Discover the unconventional route to retail dominance with Julia Reynolds, a trailblazer who defied the odds by ascending from Topshop's head office to orchestrating a revolution at Tesco's F&F clothing line. Our cozy chat in the Chantry Hotel coach house unravels Julia's story, a tale interwoven with a pioneering spirit and an aversion to the phrase "we've always done it that way." Her journey, sans university, through the corporate world, to her present-day consultancy and exciting new ventures, is bound to captivate anyone with a flair for breaking molds and rewriting retail rules.As we navigate the intricacies of transitioning from physical storefronts to the digital marketplace, Julia recounts steering Figleaves.com to profitable shores in an era when e-commerce titans were still mapping their course. Her insights on operational efficiency, reverse logistics, and the complexities of business acquisitions shed light on the path to e-commerce success. Julia's stories from the frontlines of private equity and advisory roles paint a picture of the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the shifting sands of retail.The episode culminates with Julia's passionate pursuit to address a void in the fashion industry—the plight of ill-fitting clothing for women over 40. With an innovative use of AI and body-scanning technology, she's on a mission to revolutionize garment fitting and quality. As we discuss the potential for high street rejuvenation and community inclusivity, it's clear that Julia's vision for retail extends far beyond the checkout line, envisioning a vibrant future for both consumers and retailers. Join us for this journey through the past, present, and future of retail innovation.Business Advisor Martin Reynolds interviews the great and the good of business Thanks for listening follow me on Linkedin