Press and media enquiries
Looking for a leading retail expert’s view on the UK industry?
Sarah Johnson, Flourish founder and retail expert, has provided industry insights to BBC News and radio, Retail Gazette, Top Drawer and more. As a leading commentator on the UK retail sector, she’s happy to help with everything from press articles to interviews, podcasts, webinars, panels and events. Whether you’re looking for a short soundbite or detailed insights, let us know what you need and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

Press kit
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Sarah is a merchandising consultant, founder of Flourish Retail, co-founder of The Merchandising School, and a leading commentator on the UK retail industry. With more than two decades of experience working across high street names and small independent brands (via online giant ASOS), and as a media-friendly expert on the UK retail industry, she’s perfectly placed to share insights.
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Flourish Retail makes big business merchandising accessible to smaller retailers, helping them boost their sales and profit in a way that’s flexible and affordable.
From affordable tools that let brands manage their own merchandising, all the way to bespoke consultancy and training, Flourish is here to help everyone.
The team’s support can be adapted to suit any size of retailer, whether they’re just starting out, ready to scale up, or are already well established. Find out more.
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If you need an image or logo to accompany your press piece, please just ask. We can provide photos and logo files in a range of formats.
Featured in…
As a leading commentator, Sarah has been featured in a wide range of articles, radio programmes and events, from Top Drawer to CEO Today and BBC News.
TV and radio
Sarah appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the viral Labubu toy trend with Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt. Building on her expert commentary in BBC News and CNN, she shared how collectible crazes gain momentum and impact retail.
Sarah appeared on BBC South East News to discuss the future of the high street with presenter Natalie Graham. She highlighted the importance of independent retail and celebrated the vibrant shops in her home village of Cuckfield.
Sarah spoke to Fiona Stalker about the growing pressure on supermarkets, as Sainsbury’s predicts level profits for the year ahead – a clear sign that price wars are heating up in the battle to retain customer loyalty.
Sarah joined Kelly Hinch on BBC Radio Derby to share last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas and chat about what mums really want –with just two days to go to the all-important day.
Sarah joined Clare McDonnell and Chris Warburton on BBC Radio 5 Live Drive to discuss WHSmith’s sale to Modella Capital, and what it signals for the wider UK high street amid rising overheads and shifting consumer needs.
Sarah joined Katie Tyler on BBC Radio Berkshire to discuss the sale of WHSmith to Modella Capital. She explored what the shift means for the heritage brand and how the new TGJones stores could bring crafting to the UK high street.
Sarah joined Jonathan Vernon-Smith on BBC Radio Three Counties to unpack how the big UK supermarkets are shifting to stay competitive - from changing consumer habits to rising costs and the pressure to adapt fast.
Sarah joined Stephen Nolan on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss whether new trolley scales are being implemented to cut back on staff or reduce shoplifting.
Sarah joined Stuart George on BBC Radio Stoke to discuss whether shoplifting is adding to increasing costs and how retail staff are impacted.
Sarah joined Lorna Bailey on BBC Radio CWR to discuss whether Black Friday offers genuine deals and shared tips on how to spot them.
Sarah chatted to Kaye Adams on BBC Radio Scotland about her new favourite topic – luxury advent calendars!
Articles and opinion
In this article, Sarah explored the Labubu craze, explaining how scarcity, social buzz, and collector demand are reshaping consumer behaviour and driving rapid retail trends.
In this article, Sarah highlighted governance as key to Shein’s future, warning that supply chain opacity and ethics issues threaten profitability and investor confidence.
Sarah had the chance to share her thoughts on fast-fashion brand Shein’s labour practices and how that relates to the price and profit, in a BBC investigation.
Sarah challenged Lord Stuart Rose’s claim that home working isn’t “proper work,” sharing her perspective on the benefits of hybrid working—a view that resonated with thousands.
Sarah reveals how small businesses can use merchandising to boost profits, streamline operations, and thrive with practical, scalable strategies.
Sarah highlights how some brands inflate prices before discounts to create the illusion of better deals – a tactic increasingly exposed by price comparison tools.
Sarah shares her top tips on how to shop Cyber Monday sales without ending up out of pocket.
With so much noise around discounts, Sarah explains why it’s more important than ever to be savvy and ensure that the Black Friday deals are as good as they seem.
With extravagant advent calendars launching everywhere for 2024 Christmas retail season, Sarah shared her insights on the trend alongside online influencers.
A beacon of empowerment for small retailers, innovative consultancy, Flourish Retail, shines as a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023.
Talks, panels and events
Sarah delivered a live session on the Retail Revealed stage at Top Drawer S/S25, sharing insights on why merchandising is the secret to retail success.
Sarah shared why wholesale can be a game-changer for your business, along with her top 5 tips to make it a success.
Sarah joined other industry experts in a discussion on how merchandising is intrinsic to successful sourcing, pricing, and stock management.
In this Lunch and Learn, merchandising pro Sarah Johnson explains how to price your products profitably and trade effectively.
Podcasts
Sarah joined Etsy expert Dylan Jahraus to talk pricing, inventory planning, and how makers can scale sustainably - without guesswork - using data and effective merchandising strategies.
Sarah joined Vicki Weinberg to share her expertise in helping small businesses leverage product data to scale, boost sales, and stay profitable.
Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins and Sarah discuss how to manage your stocks, as well as the numbers that really matter in your business.