Consumer Behaviour
This coverage explores trends and insights in consumer behaviour across the UK retail sector, helping professionals understand how shoppers’ preferences and habits influence sales, marketing, and operations. Reporting examines shifts in spending, digital engagement, generational differences, loyalty drivers, and responses to economic pressures — supporting informed retail strategy and customer engagement initiatives.
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Jul- 2025 -25 JulyFeatures
What Sycamore’s $10bn WBA takeover means for the UK high street
A $10bn (£7.4bn) takeover of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) by Sycamore Partners has been officially approved, with 96% of shareholders voting in favour. This decisive vote underscores the significance of the deal, which is poised to transform a major entity at the intersection of retail and healthcare. Expected to close…
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Jun- 2025 -10 JuneFeatures
Why the mood economy is shaping the retail landscape
Retail therapy is nothing new. For decades, shoppers have found comfort in the act of buying here and there to lift their mood, mark a moment, or simply to reclaim a sense of control. But lately something feels different in Britain’s buying habits, and it runs deeper than the occasional…
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3 JuneDepartment Stores
Spring heatwave sparks 500% retail sales surge at Debenhams Group
The Debenhams Group, which includes Debenhams, Karen Millen, Boohoo, Man, and PrettyLittleThing, has reported a 500% surge in sales and a 1,000% increase in searches for certain summer products this May, compared with the same month last year, driven by the spring heatwave. New data, which looked at the demand…
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2 JuneFeatures
Is kidswear holding fashion retailers back?
Children’s apparel rarely commands the spotlight in retail reporting – but when it underperforms, the drag is felt quietly across the balance sheet. In its latest financial results, Adena Brands – owner of Monsoon and Accessorize – reported a £7.5m pre-tax loss and an 11% decline in group sales. The…
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Apr- 2025 -8 AprilHigh Street
Clintons returns to FY profit following store closures
Clintons has returned to profit following a period of store closures and job losses, with pre-tax profits rising to £8.1m in the year ended 29 June 2024, up from a loss of £5.4m the prior year. Full-year sales fell from £96.5m to £82.6m over the period, which was a “satisfactory…
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Aug- 2024 -8 AugustSupermarkets
Deliveroo returns to profit in H1 amid ‘encouraging’ consumer behaviour
Deliveroo has returned to profit following a strong performance in H1, as profits hit £1.3m for the period, up from a loss of £82.9m the prior year, as improved consumer retention and growing retail partnerships boosted sales.GTV was up by 6% to £3.7bn, with a constant currency GTV growth of…
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Feb- 2021 -10 FebruaryComment
Has the pandemic driven a permanent shift in consumer behaviour?
New Era If anyone was in any doubt about the future of retail, the purchase of Debenhams by Boohoo has surely sealed the deal. When an online-only retailer can snap up one of the UK’s high street stalwarts – and refuse to take either the physical stores or the warehouse…
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Jul- 2020 -24 JulyTips
How Covid-19 has changed consumer behaviour
We are five months into one of the most catastrophic events of recent history, and the world’s economies are still reeling from its effects. Almost overnight, people’s lifestyles and behaviours have changed dramatically. Small businesses and major corporations alike are struggling to cope with a radically different retail landscape that…
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Apr- 2019 -1 AprilAnalysis
Why retail rewards schemes do not necessarily create loyalty
Customer loyalty is not something retailers can afford to take for granted. With only 3% of people saying they feel devoted to their favourite stores, it’s the norm to shop around for the best deals and ‘cheat’ on one’s usual shop of choice. Although consumers still see some of the…
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Feb- 2019 -7 FebruaryAdvice
Auto-replenishment: Is this how we want to shop in the future?
From supermarkets automating their stock systems, to consumers installing Amazon Dash buttons in their homes, auto-replenishment is a hot topic for many retail experts. Whatever happens in 2019, retailers will undoubtedly face a difficult year ahead, but will it be the teams harnessing and investing in new technology that come…
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