World

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has shaken up consumer goods and service industries in the Middle East, putting pressure on supply chains and depressing sales as lockdowns and job losses squeeze discretionary spending. Essential items such as packaged food,…

In 2020, a momentous shift in consumer spending towards online grocery is underway. For legacy grocers to survive the unprecedented onslaught from retail giants such as Alibaba, Amazon, Carrefour, JD.com and Walmart, they must either develop their…

Stores continue to invest in systems that make buying easier, more convenient, frictionless, while e-commerce players are expanding their shopping capabilities, helping consumers to find better, more targeted products. In the process, these two…

As consumers prepare fewer meals overall, while demanding more assistance for the ones they do, spending and brand equity will accrue to those companies providing fresh prepared meals on demand, from delivery aggregators to retailers, restaurant…

Variety stores in Western Europe are seeing renewed interest from consumers, as operators expand rapidly, with a focus on low prices and broad product assortments. While store-based retailing more widely continues to struggle in the context of the…

The importance of customer loyalty has grown in a time of disruption and rising uncertainty. A central place is taken by consumer-centric strategies, retention efforts and the need to provide added value to loyalty scheme members. One-size-fits all…

Seven & I Holdings Ltd is a leading global retail company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Its diverse retail portfolio spans convenience retail, supermarkets, department stores and retail e-commerce. Its flagship brand, 7-Eleven, is the world’s…

The sustainability agenda has become a priority for many retailers globally, driven by consumer expectations and governmental legislation. Retailers recognise the imperative for change and are taking actions, particularly in the areas of…

Although inflation eased slightly in 2023 in many markets, global inflation rates remained high by recent historical standards. As a result, price-conscious consumers powered private label sales to record highs in 2023, and market conditions in 2024…

As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, online marketplaces are well-placed to continue their run of success in the dynamic e-commerce channel. This briefing analyses two major trends (Logistics and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)) that are…