Consumer trends and retail insights across the season
Even before recent events, the retail and leisure industry was a difficult environment, particularly for retailers in UK shopping centres and on the high street. The last few months have simply intensified these challenges. Online shopping is dominant, consumer behaviours have changed, and store closures and retail administrations have grown.
In such a difficult trading environment, a proactive approach to managing uncertainty is key. But cost-cutting alone will not be enough. Organisations need to get complete control over the complex financial, operational and strategic challenges they face, to set out a path that puts their business on a positive trajectory.
Before you begin to restructure for your recovery, you need to truly understand the condition of the retail and leisure industry, shopper habits and the UK high street. And that’s where we can help.
For many, this year's retail Golden Quarter is more important than ever. Over the next few months, we'll explore the health of the retail sector, consumer behaviours, industry and technology trends. We'll then use that insight to help you act rapidly, giving you the right technical skills and know-how at scale, so that you can keep control of your business, attract and engage UK shoppers while managing the cost of staying competitive.
A look at the topics that will shape retail this year. Short insights that provide practical, actionable tips for retailers and the organisations that supply them.
How did COVID-19 affect retail and consumer businesses in 2020, and how are we expecting the industry to respond in 2021? We share the key highlights from our virtual event.
With consumer confidence at record levels once more, what does that mean for retailers? Our consumer sentiment survey looks at confidence across ages and regions, category spending intentions and whether the uncertainty over a return to normal may affect spending.
Has the pandemic affected store openings and closures this year? Our look at the latest research shows challenging times ahead for retailers and leisures operators.
With slightly higher retailer participation in promotions this year, and activity peaking around Black Friday, what does that mean for the run up to Christmas? Will retailers be able to balance margins and continue to encourage consumers to spend? Or have we already seen the best of the bargains?
How might Christmas shopping look in the middle of a global pandemic? Our latest research shows a different festive season this year, which has impacted how much we'll spend and where people might shop.
How will the lockdown in England and restrictions elsewhere affect Black Friday? Our latest research shows a drop in participation, an intention to spend slightly more and a change of interest in different categories.
Leader of Industry for Consumer Markets, PwC United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)7802 882562
