-
As Black Friday approaches, UK retailers anticipate a cautious Christmas due to high energy costs and a recent budget impacting consumer confidence. Sales have declined, particularly in clothing and gifts, with JD Sports reporting lower-than-expected profits amid increased competition and mild weather. Analysts predict modest growth in holiday sales.
-
UK retail sales fell by 0.7% in October, marking the first decline in three months. Clothing stores were particularly affected as consumers held back spending ahead of the Labour government's first budget. Despite this drop, sales volumes increased by 0.8% over the previous three months, indicating mixed consumer confidence.
-
As Christmas approaches, Scottish retailers face evolving consumer preferences, with many shoppers adopting budget-conscious habits. Key trends include a rise in second-hand gifting, a preference for experience-based presents, and increased interest in gift cards. These changes reflect a broader shift towards meaningful and sustainable holiday shopping.
-
Mercer’s ‘Global Talent Trends 2024’ survey uncovers four trends shaping a people strategy that can help companies gain a competitive advantage.