In the UK, many shops look the same – but the most successful retailers understand that inspiration doesn't always come from within their immediate sector. Retail expert John Ryan explains why.

As shoppers move online, real-world stores are finding themselves with floor space to fill. Following the example of major players like Tesco, retailers are providing services to complement their existing offerings and enhance their core business.

E-commerce can be a struggle for supermarkets, but Asda hopes its #SaveSummer campaign can boost excitement. It's all about making grocery shopping more social, story-led and instinctive – but are consumers ready for such a big step?

With the spread of technology, companies are exploring the ways household chores can be made more bearable. Amazon is appealing to grocery-hating mothers everywhere with Amazon Dash – the kitchen assistant intended to do for the shopping list what Kindle did for the e-book.