EDITORIAL Why shoppers are likely to buy differently this Christmas

In today’s InternetRetailing we’re reporting on how shoppers are likely to buy this Christmas, according to research and analysis, driven online and into shops by factors including Covid-19, a potential no-deal Brexit and a fear of shortages.

Certainly, the BRC has urged shoppers to start buying earlier in order to spread demand and it seems – from evidence including these studies – that may well be happening. Driving factors include the fear that potential gifts and food might sell out – perhaps inspired by uncertainty experienced during lockdowns.

We look at what the latest figures on footfall, store closures and the shutdown in Wales say about the potential future of shops. Among the findings are the happier one that independent and local shops on suburban high streets appear to be prospering – but this is also proving an opportunity for developer Land Securities to reimagine what its retail space does and rethink the way its customers experience it.

Payments are changing more widely – the latest BRC Payments Survey shows 61% of retail transactions were being made using cards even before the pandemic began, but at a cost to retailers. The direction of progress is likely to have been spurred on as shoppers opted for contactless methods since then. 

One way that shops are developing and helping to keep shoppers safe is by bringing contactless shopping into stores. There’s an example of that as Muji adopts smartphone checkout in all of its UK shops. 

In today’s guest comment, Kabalan Gaspard of Looker considers how retailers can use analytics to help navigate the current and future challenges posed by Covid-19.