Takeaways

• The UK economy is expected to grow only 1% this year.
• Overall consumer sentiment in the US has declined sharply since January.
• Sentiment among high-income consumers has slightly improved recently.
• Survey data show optimism for upcoming holidays but caution for the future.
• Dollar Tree, Inc.'s divestment of Family Dollar aims to focus on profitability.
• Family Dollar shoppers are typically more urban and lower-income.
• Retailers must navigate uncertainty with strategic technology investments.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

02:42 UK Economic Overview and Consumer Sentiment

03:56 US Consumer Sentiment Trends and Spending Expectations

07:56 Dollar Tree's Strategic Move and Market Insights

Read our comprehensive reports on the topics covered in this episode:

• Seasonal Shopping, 2Q25—Expectations for Easter, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day; Plus, Holiday 2025 Plans: US Consumer Survey Insights Extra
• Dollar Tree To Divest Family Dollar: Here’s What It Means—Consumer + Real Estate Data Analysis

Takeaways

• Unified commerce connects backend systems with front-facing channels.
• Consumers expect a seamless shopping experience across all channels.
• Mobile apps are essential for loyalty and customer engagement.
• Unified commerce helps retailers meet customers wherever they are.
• Data integration is crucial for personalized customer experiences.
• Retailers must unify their channels to remain competitive.
• A clear strategy and roadmap are essential for successful unified commerce execution.
• Data quality and management are foundational to unified commerce success.
• Customer-centric approaches are vital for enhancing the shopping experience.
• Retailers must adapt to changing consumer expectations and preferences.
• Unified commerce is not optional; it is essential for retail survival.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

02:05 Understanding Unified Commerce

04:58 Consumer Behavior and Channel Integration

05:30 The Role of Mobile Apps and Social Commerce

06:32 Commerce Infrastructure Solutions

12:15 Customer Experience and Engagement Solutions

18:05 Shopper Data Integration Solutions

25:12 Sales and Operations Solutions

27:09 Unified Commerce: The Backbone of Retail Operations

29:51 Supply Chain and Inventory Management: Ensuring Availability

36:47 Challenges in Implementing Unified Commerce

47:06 Strategies for Executing Unified Commerce

53:43 The Future of Unified Commerce: Adapting to Change

Discover technology companies globally that provide unified commerce solutions with the Retail-Tech Landscape: Unified Commerce from Coresight Research.

Takeaways

• The retail landscape is rapidly evolving with new technologies.
• Customer centricity is a key focus for retailers today.
• AI is transforming how retailers operate and engage with customers.
• Startups are crucial for innovation in the retail sector.
• Shoptalk Spring will feature diverse topics relevant to retail.
• Balancing customer experience with operational efficiency is essential.
• The "Shark Reef" Startup Pitch highlights emerging retail-tech solutions.
• Retailers must adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences.
• Networking at conferences can lead to valuable insights and partnerships.
• Planning and flexibility are key to maximizing conference experiences.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

02:14 Shoptalk Spring Conference Overview

03:55 Roquan Lucas: Background and Role at Shoptalk

06:38 Consumer Behavior and Content Evolution in Retail

09:09 Customer Centricity: A Key Theme for Shoptalk Spring

11:41 Startup Pitch: Innovations in Retail Technology

15:34 Balancing Customer Experience and Operational Efficiency

19:26 The Role of AI in Retail Transformation

23:21 Maximizing Your Experience at Shoptalk

26:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 

More on Shoptalk Spring 2025:

• For more on the Startup Pitch event, read our ⁠preview report.
• Essential Guide to Shoptalk Spring 2025: Navigating the Future of Customer-Centric Retail with AI and Unified Commerce
• Read our Innovator Profiles and look out for our daily coverage of Shoptalk Spring 2025 here.

Takeaways

• Unified commerce enhances the customer shopping experience.
• Brand storytelling is essential for consumer loyalty.
• Generative AI transforms search capabilities in retail.
• Retail media is a growing revenue stream for retailers.
• AI helps in demand forecasting and inventory management.
• Seamless consumer journeys are crucial for modern retail.
• Authenticity in branding is expected by today's consumers.
• Retail technology is evolving rapidly with new innovations.
• Shoptalk Spring will showcase leading-edge retail trends.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

02:25 Coresight Research's Role and Responsibilities

03:54 Key Themes of Shoptalk Spring

04:52 Unified Commerce: The Future of Retail

07:06 Brand Storytelling and Consumer Engagement

08:12 Generative AI and the Evolution of Search

10:02 Leveraging New Technologies in Retail

12:30 The Rise of Retail Media

13:49 Keynote Highlights and Conference Insights

Related research:

• Essential Guide to Shoptalk Spring 2025: Navigating the Future of Customer-Centric Retail with AI and Unified Commerce
• Catch up on insights from previous Shoptalk events and look out for our daily coverage of Shoptalk Spring 2025 here.
• Meet the Coresight Research team at Shoptalk Spring 2025.

Takeaways

• Walmart dominates food shopping across all US regions.
• Whole Foods Market has the strongest urban shopper base.
• Regional preferences significantly influence shopping patterns.
• Amazon performs better in urban areas, while Walmart excels in rural markets.
• Macy's has a concentrated urban consumer base, aligning with its strategy.
• Temu is gaining traction in urban markets with aggressive pricing.
• Retailers need to tailor strategies to regional shopping behaviors.
• The urban-versus-rural divide is growing in retail.
• Differentiation is crucial for retailers to stand out.
• Understanding local preferences can enhance retail success.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

01:29 Geography's Influence on Food Shopping Patterns

03:44 Nonfood Shopping Dynamics and Regional Variations

05:37 Emerging Competitors in the Retail Space

06:28 Key Takeaways for Retailers

Dive into our full survey analysis: Where Shoppers Live vs. Where They Shop: US Consumer Survey Insights Extra

Takeaways

• The US retail market is valued at about $5.3 trillion and is growing.
• Smaller store formats are gaining popularity due to convenience.
• Technology is enhancing operational efficiency in retail.
• Experiential retail is becoming crucial for attracting customers.
• International retailers are expanding their presence in the US market.
• Retailers are rethinking the balance between DTC (direct-to-consumer) and wholesale.
• Physical stores serve multiple roles beyond just sales.
• Consumer preferences are shifting toward immersive shopping experiences.
• Retailers need to adapt to technological advancements.
• The future of retail includes a blend of digital and physical experiences.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

02:55 Current State of the US Retail Market

03:10 Emerging Trends in Retail Real Estate

06:10 The Role of Technology in Retail

07:33 Experiential Retail and Immersive Experiences

09:40 International Retailers Entering the US Market

11:39 Recommendations for Retailers in an Evolving Landscape

Complementing this episode of Retaili$tic, look out for our upcoming report detailing trends and developments in the US retail real estate landscape, which will publish soon on coresight.com. Uncover more insights on real estate and technology from Coresight Research. 

Takeaways

• AI, machine learning and automation are reshaping grocery shopping.
• Demand forecasting is critical for managing perishable goods.
• Smart shopping carts enhance the shopping experience and data collection.
• Personalization through AI drives customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) reduce pricing errors and paper waste.
• The grocery industry is moving toward a connected ecosystem.
• Retailers must adapt to technological advancements to remain competitive.
• Consumer expectations are shifting towards seamless shopping experiences.
• Investments in technology must demonstrate clear value to grocers.
• The future of grocery shopping will prioritize customer experience and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Data and Reports

02:32 The Role of AI and Automation in Grocery Shopping

05:49 Demand Forecasting and Inventory Management

07:05 Smart Shopping Carts: Revolutionizing the Shopping Experience

14:15 Personalization and ESLs

17:05 The Future of Grocery Shopping and Retail Adaptation

Dive into our comprehensive research report on this topic: AI Underpins the Tech-Driven Shift in US Grocery, from Smarter Forecasting to Faster Checkout

Takeaways

• Tariffs are expected to negatively impact the economy and personal finances.
• Consumers are largely negative about the effects of tariffs.
• 61% of US consumers believe that tariffs will lead to higher prices.
• Retailers are diversifying their sourcing to mitigate tariff risks.
• The closure of the "de minimis" loophole poses a threat to cross-border retailers.
• Companies such as Temu are subsidized to maintain competitive pricing.
• Retailers are pulling forward inventory to avoid tariffs.
• The toy industry is particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts.
• Shein and Temu are adapting their business models to remain competitive.
• Overall sentiment toward tariffs is predominantly negative among US consumers.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

02:28 Focus on China Tariffs and Their Implications

06:20 Consumer Sentiment Regarding Tariffs

08:39 Retailers' Perspectives on Tariffs and Strategies

Read more on how the new tariffs are impacting consumer sentiment and the retail market.

Takeaways

• Store closures in the US reached 7,400 in 2024, the highest level since 2020.
• Inflation continues to affect consumer spending, particularly among lower-income groups.
• Legacy retailers are reshaping their store footprints to adapt to changing consumer habits.
• The home goods sector faced significant challenges due to a weak housing market.
• Discount stores experienced unusual closures, with major players like Big Lots and Family Dollar closing numerous locations.
• Apparel continues to see store closures as the sector adjusts to market demands.
• Retail drugstores such as Walgreens and CVS are also closing hundreds of stores as they reshape their estates.
• In 2025, US store closures are set to increase further, with early indicators showing a strong start to the year.
• The UK retail market is facing significant challenges, with closures expected to rise in 2025.
• Consumer sentiment in the US remains positive, contrasting with the pessimistic outlook in the UK.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

02:52 Store Openings and Closures in 2024

07:19 Sector-Specific Challenges and Trends

10:23 Square Footage and Retail Space Dynamics

12:48 Predictions for 2025: Store Closures and Market Outlook

17:50 Comparative Analysis: US vs. UK Retail Markets

Dive into the full details of store closures and openings in the US and the UK with our comprehensive reports:

• Store Tracker Extra: US Store Openings and Closures 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook
• Store Tracker Extra: UK Store Openings and Closures—2024 Review and 2025 Outlook

Takeaways

• AI was a major focus at CES 2025.
• CES has expanded its focus beyond consumer electronics.
• AI agents can perform tasks on behalf of humans.
• Delta Air Lines is leveraging AI for customer service.
• AI models require significant training data.
• Retail technology is evolving with immersive experiences.
• Empowering retail associates with AI improves service.
• The future of retail will heavily involve AI applications.
• AI is transforming supply chain management.
• Physical stores still account for 80% of retail sales.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CES and Retail Technology

08:30 The Future of AI in Retail

Read all Coresight Research coverage of CES 2025.