ABOUT SHARON YOURELL LAWLOR
Sharon Yourell Lawlor is an award-winning retail and shopper strategist, international keynote speaker and Managing Director of Think Plan Do Consulting.
With almost 30 years' experience across FMCG, retail, shopper marketing and category growth, Sharon helps retailers, brands, agencies and retail technology businesses understand the changing shopper and translate global retail trends into commercial action.
Her work spans keynote speaking, retail and shopper strategy, consulting, workshops and retail safaris, bringing together global retail insight with practical, real-world application.
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION
Sharon Yourell Lawlor is an internationally recognised retail and shopper expert, keynote speaker and thought leader. Her industry recognition includes being named an NRF Retail Voice in 2025 and 2026, a RETHINK Retail Top Global Retail Expert from 2023–2026, and an RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencer in 2025 and 2026.
These recognitions reflect Sharon’s expertise across retail strategy, shopper behaviour, retail innovation and the future of retail, and her contribution to the global retail industry through speaking, consulting and thought leadership.
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WHO WE'VE WORKED WITH
Sharon Yourell Lawlor has worked with leading retailers, FMCG brands, technology companies and industry organisations globally, delivering retail strategy consulting, keynote speaking, workshops, training and retail safaris.
STRATEGIC CONSULTING -TURNING INSIGHT INTO ACTION
Sharon works with retailers, brands, agencies and retail technology businesses to turn retail and shopper insight into commercially focused strategies that drive growth. Her consulting expertise spans retail and shopper strategy, category growth, customer experience, retail activation and go-to-market planning.
From developing new propositions and identifying growth opportunities to reviewing existing strategies and aligning teams around clear priorities, Sharon brings almost 30 years of retail and FMCG experience, an independent perspective and a practical focus on turning insight into action.
FROM INSIGHT TO STRATEGY.
FROM STRATEGY TO GROWTH.
I’ve worked with Sharon on projects from brand repositioning to shopper strategy. Her deep expertise, clarity, and commercial sharpness help bridge the gap between strategy and execution - always with the shopper at the centre.
ANNEMARIE MOLERI
Head of Customer Marketing Take Home, Diageo Ireland
RETAIL SAFARIS
Sharon Yourell Lawlor leads curated retail safaris and retail study tours in leading retail cities including London, New York, Dublin and Amsterdam.
Designed for retailers, brands and commercial teams, each experience explores best-in-class retail innovation, store design, customer and shopper experience, retail technology and in-store execution - turning real-world observations into practical ideas and opportunities for the business.
SEE RETAIL INNOVATION IN ACTION - AND BRING THE LEARNING BACK TO YOUR BUSINESS.
The Retail Safari was a game-changer. It provided invaluable insights into retail innovation, shopper engagement, and brand opportunities. A must for anyone serious about elevating their retail strategy.
SINEAD CROWTHER
Founder, Soothing Solutions
KEYNOTE SPEAKING
Sharon Yourell Lawlor is an international retail keynote speaker, bringing the future of retail and the modern shopper to life for audiences at conferences, corporate events and leadership sessions.
Drawing on almost 30 years of industry experience and global retail insight, Sharon delivers engaging keynotes on retail trends, shopper behaviour, customer experience and retail innovation - translating change into practical ideas audiences can understand and act on.
MAKING SENSE OF THE FUTURE OF RETAIL - AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR BUSINESS.
Sharon’s keynote provided powerful insights into shopper trends and strategic innovation. Her engaging delivery left our audience inspired and full of new ideas.
TASNIM MUSTAN
Events Manager, South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC)
TRAINING WORKSHOPS
Sharon delivers practical, expert-led training and workshops across retail strategy, shopper marketing, category growth, shopper behaviour and omnichannel retail. Each session is tailored to the needs of the business and designed to turn insight and best practice into practical tools teams can apply immediately.
Delivered in person or online, programmes can be customised for retailers, brands, agencies and commercial teams.
BUILDING RETAIL & SHOPPER CAPABILITY THAT DRIVES GROWTH.
Sharon is one of Ireland’s foremost experts in shopper and category insight and management and I wouldn’t dream of running a programme on insight-led FMCG innovation without including a session with her. Sharon is a real pro and the student feedback on the Category & Shopper training that she receives is always exemplary.
DR. PETER ROBBINS
Dublin City University, Ireland
INDUSTRY REPORTS & WHITEPAPERS
Commission Sharon to create thought-leading reports that help your business uncover key retail trends, connect better with customers, and position your brand as an industry authority. These reports are tailored, research-based, and created with your business goals in mind.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP THAT BUILDS CONNECTION, CREDIBILITY AND CLARITY.
Climate change is no longer a passing concern - it's a clear and present danger for our planet. Retailers in Ireland are understandably worried about worsening climate change and the giant risk it poses. Retailers need to be proactive to make their businesses more sustainable and that’s why Retail Excellence Ireland was delighted to work with Sharon & Claire on the publication of the Sustainable Irish Retail Action guide
DUNCAN GRAHAM
Former CEO Retail Excellence Ireland
WHY CHOOSE THINK PLAN DO CONSULTING?
As a strategic marketing consultant, Sharon has a genuine passion for influencing consumer and shopper behaviour.
20k+
LEARNERS
Completed Sharon’s LinkedIn Learning course on Retail Marketing Strategy worldwide.
30
YEARS
Retail marketing and shopper strategy expertise across FMCG, retail, and consultancy.
30k
FOLLOWERS
Recognised industry voice with a highly engaged LinkedIn audience and global influence.
WHAT’S IN STORE- MAKING SENSE OF MODERN RETAIL.
YOUR ESSENTIAL RETAIL PODCAST & BLOG
What’s In Store - Making Sense of Modern Retail is a new retail content series co-hosted by Sharon Yourell Lawlor and Renee Hartmann, exploring the people, places and ideas shaping the future of retail.
Going behind the scenes of stores, fulfilment centres and innovative retail concepts, Sharon and Renee uncover what’s changing, why it matters and what others can learn from it.
Subscribe to What’s In Store for new episodes, behind-the-scenes content and deeper insights from the series, delivered through the What’s In Store newsletter.
FOLLOW SHARON ON SOCIAL MEDIA
BOOK A 60-MINUTE STRATEGY SESSION
Need a sounding board for a new idea? Stuck on a challenge and unsure what to prioritise next?
In just one focused hour, we’ll cut through the noise, tackle your most pressing questions, and map out clear next steps.
Whether you're a brand, retailer, or agency, this session is designed to give you expert guidance, actionable direction, and renewed clarity - fast.
Let’s make the next move your best one.
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