The retail industry continues to experience structural shifts driven by evolving consumer behaviours and technological advancements. These changes began before the pandemic but have since accelerated, requiring traditional retailers to reassess how they operate. Brick-and-mortar stores are particularly affected, grappling with reduced footfall and the contraction of high streets across the UK.
Today’s consumers are increasingly price-conscious and purpose-driven in their purchasing decisions. Demand for ethically sourced and sustainable products is growing, with buyers prioritising value for money and aligning purchases with their personal values. As a result, retail businesses must now deliver both convenience and ethical standards to remain competitive.
This evolving environment has created an urgent need for upskilling within the sector. Retailers face a dual challenge: responding to rapid changes in consumer expectations while also navigating a labour market defined by skills shortages and retention struggles. One business tackling this head-on is Poundland, which has invested in upskilling initiatives to ensure its workforce remains agile and competitive.
Upskilling as a Strategic Response
Poundland has recognised the need to equip its employees with both technical and strategic skills. According to Dean Barker-Rogers, Leadership Development Manager at Poundland, employees must now deliver excellent customer service, understand market trends and remain flexible in a fast-changing retail environment.
Dean said, “It’s a win-win situation. Upskilling not only benefits the business but it also helps to keep up staff morale, knowledge and purpose.”
To support this goal, Poundland has partnered with Arden University to offer its employees access to further education, including the Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship plus MBA. Arden’s programmes offer a flexible and blended approach, enabling staff to continue their professional development without compromising their work or personal commitments.
Dean added, “My top advice for other retailers is to make sure you are partnering with a credible institution. For us, that was Arden University – they are well respected in the industry for the courses they offer – especially for senior leadership.
“Arden University is not only an established provider with experienced coaches, but their blended and flexible approach to learning suits our fast-paced environment.”
Stacey Hayes-Allen, Director of Corporate Partnerships at Arden University, explained that flexibility is essential when supporting adult learners. She said, “Learning as an adult has been shown to help learners maintain a greater sense of purpose, improving overall happiness and therefore, enhancing, engagement and retention. This means that offering personal development opportunities remains a key factor in helping employee wellbeing. But managing a job, education and home-life commitments can be challenging. Which is why flexible learning is so important. Being able to work through your studies at a pace that suits you will ensure a better chance of success.”
Employee Perspectives on Learning and Development
The impact of these programmes on employees has been significant. Dillon Heffernan, Head of Business Optimisation and Change at Poundland, recently completed the Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship. With a background in retail operations, Dillon began the programme as his role started to evolve.
He said, “The synergies of learning and my role collided at the same time – almost perfectly. I’ve gone strength to strength – academically and in my career. And graduating with this degree and an MBA is a personal milestone for me.
“When you get into your routine and realise that no one’s going to earmark this time for you, you learn your own time management skills, which also helps you to develop professionally. And those hours I give myself to study and personally improve, naturally gives back to the business, too.”
Georgie, a Store Manager with nine years of service at Poundland, is currently undertaking a Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management with Arden University. With a long career in retail, she has already noticed how the course is broadening her perspective.
She said, “I really enjoy being in a store; that fast-paced environment; coupled with the interaction on the shop floor with the customers, with my staff and with my team.
“As a store manager, I think you get very tied into your store. You don’t actually realise why decisions are made. This course has given me a greater understanding of why we do things the way we do.
“Previously I would have just done what I was asked to do – but now, I understand that we have different sources of revenue. For me before it was always just money in the till.”
Future Learning and Workforce Readiness
Dean Barker-Rogers pointed to the wider cultural impact of learning within the organisation. He said, “Learning and development is contagious. We’ve noticed that when other employees see the benefits, more want to get on board.
“We’re eager to continue offering this as a benefit for our employees – not just for the betterment of Poundland as a business, but for the development of our people and staff.”
Stacey Hayes-Allen added that degree apprenticeships, when delivered through a flexible learning model, provide long-term value to both employees and employers.
She added, “Degree apprenticeship programmes, delivered through a flexible partner, can play an important role in ensuring employees have access to bespoke learning and development for their roles and industry.
“This means employees will not only find themselves learning new things, developing their core skills, and finding solutions to the ongoing changes in consumer behaviour, but they’ll also find themselves continually applying their knowledge directly to your organisation.”
