Retail leadership consultant and qualified coach
James Carpenter is a retail leadership consultant and qualified coach, working with retailers to develop stronger leaders, support people through change, and deliver practical, measurable impact inside real retail environments.
He brings a rare combination of hands-on retail operations experience, leadership development and coaching, bridging the gap between strategy and what actually happens in stores and head office.
Grounded in real retail leadership
Before moving into consulting and coaching, James spent over 15 years in senior retail leadership roles across Homebase, Toys R Us and House of Fraser.
He led teams at store, regional and head office levels, navigating growth, change and sustained commercial pressure. This experience gives him deep, practical insight into the realities retail leaders face day to day.
Trusted by leading retailers
James has designed and delivered, and supported the delivery of, leadership and change programmes across premium and mass retail, working with brands including Paul Smith, Currys, Harvey Nichols, TJX Europe and the Fashion Retail Academy.
His work spans leadership development, people and change consulting, and career transition support, helping organisations build confident leaders and supporting individuals through periods of change with clarity and dignity.
A practical, retail-specific approach
James is known for a calm, practical approach and his ability to create safe, challenging spaces where leaders can think clearly, build confidence and take action.
Every engagement starts with understanding the reality of the business, the people involved and the pressures they are operating under. From there, the focus is on insight, clarity and behaviour change that actually sticks.
Professional background
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Qualified coach
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CIPD Level 5
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Associate Lecturer, Fashion Retail Academy
If you want a conversation grounded in your retail reality
Whether you are leading a retail team, navigating change, or supporting people through transition, the work starts with understanding what is actually happening in your context.
A confidential, one-to-one conversation shaped around your priorities.