76% of consumers say that, when choosing an online retailer, their primary concern is free shipping, followed by free returns (46%) and speed of delivery (42%)

 

VML Intelligence’s “The Future 100” identifies three key retail trends for 2025: Digital Simplicity to combat online information overload, Awesperiential Retail creating immersive in-store environments, and Stressed Shelves as brands battle private labels. Retailers must balance contradictory demands—simplifying digital experiences while enhancing physical spaces to drive engagement amid economic anxiety.

 

Deloitte’s Global Cyber Threat Intelligence 2024 report examines key cybersecurity trends and emerging threats, highlighting ransomware’s continued dominance as attackers leverage AI and RaaS models. The report details how social engineering, VPN exploitation, and phishing remain primary attack vectors, while nation-state actors, cybercriminals, hacktivists, and insider threats pose significant risks across multiple sectors.

Deloitte forecasts U.S. holiday retail sales growth of 2.3% to 3.3% this season, driven largely by e-commerce, projected to grow 7% to 9%. Economic pressures such as inflation and high credit card debt are tempering consumer budgets, impacting spending trends. [Retail Dive, September 2024]

McKinsey’s June 2024 report explores shifts in global consumer behaviour, such as declining brand loyalty, rising wellness spending, and increased social commerce. Notably, middle-income and retired consumers are more inclined to splurge on experiences, defying economic pressures. Businesses should adapt to these changes for sustained relevance. [McKinsey & Company, June 2024]

Boston Consulting Group and the Retailers Association of India’s February 2024 report forecasts India’s retail sector reaching $2 trillion by 2030, spurred by GDP growth and consumer demand. Despite current slowdowns, it sees substantial growth potential, advising retailers to focus on consumer engagement, digital innovations, AI efficiencies, strategic partnerships, and localized offerings for sustainable profitability.[Boston Consulting Group and Retailers Association of India, February 2024]

Deloitte’s report from February 2024 outlines how AI, IoT, smart robotics, MR, and advanced analytics are pivotal for retail transformation in India, amidst growing digital integration. It discusses strategic alignment, project planning, change management, and scaling for maximizing technology ROI, promoting a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in retail. [Deloitte February 2024]

Consumers now demand much more than value and convenience—and tolerate fewer shortfalls. Shoppers are reshaping the retail landscape faster than ever before. Nearly 40 percent have switched brands or retailers during the pandemic, and more than 80 percent have new shopping behaviors.

The Covid pandemic heaped even more volatility onto the FMCG sector: panic buying, supply chain constraints, and huge shifts in shopper behaviour created significant hurdles for retailers and suppliers alike. This eBook takes into account the views of 100 of the biggest FMCG suppliers in Europe.

Retailers increasingly direct their strategy and investments toward sustainable and responsible growth. They are re-evaluating the sustainability credentials of their products and of their overall brand in order to resonate with the wishes of an increasingly wide range of consumers.

Consumers will increasingly shop for groceries online in the years ahead. Retailers must make a series of strategic investments to keep pace.

Retail is going through serious transformation. As customer expectations lean toward channel-agnostic experiences, retailers are fast forwarding toward truly omni-channel models enabled by greater online-offline intergration. Conversely, CPG and brands companies are expanding their reach to end consumers through direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategies.

As technological innovation accelerates, fashion companies have an opportunity to serve customers better while also creating a more efficient, responsive, and responsible business.

Fashion suppliers and brands, like other companies, are facing significant economic and geopolitical challenges. Here’s what they can do to adapt and thrive.