional Managers strengthen their impact where it matters most — with their people.

Through in-person workshops, coaching conversations, practical activities, and ongoing development, we've explored what it means to lead with greater clarity, confidence, accountability, and influence.

Regional Managers play a unique role in retail.

They connect strategy with ex*****on.
They support store leaders through change.
They shape culture across multiple locations.

And they help create the conditions for teams to thrive.

When Regional Managers invest in their own development, the impact reaches far beyond themselves.

It influences store managers.
It strengthens teams.
And ultimately, it improves the customer experience.

A huge thank you to everyone involved for their openness, energy, and commitment throughout the journey.

Lead with impact. Because it matters.

Retail Leadership | Regional Managers | People Development | Retail Training | Leadership Development

05/06/2026

One of the biggest reasons change doesn’t stick in retail is simple:

Leaders stop following up.

A new customer experience programme has been launched.
There’s training.
Workshops.
Videos.
Communication packs.

And then everyone hopes the behaviours will naturally embed themselves into daily store life.

But that’s rarely what happens.

Because training alone doesn’t create long-term change.
Reinforcement does.

The strongest rollouts always include a follow-up phase:
checking in with store leaders
revisiting expectations
recognising progress
coaching through challenges

And importantly, speaking to the store teams themselves.

Not just the managers.

Because the people on the shop floor will often tell you:
What’s actually landing
Where confidence is still missing
And what’s getting lost once the launch excitement fades

Sometimes a simple 10-minute follow-up conversation can create more impact than another training module.

Real change happens through consistency, reinforcement, and leadership visibility.

Not one-off launches.

retail leadership | people development | retail training | store performance | customer experience

“Professional, passionate, and genuinely enjoyable to work with.”We’re incredibly grateful for feedback like this from t...
04/06/2026

“Professional, passionate, and genuinely enjoyable to work with.”

We’re incredibly grateful for feedback like this from the people and brands we partner with.

Caterina Bierti shared these kind words after collaborating with Kayleigh, Veronica, and the LBFF team on a recent project:

“Caring and passionate while delivering amazing service, I would choose them all over again for the project we worked on together.”

At TIRA, we believe great partnerships are built on more than just delivering results.

They come from:
listening properly,
collaborating openly,
caring about the experience as much as the outcome.

Because when people enjoy the process, the work becomes stronger, more creative, and far more impactful.

Thank you, Caterina, for the trust and support throughout the project.

retail leadership | customer experience | retail partnerships | retail training | people development

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