Western Europe

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the most severe global recession in nearly a century. Businesses are operating in a world of anxieties and uncertainties, not knowing what will be the new normal or when output and consumer spending…

The briefing introduces the Cities Households Necessities Spending Index. The index ranks 1,075 cities by household expenditure on non-discretionary items, namely food, housing, and clothing and footwear. This analysis focuses on 160 major cities.…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. Global inflation is reaching a peak, although geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market remain key risks. The impact varies between countries, with…

Now in its seventh edition, this report explores the top digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this edition touch on topics such as second-hand shopping, community group buying,…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. In 2023, global inflation is expected to ease from its peak in 2022, but remaining significantly above-trend. Geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market are…

Contact lenses is set to deliver single-digit growth in current value terms in 2023, with it expected to be the most dynamic category within eyewear. After the decline seen in 2020, which was linked to the arrival of the COVID-19 health emergency,…

Italian eyewear is projected to record single-digit growth in current value terms in 2023. Eyewear saw a quick recovery after the decline seen in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Value sales returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2021 with this being…

Sales of spectacles are set to see only moderate growth in current value terms in 2023, with growth being curbed by the low purchasing power of many Italians. Due to the impact of high inflation on the cost of living many people are being forced to…

After a very positive 2022 during which saw sunglasses recorded double-digit growth in value and volume terms, 2023 is set to be a more complex year for the category. The dynamic growth seen in 2022 was linked to the category’s ongoing recovery after…

In the upcoming years, consumers and businesses face an array of challenges, with income inequality, mass migration and rising uncertainty about another crisis being among the major ones. Nevertheless, within this lie untapped opportunities. This…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…

Contact lenses in Germany have faced supply chain issues in recent years triggered by the pandemic, leading to a notable decline in volume sales in 2020, and a marginal drop in 2022. However, the category has strongly rebounded in 2023 in line with…

Some consumers are switching back to contact lenses after wearing spectacles during the outbreak of COVID-19. Daily disposables are becoming more popular for occasional use, while monthly and 6-month lenses are still the most popular for everyday…

Eyewear in Germany experienced a significant decline in 2020 due to the pandemic and subsequent home seclusion, but the industry has been in recovery mode since 2021, despite a marginal decline in volume sales in 2022. Therefore, a full return to…

Eyewear recorded a positive and significant uplift in retail volume and value growth in 2023, following the deep declines seen in previous years due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Spectacles remained the largest category in eyewear in 2023, with…

The eyewear industry has experienced significant challenges in recent years due to the global pandemic and economic uncertainty. Spectacles, which comprise a significant portion of the industry in Germany, have not been immune to these challenges.…

Spectacles posted growth in 2023, following a fluctuating performance. Growth somewhat benefited from COVID-19, with home seclusion boosting wear initially. However, sales suffered from purchases being postponed during store closures and customers…

Demand for sunglasses declined in 2022, which can be attributed to a variety of factors including low consumer confidence and a reluctance to make fashion purchases during times of crisis and high inflation – despite the return of holiday trips to…

Demand for sunglasses has continued to recover from the impact of COVID-19 in 2023, seeing positive growth following a decline in 2022. Normalisation in travel patterns to sunny climates is a main drive of sales, while travel was impacted by…

Technological advances in 2024 will continue to reshape consumer behaviour. This annual report explores the top five digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this report’s edition…