Macro Economics

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 | 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.

Insight Report | April 30, 2020 Premium

Coronavirus Insights: Retail Playbook—React and Adapt

With 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.

Insight Report | April 28, 2020 Premium

March 2020 Monthly Consumer Update: US, UK and China

Analyzing 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.

Insight Report | April 27, 2020 Premium

March 2020 UK Retail Sales: Coronavirus Lockdown Inflicts Severe Blow to Discretionary Sector; Decline Set To Worsen in April

Total 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.

Insight Report | April 23, 2020 Premium

Beauty Insights: Livestreaming Increases Revenue and Loyalty—Lessons Learned during the Coronavirus

With 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.

Flash Report | April 20, 2020

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Coronavirus Stimulus Payments Under the US CARES Act Have Begun Rolling Out

Economic 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.

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 Eases

As 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.

Market Navigators/Market Outlook | April 16, 2020 Premium

Market Overview: Luxury—Taking a Back Seat to the Global Pandemic

In 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.

Insight Report | April 16, 2020 Premium

March 2020 US Retail Sales: Discretionary Sectors Post Deep Declines as Coronavirus-Led Lockdowns Hit Consumer Spending

US 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.

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 Month

March 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.

Insight Report | April 2, 2020 Premium

Coronavirus Insights: China Embraces Signs of Recovery

Since 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.