With unparalleled expertise and connections, Side by Side has a proven track record of delivering award winning retail businesses. Our deep understanding of retail trends, brand strategy, consumer behaviour and driving profit, allows us to create successful, iconic destinations, that resonate with consumers worldwide. Our experience in collaborating with governments and iconic brands enables us to craft seamless, innovative strategies, that elevate destinations to new heights.

We are the game changers of retail, creating the spaces and places of tomorrow. 

Who we work with

What we do

  • We amplify your value by understanding your business goals and your audience, equipping you with extraordinary strategic solutions.

  • We share a wide and diverse community of brands, designers, architects, financiers, and creatives that we bring to effectively deliver our side by side solution.

  • We innovative through commercial and creative strategies, uniquely tailored to your business and budget, ensuring the full business potential is achieved.

Meet us

  • Anita Barr

    FOUNDER

    Anita, a luminary in the fashion and retail industry, boasts a distinguished 32- year career, with 26 yearsdedicated to shaping London's premier department stores. Starting at Harrods, she refined her skills over eight years,laying the foundation for a remarkable trajectory. During her 13-year tenure at Selfridges, Anita rose to the role of Director of Women's, Children's, and Menswear, leaving an enduring mark on the flagship store's aesthetic andcontributing to the ambitious Oxford Street fashion master plan.

    Harvey Nichols. April 2014 - February 2018 Global Group Fashion Buying Director.

    Selfridges  January 2000 - August 2013 Womenswear & Childrenswear. Buying & Merchandising Director & Menswear Buying & MerchandisingDirector.

    Harrods 1992 - January 2000 Buyer for Way-In Men’s, Ladies and Denim.

  • David Walker-Smith

    Founder

    David is a distinguished Retail Executive, widely recognized for his influential role in shaping the fashion and beauty industry. Armed with a BA Hon degree in fashion design, he embarked on a highly successful 16-year career at Selfridges, where he ascended to the Exec Board in 2011.

    Fortnum & Mason April 2021: Creation of strategic document driving the profit of the flagship store in London through creative vision, new product categories and customer experiences.

    Intu Spain May 2019 - April 2021 : Consultant on a new global resort Intu Costa del Sol negotiating to heads of terms luxury brands and the creation of the largest Beauty Hall in the world.

    Galeria de Canalejas Madrid May 2017 - May 2018. Created the vision, defined the luxury brand strategy, adjacencies, brand location map,services and F&B strategy. Negotiated to heads of terms Hermes.

    Fenwick of Bond Street January 2013 - April 2016: Managing Director.

    Selfridges January 1997 - January 2013: Board Member and Exec Buying & Merchandising Director Menswear, Home, Technology and Beauty and Fragrance.

Get in touch

Side by Side is the partner that can make the future of retail a reality.