Side by Side is retail transformation - powered by lived experiences and built through an innovative network of partnerships.

Founded by Anita Barr and David Walker-Smith - two of the most respected retail leaders of their generation - Side by Side gives something no one else can: deep operational knowledge at board level, commercial instinct from decades of buying leadership, and a creative community that turns vision into reality.

We are not consultants. We are collaborators. Not advisors from the sidelines - but partners in the thick of it, SIDE BY SIDE.

How we work

  • 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 visionary leader in Fashion, Buying, and Merchandising, having transformed retail at Harrods, Selfridges, and Harvey Nichols. Renowned for her exceptional taste and award-winning concepts, she creates a unique vibe, blending product and experience seamlessly. With expertise in womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear, she builds dynamic teams, curating cutting-edge concepts, and delivering commercial success.

    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 : Joined the creative team 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.