admin Retail trends have evolved dramatically, with packaging emerging as a pivotal element in brand differentiation and customer engagement. This shift places an emphasis on innovative, sustainable packaging strategies as key to attracting today’s eco-conscious consumers. In this dynamic landscape, Wizz Selvey emerges as an industry beacon and go-to thought leader. With unparalleled market insights, she guides clients through these changes, identifying growth opportunities and strategizing to future-proof businesses in a competitive, ever-evolving marketplace.
Back to the Beginnings
Wizz Selvey’s entrance into the retail world was marked by a blend of creative flair and a keen business sense, initially sparked during her university studies in textile design and retail management. Despite enjoying a creative work placement at Clarissa Hulse’s design studio, Selvey quickly realised her ambition to incorporate more robust business skills into her career. Early on, she faced scepticism, particularly from recruitment consultants who doubted her transition into buying due to a lack of experience. Undeterred by such negative feedback, Selvey’s perseverance saw her starting in merchandising, swiftly moving into buying roles as opportunities arose from team restructuring. This early challenge did not hinder her; instead, it fueled her determination, setting the stage for a distinguished career in retail that included pivotal roles at Selfridges and later at Fabled by Marie Claire, where she evolved into a Head of Buying. As Director at Soho House Retail, Wizz gained tremendous expertise, guiding the Cowshed and Soho Home brands through pivotal growth periods
The establishment of WIZZ&CO was a natural progression for Selvey, allowing her to leverage her extensive industry experience to consult on retail strategy, brand development, and consumer engagement. The consultancy embodies her forward-thinking approach, emphasising sustainability, digital innovation, and experiential retail as cornerstones for success in the modern marketplace.
“I love helping business leaders combine innovation, creativity and commerciality to get results” – Wizz Selvey
Channelling Years Experience and a Genuine Passion
With 18 years of experience in the retail industry, Wizz Selvey stands in a distinguished position, having worked with thousands of brands and retail businesses. Her deep understanding of what drives success in retail has made her an invaluable resource for business leaders seeking to fuse innovation, creativity, and commercial savvy to achieve remarkable outcomes. Selvey’s keen sense for trends, expertise in building disruptive brands, and deep knowledge of customer behaviour have been pivotal in her role leading buying teams. This expertise enabled her to consistently exceed customer expectations, delivering double-digit growth year-on-year. Recognized as a top retail expert internationally for two consecutive years, Selvey is a sought-after speaker and a prolific contributor to both trade and mainstream media, with features in prestigious publications such as WGSN, Retail Gazette, Draper’s, and The Guardian. Recognised as an ‘Expert’ in the Top 100 Retail Influencer list 2023 by Re-Think Retail, Selvey’s authority extends to international platforms, including trend forecast events at prestigious venues like Google’s London offices.
Insight into Consumer Dynamics and Trends
Selvey’s understanding of contemporary consumer behaviour is nuanced and insightful. She recognises the challenges brands face in an era of digital fatigue, advocating for strategies that prioritise genuine engagement and innovative experiences. At WIZZ&CO, she works with clients to navigate these dynamics, encouraging a balanced approach that combines online presence with meaningful physical interactions to foster loyalty and brand advocacy.
From her unique perspective, the evolution of packaging in the retail sector is not just a trend but a transformative movement towards enhancing consumer engagement. She sees packaging as a pivotal platform for creativity and collaboration, offering brands a unique avenue to inject added value into their products. According to Selvey, the move towards experimental packaging—especially in realms where the aesthetic and collectability factor prominently, like beauty and beverages—resonates deeply with consumers. She advocates for packaging that transcends conventional functionality, suggesting that it should instead serve as a complementary aspect of the product, enriching the consumer’s experience and perception. For Selvey, the goal is clear: create packaging that is not only creative and captivating but also encourages customer loyalty and advocacy, effectively giving products a second life and furthering sustainable practices within the industry. This innovative approach to packaging underscores a broader vision for the retail market, where distinction and consumer connection are paramount.
Leadership Approach and Industry Impact
Wizz embodies a deeply collaborative approach, one that’s infused with her dynamic energy. She brings an infectious enthusiasm to every partnership, immersing herself in clients’ strategies to achieve ambitious goals. Selvey advocates for sustained engagement, believing that the most impactful results emerge from long-term collaboration. Her methodology is straightforward yet empathetic, making her a sought-after speaker and advisor on market trends. With over 18 years of experience and success stories with thousands of brands, Selvey is committed to sharing her vast knowledge through speaking engagements, press contributions, and now, online education. She empowers business leaders with the tools for brand building and effective retail pitches, facilitating accessible learning and one-on-one mentoring. Selvey is on a mission to support those poised for disruption, aiming to catalyse growth for forward-thinking entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs alike.
“I have an instinct for trends, how to build a disruptive brand and an expert on customer behaviour” – Wizz Selvey
Cultivating Robust Client Relations and Navigating the Future
Wizz has earned widespread commendation for its pivotal role in enhancing brand strategies and retail operations. Clients consistently praise her for swiftly grasping the essence of their brands, identifying key challenges, and unveiling opportunities with her profound industry insights. Her actionable strategies, underpinned by extensive experience, have been instrumental in managing relationships with department store concessions, driving seasonal promotions, and establishing foundational buying strategies that lead to substantial business growth and successful partnerships.
Selvey’s strategic acumen, complemented by her supportive and engaging personality, has empowered brands to not only navigate the competitive retail landscape but also achieve notable milestones, such as entering prestigious retail partnerships and scaling operations effectively in the UK market. Her ability to deliver honest, personalised feedback and innovative, outside-the-box strategies has positioned her as a cherished advisor and strategist, passionately dedicated to each brand’s success as if it were her own, making her partnership invaluable to entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Selvey’s contributions through WIZZ&CO are poised to shape the industry’s future. Her emphasis on sustainability, consumer-centric strategies, and the seamless integration of digital and physical retail spaces underscores her vision for a more adaptive, responsible, and engaging retail environment.
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