Mary Portas is an authority on the retail industry, having spent a long and successful career in the industry, working for companies such as Harvey Nichols. Now the founding Creative Director of The Portas Agency (formerly known as Yellowdoor), Mary is also highly sought-after as a TV presenter and has hosted a plethora of her own TV shows. From working a Saturday job in John Lewis to becoming the Creative Director of Harvey Nichols, Mary has experienced all aspects of retail and is booked as a speaker to share her rich expertise in consumer trends and sales.
Learning the ropes of the retail industry with a Saturday job in John Lewis, Mary later dressed windows for the iconic Harrods department store in London. Building her credibility as a window dresser, Mary went on to become a Display Manager for Topshop and was ultimately appointed as the Creative Director of Harvey Nichols- now credited for turning Harvey Nichols into the leading fashion retailer it is today. After winning a D&AD Gold Award for her talents as a window dresser, Mary left the world of retail behind her to found Yellowdoor – now known as The Portas Agency.
One of the UK’s foremost authorities on the retail industry and brand communication, Mary has worked with clients such as Mercedes-Benz, The Body Shop, Liberty, Louis Vuitton and Westfield. When not advising at her consultancy company, Mary is seen presenting TV shows, having previously presented Mary, Queen of Shops, Mary, Queen of Charity Shops, Mary, Queen of Frocks, Mary Portas: Secret Shopper, Mary’s Bottom Line, Mary, Queen of the High Street, Hotel GB and What Britain Buys. She has also established a strong reputation as an author, writing the titles Windows – The Art of Retail Display, How to Shop with Mary, Queen of Shops, Mary Portas: Shop Girl, Work Like a Woman and Rebuild. She was also commissioned by the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, to conduct a review into the future of the high street, further demonstrating her expertise in retail.
Outside of retail, Mary is also a prominent figure of the LGBT community, becoming one of the first lesbian couples to convert a civil partnership into a marriage in the UK- attending the ‘I Do To Equal Marriage’ event. Expressing how important the change in law was, Mary increases awareness of LGBT rights and advocates for equal freedoms throughout society. With a highly successful retail career to her name, Mary is now booked as a speaker, having formerly spoken with the Dalai Lama at the Yorkshire International Business Convention and with Neil Armstrong at the Cannes Palais Festival. Sharing her expertise on consumer trends and the evolution of the retail industry, book Mary Portas today when looking for a preeminent authority on the retail industry.
Watch Mary Portas's speaker showreel and discover why she is a leading expert on women in business.
