Macro Economics

Access 7,000+ research reports and presentations on the retail and technology ecosystem, covering consumers, companies, economies, and retail and technology trends. Filter by product, sector, themes, regions, companies, or other parameters below. Alternatively, use the search box above to find relevant research content.

Event Coverage | June 4, 2020

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Open for Business with Katie Finnegan, E-Commerce Expert: Innovating Toward Community in Brick-and-Mortar Retail

As part of our Open for Business webinar series, we hosted Katie Finnegan, Chief Consumer Experience and E-Commerce Officer at Rite Aid. We present the transcript from this webinar, in which Finnegan offered insights into the future of brick-and-mortar retail, which is evolving to become more about community.

Insight Report | May 29, 2020 Premium

April 2020 Monthly Consumer Update: US, UK and China

Analyzing consumer demand in April 2020, it is clear that the month saw the worst impact of the coronavirus in the US and the UK, while China experienced a small rebound.

Insight Report | May 29, 2020 Premium

April 2020 US Retail Traffic and In-Store Metrics: Traffic Declines by over 96%, but Less Steeply Toward the End of the Month

April 2020 saw near-100% declines in US store traffic due to widespread coronavirus-led lockdowns for at least the first three weeks. We review store traffic changes through the month and the sectors most impacted by the current crisis.

Deep Dive | May 27, 2020 Premium

US Generations and Spending: The Future of Millennials’ Consumer Behavior, Influenced by Covid-19

In this first report in our US Generations and Spending series, we focus on the buying behaviors of millennials, which have recently been altered by the coronavirus lockdown. We explore how these changes may impact consumer spending in the long term and consider the implications for retailers.

Insight Report | May 25, 2020 Premium

April 2020 UK Retail Sales: Huge Declines in Discretionary Sectors Conceal Meaningful Sales Retention through E-Commerce

Total UK retail sales further declined in April, largely due to the enforced closure of nonessential retailers due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, deep declines conceal a meaningful retention of sales through e-commerce. We review April data for UK retail in total and by sector.

Insight Report | May 21, 2020 Premium

Coronavirus Insights: China Launches New “55 Shopping Festival” To Give Retail a Post-Lockdown Boost

To stimulate the economy and encourage consumers to release pent-up demand post Covid-19, the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government co-launched a new, large-scale shopping holiday with the retail industry at the beginning of May 2020. We discuss the scale and impact of the omnichannel 55 Shopping Festival, exploring how it is driving purchasing behavior in retail and tourism.

Insight Report | May 21, 2020 Premium

US and China Quarterly Economic Update: Coronavirus Inflicted Economic Harm to Both Countries in 1Q20

Recently released data from the US and China show both economies being impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic in the first quarter of 2020. US GDP declined to the lowest level since the Global Recession in 2008, and China’s GDP contracted for the first time in nearly 30 years. Furthermore, due to the Covid-19 crisis, industrial output in both nations fell significantly.

Insight Report | May 18, 2020 Premium

April 2020 US Retail Sales: Discretionary Sectors Post Huge Declines; Food Stores and Nonstore Retailers Save Total Sales from Double-Digit Fall

With nonessential retail shut down for the full month of April due to the coronavirus, US retail sales nosedived in discretionary sectors, following deep declines in March. Lower levels of food stockpiling by consumers also saw growth slow in the grocery sector.

Insight Report | May 14, 2020 Premium

Coronavirus Insights: Three Post-Lockdown Consumer Trends in China

Coronavirus-related lockdowns have impacted consumption behavior around the world. As China emerges from the crisis, we identify three areas of altered consumer behavior that we expect to impact future spending patterns—including omnichannel experiences and group buying.

Event Coverage | May 14, 2020

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Coresight Conversations: Retail Legend and Turnaround Specialist Michael Appel Discusses How Liquidity Preservation Is Key to a Business Turnaround

As part of our Coresight Conversations: Legends in Retail webinar series, we hosted retail legend and business turnaround specialist Michael Appel. We present the transcript from this webinar, in which Appel shared his five-pronged strategy for how retailers can survive the current coronavirus crisis and look ahead to the future—with emphasis on the key pillars of technology and liquidity.

Deep Dive | May 13, 2020 Premium

Operating in a Post-Coronavirus World: How Indian Retailers Can Navigate the Road to Recovery

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic has seen the Indian government impose restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. We discuss the wide-ranging impacts of the ongoing lockdown on India’s retail sector and explore how retailers have responded to the crisis. In addition to examining the challenges that lie ahead, we present a three-pronged approach for retailers to survive the post-coronavirus recovery period and emerge stronger.

Deep Dive | May 7, 2020 Premium

The China Beauty Consumer, Pre- and Post Coronavirus

Although impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, initial indicators show that China’s economy is rebounding, and the beauty industry is poised for a speedy recovery. We discuss findings from our proprietary survey of beauty consumers in China—as well as recent data about the market—to examine the preferences and spending behaviors of this demographic prior to the coronavirus pandemic and learnings coming out of the crisis.

Insight Report | May 5, 2020 Premium

Experiential Retail: VR Technology Drives Consumer Engagement and 70% Higher Conversion Rates

Due 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.

Insight Report | May 4, 2020 Premium

US Mother’s Day Retail Preview 2020: Spending Could Halve as Lockdowns Limit Shopper Options

With 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.

Insight Report | April 30, 2020 Premium

Brand Mashups: Limited-Edition Products a Lever To Support Consumer Demand in Tough Times

Brand 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.