Gap Finders - Richer Sounds founder Julian Richer

Available for over a year

Julian Richer is one of the biggest names in British retail. He was 19 when he opened his first Richer Sounds shop in 1978, selling hi-fi systems from a store in London Bridge. Since then, the internet has revolutionised the way we shop and technology has transformed the way we listen to music - but Richer Sounds has endured. Its 50 stores sell all sorts of home entertainment kit and the company often wins awards for its customer service. Away from his retail work, Julian Richer has founded and funded various charities and written a book making the case for capitalism to be more ethical. He tells us what he learned from starting a business, how he coped with the arrival of internet shopping - and how to survive on the high street. He also talks about keeping staff happy and motivated - something he was recently asked to advise Marks and Spencer on - and tells us why he took the dramatic step of selling most of his company to an employee-owned trust in 2019. PRESENTER: WINIFRED ROBINSON PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY