Insight Report | May 5, 2020 Premium Experiential Retail: VR Technology Drives Consumer Engagement and 70% Higher Conversion RatesDue to the widespread store shutdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic, consumers are shopping online for nearly all of their discretionary needs. We explore how brands and retailers can leverage virtual reality technologies to enhance their e-commerce offerings and engage with shoppers through experiential retail—while realizing benefits such as higher purchase conversion rates and wider reach to consumers. Read More
Insight Report | May 4, 2020 Premium US Mother’s Day Retail Preview 2020: Spending Could Halve as Lockdowns Limit Shopper OptionsWith Mother’s Day just around the corner, we assess the planned spending of US consumers on the occasion this year, amid the coronavirus crisis. We consider the outlook for retail in light of current shopping trends and propose actions that retailers could take to engage with consumers for Mother’s Day. Read More
Insight Report | April 30, 2020 Premium Brand Mashups: Limited-Edition Products a Lever To Support Consumer Demand in Tough TimesBrand mashups effectively leverage the unique strengths of each brand to drive shopper excitement. We present examples of recent mashups—some of which are unlikely partnerships—that are generating consumer interest during the coronavirus crisis. Read More
Insight Report | April 30, 2020 Premium Coronavirus Insights: Retail Playbook—React and AdaptWith the global retail industry taking heavy hits from the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we provide a playbook for nonfood brands and retailers in Western markets to help them navigate the crisis. Our guide is based around the themes of reacting in the short term and adapting in the medium to long term. Read More
Insight Report | April 28, 2020 Premium March 2020 Monthly Consumer Update: US, UK and ChinaAnalyzing consumer demand in March 2020, we can see the substantial impact of the coronavirus in the US and the UK, but a minor rebound for China as the retail sales decline eased. Read More
Insight Report | April 27, 2020 Premium March 2020 UK Retail Sales: Coronavirus Lockdown Inflicts Severe Blow to Discretionary Sector; Decline Set To Worsen in AprilTotal UK retail sales declined in March, with some sectors taking big hits due to the impact of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown. However, the grocery sector reported strong growth. We review March data for UK retail in total and by sector. Read More
Insight Report | April 23, 2020 Premium Beauty Insights: Livestreaming Increases Revenue and Loyalty—Lessons Learned during the CoronavirusWith many brands and retailers facing heavy revenue losses due to widespread temporary closures caused by the coronavirus, we explore how beauty brands are leveraging digital channels to engage with consumers. We consider the lessons that can be learned from beauty retail in China, with a focus on livestreaming. Read More
Flash Report | April 20, 2020 Register for Free Access Coronavirus Stimulus Payments Under the US CARES Act Have Begun Rolling OutEconomic stimulus payments as part of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act began rolling out to US taxpayers in the week of April 13. Read More
Insight Report | April 20, 2020 Premium Coronavirus Insights: China’s GDP Drops for the First Time in Decades; March Retail Sales Fall, but Pace of Decline EasesAs coronavirus lockdowns ease in China, we review the growth of GDP, retail sales and industrial production in the country—to consider the impacts of the outbreak on the economy including retail sales, and the shape of the recovery. Read More
Market Outlook | April 16, 2020 Premium Market Overview: Luxury—Taking a Back Seat to the Global PandemicIn this market overview, we explore the personal luxury goods market landscape and consider the top 20 companies and top 15 brands in the global market by revenue. We discuss the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on both supply and demand in the luxury industry, as well as considering the importance of China’s luxury shoppers in today’s environment. Read More
Insight Report | April 16, 2020 Premium March 2020 US Retail Sales: Discretionary Sectors Post Deep Declines as Coronavirus-Led Lockdowns Hit Consumer SpendingUS retail sales saw deep declines in March, a stark change from the impressive gains made in January and February as large-scale retail shutdowns are implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read More
Insight Report | April 10, 2020 Premium March 2020 US Retail Traffic and In-Store Metrics: Traffic Falls by Over 60%, and Much More Steeply Toward the End of the MonthMarch 2020 saw a significant decline in US retail traffic amidst the coronavirus pandemic, heavily impacted by the store shutdowns implemented from the middle of the month. We review store traffic changes through the month and the sectors most impacted by the current crisis. We also consider key findings from a survey by RetailNext, which highlights the widely held belief that the pandemic will have long-term effects on retail. Read More
Insight Report | April 2, 2020 Premium Coronavirus Insights: China Embraces Signs of RecoverySince the coronavirus broke out in Wuhan in January, China has implemented unprecedented measures to control the spread of the virus. The nationwide lockdown looks to have been a success—we discuss signs that indicate the country is now on the road to recovery. We consider the implications for brands, as well as what the “new normal” might look like for China’s residents and businesses as the nation looks to move on from the coronavirus. Read More
Insight Report | March 30, 2020 Premium February 2020 Monthly Consumer Update: US, UK and ChinaGlobal consumer markets were buffeted last month as the coronavirus outbreak once limited to one country spread to become a global pandemic. Recent figures show consumer spending took a pounding in China, experienced an uncharacteristic surge in the US and grew in the UK. Read More
Insight Report | March 30, 2020 Premium February 2020 UK Retail Sales: The Calm Before the StormUK retail sales grew modestly in February, but this was the calm before the storm. We expect trends in March to be dramatically different as shoppers stocked up on some categories and shunned others Read More
