From Threat to Triumph: Retail Innovation Fast-Tracked

A leading Australian retail group with a dominant category share faced a major threat in the form of the imminent arrival of a global retail giant known for rapidly dominating new markets with a powerful category-killer format. Protecting multi-billion-dollar category revenues required an urgent and innovative response.

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Create a world-class competitor in just six months. From zero. Able to ‘out-market’, rather than ‘out-retail’, the global interloper. Being ‘first to market’ with a world class competitor to the proven “category killer” format was identified as the best way to minimise the impact of the global competitor.

OurMaestro was recruited as a marketing-led CEO from outside the Group to lead this development. He flipped the script: instead of retail-first, he built it as a customer-centric product. Our Maestro led the cross-functional team to design and deliver:

• A powerful new brand and category proposition- the first time the Group had ever developed a retail format around the customer
• A differentiated in-store experience blueprint
• National network of 12+ stores, launched at speed
• End-to-end logistics, buying, and training systems
• A live performance dashboard driving profitability from day one

• Revenue protected: defended multi-billion-dollar category
• Fast traction: strong early trading and customer uptake
• Market buzz: customers loved it, satisfaction soared
• Team lift: staff morale and pride hit new highs
• Sustainable edge: positioned to grow and outlast global rivals

From blank page to national presence in six months. Maestro turned a looming threat into a platform for innovation and growth.