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PODCAST

Buying and Beyond

Buying & Beyond

Welcome to the Buying & Beyond podcast, the podcast for all things Retail Buying...and more!Join us, Kate & Lyns, buyers and best friends, each week for industry insights, stories and expertise from real people in retail. Enjoy honest stories and conversations, retail therapy and learn bite-sized tips from us and our guests from across the industry.Season 1 starts with Becoming a Buyer - the background to how we started in the industry, what exactly is a Buyer, working your way up the ladder

business careers

All Episodes

55:37

S8 E3: Podcast LIVE at Top Drawer - Getting started...

Buying and Beyond ·

2026/02/25

This week’s episode is split into two parts. The first was recorded live at Top Drawer back in January, where we sat down with Hannah Adams to talk about AI and what it really means for buyers and brands. The second dives into Hannah’s career journey from buyer to business transformation specialist and what that evolution teaches us about modern retail careers. Part One: Live from Top Drawer - AI in Retail Recording live brought such energy to this conversation. We wanted to strip AI back to ...

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45:43

S8 EP2: From shop floor lessons to commercial...

Buying and Beyond ·

2026/02/18

S8 EP2 From shop floor lessons to commercial confidence with Dahlia Stroud This week we’re joined by Dahlia Stroud, a retail and FMCG leader whose career spans Nestlé, Asda and Co-op, where she’s led commercial strategy, online trading and multiple buying teams (without ever officially holding the buyer title). Today she hosts Stressed But Well-Dressed, exploring the link between confidence, mindset and how we show up at work. In this episode we go back to the start- field sales, Christmas ai...

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43:25

S8 E1: Behind every great product, is a product tech...

Buying and Beyond ·

2026/02/11

This week we are joined by Claire Ward- a senior product technologist. This episode is a particularly special one for us. Claire, Kate and Lyns all met right at the very beginning of our careers at Accessorize, learning the ropes of retail together so recording this felt like a real full-circle moment. We start by reminiscing about those early days before diving into the journey Claire has taken since, building an impressive career across some of the UK’s best-known fashion brands inclu...

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67:04

S7 E10: Progress Over Perfection: Making Circular...

Buying and Beyond ·

2026/02/04

This week’s episode is a big one and a conversation we’ve been really excited to share. We’re joined by Nick Lambert, Head of Circularity at Primark, whose career journey is a powerful example of how deep commercial experience can drive real, meaningful change in sustainability. Nick started his career like many in retail working his way up through buying, beginning as a buying admin assistant at Arcadia (Topshop/Topman), before becoming a buyer and eventually moving to Primark ne...

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37:26

S7 E9: Why we fell in love with retail buying - and...

Buying and Beyond ·

2026/01/28

In this episode, Kate and Lyns reflect on seven seasons of Buying and Beyond and take on one of the most pressing - and personal - topics in retail today: why so many buyers are leaving the industry they once loved. With no guest this week, the conversation is honest and unfiltered. They explore the realities facing buying teams today, from shrinking budgets and growing workloads to the erosion of creativity and the frustration caused by unclear or constantly shifting brand strategies. T...

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57:52

S7 E8: Building beauty brands with Harry Zalk CEO of...

Buying and Beyond ·

2026/01/21

In today’s episode, we’re delighted to be joined by Harry Zalk, CEO of ARKIVE Headcare at Matrix Brands an innovative, B Corp–certified brand incubator creating and scaling some of the most exciting names in health and beauty. Matrix is behind an award-winning portfolio spanning skincare, haircare, bodycare and fragrance, including Cowshed, ARKIVE Headcare and Soho Skin. Beyond their own brands, they also develop private label products and brand-led experiences for major retail, travel and ho...

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62:03

S7 E7: Burnout & building confidence in Buying &...

Buying and Beyond ·

2026/01/14

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Katie and Clare, the brilliant duo behind The W-Collective - a platform built on honest conversations, practical tools, and real support for working women. If you haven’t come across The W-Collective yet, their mission is refreshingly clear: no “girl boss” clichés, no fluff - just real talk about careers, confidence, burnout, and navigating the realities of work while staying human (and keeping your sense of humour). Between them, Katie and Clare brin...

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48:32

S7 E6 - Expertise That Grows: Buying Plants with...

Buying and Beyond ·

2026/01/07

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Claire Bishop, Senior Plant Buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres and one of the most knowledgeable people we know when it comes to all things horticulture. Claire and Lynsey first met during our time at Dobbies, and I’ve always been in awe of her depth of plant knowledge and her genuine passion for the role plants play in people’s lives. When it comes to plant care, trends, and buying live product, Claire is a true specialist - what she doesn’t kno...

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61:04

S7 E5: What makes a standout retail range?...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/12/17

In this episode, we’re joined by two absolute gems of the design world - Sarah Spires and Rachel Perkins - the creative duo and big-hearted energy behind Everley Studio. Before launching Everley, Sarah and Rachel spent years inside retail working for some of the biggest names on the UK high street: Next, George, F&F, and Laura Ashley. Between them, they’ve designed across womenswear, menswear, kids, knitwear, swim, and everything in between. They’ve lived the fast-paced, slightly chaotic,...

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41:08

S7 E4: How a former M&S and Amazon Buyer turned her...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/12/10

We’re so excited to welcome Alex Standley to the podcast this week! Alex has spent over 15 years navigating the high-stakes, fast-paced world of fashion buying at global giants like Marks & Spencer and Amazon - from trend-spotting and category strategy to negotiating those all-important big meetings. After a successful career in buying, Alex made a bold leap into entrepreneurship and founded her own personal styling company, helping high-performing women align their wardrobes ...

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46:03

S7 E2: What’s Next for Retail? AI, Innovation & Big...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/12/03

In Part 2 of our conversation with Julia Darlington, we shift from her remarkable career journey to the future of the retail industry and the work she’s doing now to shape the next generation of female leaders. With decades of senior experience across some of the UK’s most iconic retailers, Julia brings a clear-eyed, forward-thinking perspective on what’s changing, what still needs to evolve, and how retailers can prepare for the market of tomorrow. We unpack the role of AI and digital innova...

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44:08

S7 E2 Inside Julia Darlington’s Retail Career:...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/11/26

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we’re thrilled to welcome Julia Darlington a woman whose career spans some of the UK’s most iconic retailers including M&S, French Connection, Habitat, Coast, Tie Rack, Arcadia, and Accessorize (and breathe!). Julia began her retail journey back in the 1980s, giving her a front-row seat to the industry’s evolution over several decades. She brings a wealth of experience, insight, and perspective and is a passionate advocate for female empowerm...

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21:29

Retail Reflections 21st November 2025; Fast Paint,...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/11/21

This week on Retail Reflections: Shein’s still stealing headlines, Clarks and Walmart double down on marketplaces, and B&Q delivers paint faster than you can make a cuppa. M&S takes Percy Pigs down under, Vinted’s value goes sky-high, and Ocado launches a menopause aisle. Plus: wine bars go digital, Boden lands stateside, and Tom Daley knits Team GB into Olympic history. Retail’s never been busier - or more fun! Support the show If you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscr...

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40:22

S7 E1: What it really takes to thrive in fashion...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/11/19

In this episode of Buying & Beyond, we sit down with Stevie, Head of Buying at Hobbs, to explore her inspiring journey through the ever-changing world of fashion retail. From her early days at the London College of Fashion to leading buying teams at two of the UK’s most iconic high street brands - House of Fraser and Hobbs. Stevie’s career story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and leadership. Stevie opens up about how her early internships shaped her understanding of the indus...

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12:53

Retail Reflection 14th November 2025

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/11/14

Welcome to this week's episode! Here's what you'll hear:Shein: An update on Shein’s recent controversy in FranceUK High Street: The recent nationwide crackdown on organized crimeB&M: Leadership shakeup following an accounting errorGreggs: Launching new “bite-sized” store formatsThe White Company: New partnership with ZappToy sales: Resurgence post-pandemic due to 'kidult' trendTune in for a fast-paced roundup of the week’s biggest retail stories! If you enjoyed this episode, don't ...

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19:32

Retail Reflections 7th Nov: Ethics, Experience, and...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/11/07

This week’s Retail Reflections covers a mix of uplifting and challenging stories from the retail world. The episode opens with the positive news of Nobody’s Child achieving B Corp status, highlighting their commitment to ethical practices and sustainability. The conversation then shifts to the controversy surrounding Shein and other online marketplaces, as the French government investigates the sale of inappropriate products and the resulting protests at BHV’s Shein concession. We discuss the...

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57:44

S6 E10: The Countdown to Christmas: we unwrap the...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/11/05

In this lively season finale, we unwrap the chaos and charm of the Christmas retail season. Kicking off right after Halloween, we reflect on everything from giant spiders and creepy gingerbread men to the very first signs of Christmas fever. With years of experience in buying seasonal products, we share insider tips, stories, and laughs about when to put up the tree, the latest in festive home décor, and the ever-evolving trends in pumpkins, ghosts, and sustainable Christmas goodies. Th...

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14:25

Retail Reflections 31st October: Beauty, Brands, and...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/10/31

This week on Retail Reflections, we’re diving into the retail rush that’s starting earlier than ever. With Black Friday deals already flooding our feeds, we explore why brands are breaking tradition and what that means for both shoppers and sales. We also take a look at the beauty sector’s big moves, from Boots’ new store openings to the rise of loyalty programs like Club New Look and the ever-evolving Boots Advantage Card. Plus, we celebrate some impressive brand comebacks including Ne...

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57:04

S6 E8: From High Street to Wholesale: How Rebecca...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/10/29

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Rebecca Hawkes, Buying Manager at Something Different Wholesale and someone who’s experienced the buying world from both sides of the fence: big-name retail and fast-moving B2B. Rebecca’s career started in fashion design, but it was a university placement at Tesco that ignited her passion for buying. From there, she climbed the ranks across departments like ladieswear, knitwear and nightwear, learning the importance of agility, training, a...

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17:27

Retail Reflections 24th October 2025: Brands, Bans,...

Buying and Beyond ·

2025/10/24

After a brief hiatus, we're back with a fast-paced download of the latest happenings in retail, brand news, and industry trends. Temu Controversy: Discussion on Temu's ongoing issues with product and image copying, the impact on small brands, and new takedown processes.Reebok x F45 Partnership: Insights into Reebok's new global partnership with F45 Training, and reflections on the brand's position in the sportswear market.Sneaker Wars Documentary: A recommendation for the Disney+ documentary ...

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88 results

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