On March 20, the editor of Retail World magazine, Hailey Settineri, put down her pen and unsubscribed from Retail Media – for at least 12 months! Hailey takes a break (if you can call it that) from an incredible stand-up editor to become a mother for the first time. So it's only fair that we take a look and think about some of the highlights so far.
Hailey! Please remind us when it all started – how long have you been working with Retail Media?
I came to Retail Media for the first time in 2007. I started out as a journalist in a number of industry titles before working my way up to become Deputy Retail Pharmacy Editor and Canteen News Editor. In 2010 I left Australia to travel. When I returned in 2012, I was lucky enough to have another opening at Retail Media, this time in the Retail World and Convenience World teams. I became deputy editor of both titles in 2014 and editor in 2018.
Have you always wanted to be an editor or have you had other goals in the past?
I always wanted to write, but when I was growing up, I assumed that journalists only reported on politics, sports, or celebrities (three topics I want to avoid discussing in polite company!), So I excluded this. It was only when I was looking for "paperwork" after completing my studies that I discovered the wonderful world of B2B media.
What inspired you to work for the company?
During my studies, I did an internship in a scientific institution, where I was responsible for interviewing the employees of the weekly newsletter. Among all the physicists and other coffins was a caretaker who had a ridiculous passion for his work. After meeting him, I decided to spend my days talking to people who shared his enthusiasm for their work, no matter what niche. Since then, I've learned that retailers are among the most passionate people out there! I really love being able to share their stories.
Was there a story you worked on (for retail media) that caught your eye / stayed with you? If so, what was the story and why?
A few years ago, I took a tour of the Vietnamese fish industry to see first hand how many of our frozen and processed seafood products are delivered here in Australia. Experience has really changed my perception of imported goods from the "cheap option" to one with real social, environmental and economic benefits across the entire supply chain. I was proud to share this experience with our readers.
How has retail changed in the years you have been in this category and what are your future prospects for retail?
So much has changed in the past decade, but the biggest and one that will continue to change the industry is consumer expectations. From what buyers are looking for to how they pay, retail is a very different beast than it was recently. For a long time, I was skeptical that online grocery shopping would increase as much as it does in other markets due to our small and widespread population and the associated challenges. However, I think that current COVID-19 printing will force the industry to rethink the status quo and accelerate developments in this area.
You take a break right away to engage in one of the most important chapters of your life – how do you feel about it and what emotions do you experience when you prepare to move away from the keyboard for a while?
Yes, I'm expecting my first child, which is pretty nerve-wracking! Fortunately, I had a lot of support and advice from colleagues and some amazing women in the industry. I am looking forward to returning and bringing my new world experience with me.
After all, the world is experiencing a number of difficulties today, which in turn have a major impact on retailers. What advice are you currently giving to anyone who has problems, be it financial, social, emotional, etc.
There are certainly many external factors that are shaking our industry at the moment. As soon as companies across the country had recovered from the terrible bushfires, a COVID-19 pandemic broke out, forcing retailers to face panicked customers along with new supply chain challenges. This pressure will not ease so quickly, so I urge everyone in the industry to stay connected and support each other.
