In this episode of Mintel Little Conversation, host Andrew Davidson is joined by retail experts Diana Smith and Nick Carroll to discuss the 2021 holiday shopping season. From politics, the economy and inflation to supply chain issues and the Delta variant, they analyse the industry, consumer and market changes that have altered or evolved retail shopping over the last year and the impact on brands and retailers over the coming months. Are supply chain issues and product shortages real threats to consumers' holiday shopping plans and retailers' brand images or is it a tactic to encourage early, full-price shopping? What strategies can retailers employ to combat staffing shortages? The experts share their predictions for 2021 and debate whether or not we'll see a continuation of the trend in record-breaking e-commerce growth or the recovery of brick-and-mortar sales; if consumers will continue to gravitate towards independent and local retailers or if same-day delivery, price matching and flexible return policies will win out. Curious to know if gift cards or experiences will be this year's top gift? Listen now to find out!

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Diana Smith, Associate Director, Retail and eCommerce, Mintel Reports US.

Nick Carroll, Associate Director, European Retail Research.