A leading figure in the retail industry, Mary Portas is famed for her expertise on the high street and consumer behaviour. Founder of Yellowdoor, now known as Portas Agency Ltd, Mary has formerly worked with clients such as Swarovski, Louis Vuitton and Mercedes-Benz to name but a few. Mary has also presented many of her own programmes themed around shopping and authored several of her own books. Now hired as a speaker for events. Mary shares her expertise in the retail industry.
Mary has long been interested in the sector of retail, starting her career with a Saturday job in a John Lewis department store. Proving her worth as a retail assistant, it wasn’t long before Mary was working in luxury stores- such as her role as the Creative Director of Harvey Nichols. Mary has also spent several years designing the iconic window displays of Harrods, bringing the latest trends and styles to life. Her roles in retail-led her to be awarded the D&AD Gold Award, as well as leading to her presenting career.
Over the course of her career, Mary has been sought to present a variety of retail themed programmes for the BBC. She has presented What Britain Buys, Mary Queen of the High Street, Mary’s Bottom Line, Mary Portas: Secret Shopper, Mary Queen of Frocks, Mary Queen of Charity Shops and Mary Queen of Shops. Outside of presenting, she has also appeared as a special guest in the Panorama documentary On The Rack, The Apprentice and Lily Allen: From Riches to Rags. She has also authored four books, titled Windows – the Art of Retail Display, How to Shop with Mary, Queen of Shops, Mary Portas Shop Girl and Work Like a Woman.
Having also been commissioned by the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, to conduct a review of the future of the high street, Mary is now considered to be one of the foremost authorities on the retail sector. Booked as a speaker for a range of events, Mary shares her expertise of the ever-changing landscape of retail and consumer trends, how we can breathe life back into our high streets and managing leading department stores. Also a passionate LGBT advocate, being part of the first lesbian couple in the UK to be married under the new law, Mary also raises awareness and acceptance for the LGBT community as a speaker. When looking for an expert on retail or a passionate advocate to speak at your event, book Mary Portas today.
How to hire Mary Portas
Contact the Champions Speakers agency to provisionally enquire about Mary Portas for your event today. Simply call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Mary is often booked as a speaker for corporate events, read her latest feedback below.
"She was excellent and was fab, she did not speak about being a woman but showed what a strong businessperson is about!" - Accenture
"Perfectly pitched for an audience of our background and experience" - DeMontford
"Mary was an excellent speaker. She spoke with great enthusiasm and humour and personalised to our company" - Co-Operative Association
- Creative Director of Harvey Nichols
- Launched Yellowdoor- now known as the Portas Agency Ltd
- Member of the Board at Harvey Nichols
- Named as Save the Children's Global Retail Ambassador
- Presenter of 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 Highstreet and What Britain Buys.
- Author of Windows- the Art of Retail Display, How to Shop with Mary, Queen of Shops, Mary Portas Shop Girl and Work Like a Woman
- Commissioned by David Cameron and Nick Clegg to lead an independent review into the future of the high street.
