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Its that time of year again when we can sit down, pour ourselves a little (or indeed large) glass of something, and reminisce about the year that was. It is fair to say that retail has had its ups and down in 2024, with plenty of challenges accompanying the good times. While certain trends that were apparent this year may not be as key in 2025, others will continue into the next year and beyond, playing a major role in shaping customer demand.
Keeping costs low is at the heart of many successful businesses, especially when the right indoor climate plays a large part in daily operations. This is where chiller units can come into their own. They are not only about making spaces feel pleasant but can also help look after your bottom line. With options such as air-cooled, water-cooled, glycol, HVAC chillers, and heat pumps, there is something for every business.
As the June 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act approaches, Nexer Digital has launched a new campaign, I Matter Too , to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive online experiences. The campaign aims to encourage online retailers to act now and embrace digital accessibility as a core part of their strategy, not just to meet legal requirements but to go beyond compliance and deliver true inclusivity.
Ghalia BOUSTANI. Retail Consultant | Published author | Visiting lecturer Hyper-local strategies have been increasingly applied by luxury brands to connect with specific communities through limited-time pop-up stores. Their ability to create highly curated experiences that are tailored to regional tastes, cultural preferences, and local consumers is made possible by this approach.
Visual merchandising is an essential tool for retailers aiming to boost sales and improve customer experience. It involves strategically presenting products in a physical space to engage customers and encourage purchases. This blog post will explore how effective visual merchandising can positively impact sales and offer practical tips retailers can implement to enhance their display tactics.
GAILs Bakery , renowned for bringing chef-quality sourdough bread to neighbourhoods across the UK, has partnered with Verkada , a leader in cloud-based physical security, to streamline its security and operational processes across its more than 170 locations. Led by Brett Parker, Property Director at GAILs Bakery, the bakery business has successfully deployed Verkada video security cameras, access control, and air quality sensors to enable remote management of its retail storefronts and bakeries
Regarding marketing and selling products to consumers, product imagery is unquestionably one of the most important selling points. When considering the prevalence and dominance of e-commerce and digital shopping channels, traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores may question where this leaves them. There is an argument to be made regarding the benefits of seeing physical products up close and testing them in action, which e-commerce does not offer.
Clutter: More Than Just an Eyesore Most businesses understand that clutter isn’t just unattractiveit’s quietly undermining office efficiency. You’ve probably noticed this already: the heaps of paperwork, supplies scattered about, and even those innocent-looking piles of old files that everyone pretends not to see. Believe it or not, clutter actively reduces focus, drains mental energy, and subtly hampers productivity.
In todays fast-paced retail environment, customers expect more than just quality productsthey demand exceptional experiences that are personalized, convenient, and consistent across all touchpoints. Email marketing has become a cornerstone of delivering this seamless retail customer experience, acting as a direct and personalized communication channel between brands and their customers.
It’s official – long gone are the days of the standalone Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts. Now, securing sought after products at the best price is becoming increasingly chaotic for consumers, with prices fluctuating during a number of weeks across the Golden Quarter. Forget deal or no deal, it’s more like deal or disappointment for consumers, leaving much to be desired in terms of results for retailers.
UK retailers are expected to see a boost in footfall on Black Friday (29 Nov 2024), with the lure of discounts unlocking pent-up post-payday spending, after many shoppers held back on purchasing in October in order to bag Black Friday deals, according to the latest data from RetailNext , the leading analytics solution for bricks-and-mortar retailers.
The vaping industry has seen a lot of growth over the years, driven by evolving consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and advancements in technology. For vape juice brands, staying competitive in the retail market requires a deep understanding of the latest trends influencing sales. By tapping into these trends, brands can better cater to consumer demands and position themselves for success.
Two major new brands are setting up shop at Northern Ireland’s premier outlet destination, The Boulevard , following the schemes record breaking sales. Becoming known for many retail ‘firsts’ in Northern Ireland such as kate spade ny, Adidas, Levi’s and Under Armour, The Boulevard is set to be home for the first Castore store in Northern Ireland and the first Police on the island of Ireland taking 1,054sq ft and 1,136sq ft units respectively.
Gamification has been around in the e-commerce industry for a while. After all, it’s one of the best ways to attract customers and boost engagement. The problem is, what happens when everyone’s doing the same thing? When it’s all point systems and freebies, how does an e-commerce business stand out? Gamification in e-commerce is evolving, and it’s crucial that you look for new trends to get an edge on the competition.
Seasonal shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the back-to-school season have a significant impact on retail stock prices. These periods experience a surge in consumer spending, driving up sales figures and influencing investor sentiment. As retailers roll out promotions and discounts to attract customers, their performance during these high-stakes times can lead to fluctuations in stock valuations.
It is no secret that the retail industry needs to become more sustainable. While we have already seen significant movement in this area with the introduction of schemes such as paper-based bags and in-store clothing recycling, the onus is on retailers to do more to reduce their impact on the environment. Some often cite cost as the primary barrier when it comes to sustainability, with certain schemes requiring significant spend.
As global supply chains become increasingly complex, the demand for transparency has never been greater. Retailers face mounting pressure from consumers, regulators, and stakeholders to demonstrate ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and operational accountability. Traditional supply chain systems, built on fragmented and often manual processes, struggle to offer real-time visibility.
Retailers are no strangers to tracking every item on the shelf, but most still ignore the true value of their digital shelves. Your product images, promotional videos, branded templates, and SEO content arent just accessories to your brand, but also assets with measurable impact. When treated as stock, these resources can significantly sharpen your competitive edge.
Introduction Crypto trading is an ever-evolving market, requiring traders to make informed decisions based on price movements, market trends, and trading strategies. One of the most crucial aspects of crypto trading is selecting the appropriate time frame. The choice of time frame significantly impacts a traders strategy, risk management, and potential profitability.
As consumers move seamlessly between online, mobile, and physical store channels, retailers must keep pace through an omnichannel strategyone that unifies every customer touchpoint into a cohesive, frictionless journey. Achieving this level of integration demands meticulous planning, strong infrastructure, and expert technical support to ensure each component operates harmoniously.
Open floor plans have become synonymous with modern living, offering a spacious, airy feel that many homeowners desire. However, this openness can also lead to a lack of privacy and structure. How do you maintain a sense of individuality in different areas of the home without compromising that open, communal atmosphere? The answer lies in using walls strategically to create distinct zones within your open plan.
Festive sales at Battersea Power Station increased by 13.4% in November and December 2024 and footfall grew by 11% compared to the same period in 2023, as the riverside neighbourhood celebrated its best Christmas to date. By the end of 2024, the riverside destination had welcomed more than 26 million visitors since the Grade II listed Power Station and Electric Boulevard, the neighbourhoods pedestrianised high street, opened to the public in October 2022.
Not only is the Super Bowl an important game for American fans, its one of the most significant sporting events of all. Across the world, close to 100 million people tune in for the final game of the NFL season, and to enjoy all the drama of this showpiece occasion. Like most major events, the Super Bowl brings certain benefits to the retail sector.
This holiday season (and beyond), its even easier for shoppers at Benuta to find whats on their wishlists. Just in time for the holidays, Benuta Europes largest online store for rugs, and a provider of complementary home decor has teamed up with US-based Constructor , an ecommerce search and product discovery platform. With its large, diverse product catalogue including more than 20,000 items for all spaces and aesthetics Benuta uses Constructor so shoppers can pinpoint whats best for them.
There is no escaping the subject of sustainability, with retailers under increasing pressure to implement changes to make them into a more planet friendly operation. Of course, this is much easier said than done, with “going green” not something that can be done overnight and instead requires careful thought and planning. While there are some more obvious steps retailers can take to bolster sustainability such as switching plastic-based bags for paper alternatives and putting in place product re
The storied legacy of Joseph Cheaney, a brand synonymous with quality craftsmanship and quintessentially British shoemaking, is entering a new chapter on New Bond Street. Known for its unwavering commitment to innovation and authenticity, Cheaney’s latest boutique represents a strategic move not just in retail location, but in aligning with a broader cultural shift – a renewed appreciation amongst modern consumers for quality, heritage, and an ever-evolving “buy less, buy better̶
Custom fixtures transform retail spaces from ordinary to captivating by giving every display purpose and personality. They’re not simply shelves or stands—they’re crafted expressions of your brand that invite shoppers to engage, explore, and buy. Investing in well-designed, custom-built pieces helps create a consistent atmosphere that customers remember and trust.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at a rapid pace, from healthcare to finance and logistics. As sectors embrace automation, personalisation, and data-driven decision-making, it’s clear that AI is more than just a tech trend—it’s a business imperative. Retail, which thrives on customer insight and operational efficiency, stands to gain immensely by observing how other industries apply AI strategically to improve both internal processes and external experiences.
AI has taken the world by storm. On the one hand, there are concerns regarding its use of copyrighted material, without compensation given to professional creatives. On the other hand, it can be used to handle extensive, complicated tasks quickly and efficiently. It is especially effective when used in conjunction with reliable data. AI Integration Across Industries AI has found use in most industries.
Adaptability has long been the cornerstone of a successful UK business. Even the longest-standing retail brands that are known for a very specific corner of the market have innovated in different ways over the years. In the last 20 years, several new paths to innovation and adaptability have emerged, and uniquely, businesses can cost-effectively tap into almost all of them.
Setting up a retail space can be a challenge, especially when you want to stand out and make a lasting impression. One effective way to create a unique shopping environment is by using a commercial gazebo. These versatile structures provide a cost-effective and visually appealing solution for businesses looking to establish a retail space with style and functionality.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of a fast and secure website cannot be overstated. Both website speed and security are integral to building a trusted and successful online presence. Heres why you should consider these aspects as your top priorities and how they directly influence user engagement, brand perception and business outcomes.
When you think of interior design, it’s easy to imagine the usual suspectsfurniture, colours, and textiles. But glass artistry has quietly been making waves, offering a sophisticated, modern touch that transforms any space. Through the delicate interplay of light, texture, and form, glass engraving has emerged as an art form that seamlessly blends style and functionality, creating interiors that are both elegant and distinctive.
M-Cube , the in-store digital solutions provider, has today unveiled M-Lab, its music catalogue powered by AI dedicated to the retail industry. The catalogue supports retailers in creating and innovating musical journeys in-store. As stores battle to stand out and differentiate themselves from competitors, retailers are rightly focused on building an emotional connection with their customers.
Aldi is set to continue its expansion in Scotland, confirming today it plans to invest more than 40m over the next two years, opening three new stores in Arbroath, Baillieston and Kirkintilloch in 2025. The investment supports the retailers growth ambitions north of the border and will allow it to keep up with growing consumer demand. In 2024, Aldi celebrated 30 years in Scotland, having opened its first store in Kilmarnock in 1994.
Liverpool ONE has announced that Inditex-owned fashion brand, Zara , has opened its significantly upsized flagship on upper and lower South John Street. The new 42,000 sq ft store is the latest example of brand investment in the destination, following a landmark year of signings that will make 2025 Liverpool ONEs biggest year for openings since it launched in 2008.
Popular online brands, growing F&B operators, and established retail names are just some of the occupiers who have moved to Manchester Arndale over the past 12 months as the shopping centre strengthens its position as the North Wests premier retail destination. During 2024, joint asset managers M&G Real Estate and Global Mutual alongside retained leasing agents Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners as well as retained lease advisory agents Green & Partners, secured 223,748 sq ft
The Mark Ingram Atelier is synonymous with being at the heart of luxury and fashion, situated just steps away from the vibrant Park Avenue. For the past 20 years, it has been a beacon in bridal fashion, drawing brides from around the globe who seek not only the finest couture but also an intimate, personalised experience in a setting rich with history and sophistication.
Today, eBay announces the launch of “Listings in Lights,” an immersive display in the heart of London that promotes private selling and lets people shop pre-loved items across luxury, fashion, home, tech, and toys, from eBay sellers across the UK. Listings in Lights follows last month’s removal of selling fees for private sellers in the UK, making it free to sell across all categories except for motors.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many key industries, one of which is eCommerce. In recent years, business owners have started to rely more heavily upon various AI-powered tools to enhance the user/customer experience, reduce bounce rate, upgrade existing systems, enhance cyber security, boost conversions, and increase revenue. One such tool is the AI shopper or AI shopping assistant, which significantly helps consumers find what they’re looking for quicker than ever.
Europe’s leading sofa retailer, Poltronesofà, is close to completing a £57 million transformation of 96 UK stores as the company offers UK customers an unmatched choice of ranges and fabrics and an enhanced in-store experience. The Poltronesofà group operates over 310 stores across Europe and is the market leader in both Italy and France, with a market presence in Belgium, Switzerland, Malta and Cyprus.
Retail has always depended on observation. From spotting which shelf draws more attention to knowing which item sells best during certain times, the trade has long relied on pattern recognition. The difference now lies in how precise those patterns can be. As the amount of data available grows by the hour, retailers face the choice: either use it wisely or risk being left behind.
Ghalia Boustani- Ephemeral Retailing Specialist | Published Author | Podcast Host In the ever-evolving lexicon of retail and brand culture, LUXENTAINMENT emerges as a telling synthesis—a fusion of luxury and entertainment. It’s more than a clever portmanteau; it is a cultural signal, capturing a pivotal transformation in how luxury is imagined, staged, and consumed today.
In the ever-evolving world of retail, adaptability, aesthetics, and cost-efficiency are crucial to staying ahead of the competition. Retailers must constantly update their in-store displays, promotional setups, and product showcases to capture customer interest and reflect current trends. One solution that perfectly addresses these needs is the modular exhibition system.
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