Research

Access research reports and presentations on the retail and technology ecosystem, including consumers, companies, economies, and retail and technology trends. Use the filters below to find research reports and presentations by sector, theme, company or other parameters. Alternatively, use the search box above to find relevant research content.

Deep Dive | December 23, 2020 Premium

3Q20 US Earnings Season Wrap-Up: Discretionary Sectors Regain Momentum

We assess the recent performance of selected US-based retailers, brands, e-commerce platforms and REITs in terms of revenues, earnings per share and comps for the third quarter of 2020, considering consensus estimates and year-over-year changes. Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies beat revenue consensus estimates, and most of the discretionary sectors regained their momentum during the quarter.

| December 23, 2020 Free Report

Holiday Bites: US Consumers’ Holiday Shopping Expectations—Survey Update

Our Holiday Bites series features bitesize information on the shape and scale of consumer demand, retail sales and category performance in the 2020 holiday season. We consider the subject of US consumers’ holiday shopping expectations—survey update

Insight Report | December 22, 2020 Premium

Beauty Insights: An Analysis of Kohl’s and Sephora vs. Target and Ulta Beauty Partnerships—Which Retailers Win?

Recently, the two biggest beauty retailers in the US, Sephora and Ulta Beauty, announced partnerships with Kohl’s and Target, respectively. As part of our Beauty Insights series, we look at the benefits that the partnerships offer each retailer and analyze which retailers are set to gain the most.

| December 22, 2020 Free Report

Holiday Bites: Top Five US Retailers by Biggest Holiday Hiring Plans 2020

Our Holiday Bites series features bitesize information on the shape and scale of consumer demand, retail sales and category performance in the 2020 holiday season. We consider the subject of top five US retailers by biggest holiday hiring plans 2020.

Insight Report | December 22, 2020 Premium

November 2020 Monthly Consumer Update: US, UK and China

Analyzing consumer demand in November 2020, we saw strong retail sales growth in the US, while the UK maintained growth momentum and China reported a positive increase in retail sales for the fourth consecutive month. We also consider wage growth and food and fuel prices in these three markets.

Insight Report | December 22, 2020 Premium

New Retail Briefing: Alibaba Upgrades Its Taobao Content Ecosystem

We discuss recent developments in New Retail in China, including Alibaba’s upgrades to the Taobao app content ecosystem and the opening of three Seven Fresh Life stores in Guangzhou between December 18 and 25 by JD.com. We also discuss Alibaba’s investment in the community-group buying platform “Nice Tuan”.

Insight Report | December 21, 2020

Register for Free Access

US Survey Update: Online Apparel Shopping Continues To Gain Momentum Heading Into Christmas (Select Findings)

This free report features select findings from our latest survey of US consumers, undertaken on December 15, which asked respondents about their behavior, sentiment and expectations amid the coronavirus crisis.

Deep Dive | December 21, 2020 Premium

US Survey Update: Online Apparel Shopping Continues To Gain Momentum Heading Into Christmas (Full Report)

Our latest survey report provides a detailed update on US consumers’ behaviors, concerns and expectations, with a focus on the implications for retail. This week, we discuss what shoppers are doing and where they are going as we head into the holiday peak, including findings on the avoidance of public places and what activities they expect to do in the next two weeks. Our consumer survey was undertaken on December 15.

Question of the Week | December 21, 2020 Free Report

What Is the Breakdown of Online Sales by Category in the US Digitally Native DTC Apparel and Footwear Market?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What Is the Breakdown of Online Sales by Category in the US Digitally Native DTC Apparel and Footwear Market?

Analyst Corner | December 20, 2020

Register for Free Access

Weinswig’s Weekly: Renewed Lockdowns Come at a Crucial Time for Retail

This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig” discusses the impact of renewed Covid-19 lockdowns on retail globally.

Insight Report | December 18, 2020 Premium

November 2020 UK Retail Sales: Total Sales Jump 7.6% Despite Lockdown Restrictions

We review data for UK retail in total and by sector for November 2020—a month that saw a solid year-over-year increase in UK retail sales, supported by strength in e-commerce amid a four-week national Covid-19 lockdown.

Store Tracker | December 18, 2020 Databank Members

Weekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2020, Week 51: First Look at 2021 Closures

Our Weekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker reports on store closures, openings and bankruptcies. This week, there are highlights from Designer Brands in the US and Frasers Group in the UK. We also provide a first look at 2021 major US and UK store closures and openings announced to date.

Insight Report | December 18, 2020 Premium

November 2020 US Retail Sales: Total Growth Remains Very Strong

US retail sales continued to see strong growth in November, continuing October’s rebound. Using data from the US Census Bureau, this report looks at which retail sectors saw sales surge and which did not do well in November 2020.

Insight Report | December 17, 2020 Premium

The US Outdoor Apparel and Footwear Market: Strong Growth Opportunities for Brands and Retailers

The stay-at-home measures imposed in the US due to the Covid-19 pandemic have seen more consumers place higher value on outdoor activities in recent months. The outdoor apparel and footwear industry is set to benefit from strong demand moving forward. We discuss the opportunities that this niche market presents to brands and retailers, covering its growth potential, key drivers of growth and competitive landscape.

Insight Report | December 17, 2020 Premium

The 12 Weeks of Holidays: #12—Five Notable Things We Have Seen in US Retail This Holiday Season

This report concludes The 12 Weeks of Holidays series, in which we have presented key data, trends and observations in the countdown to the peak holiday season. In this report, we discuss five key trends that we have seen this holiday season in US retail, spanning hiring to online grocery growth to last-mile delivery.