More consumers are shopping online for household essentials, including food and beverages and health, personal care, and beauty products. The two categories are expected to see the most growth in their share of ecommerce sales from now until the end of our forecast period in 2028. Here’s a closer look at the state of US ecommerce, why household goods are fueling the market, and the consumer behavior steering it all.

Our latest forecast and exclusive consumer surveys highlight the most compelling omnichannel opportunities for fashion brands, retailers, and marketers.

A generous return policy can encourage consumer spending and inspire loyalty. On the other hand, a policy that makes it more costly or inconvenient for customers to return their items could sting a retailer’s bottom line. Here are some short- and long-term ways return policies can affect retailers, and ways to avoid charging customers a fee to cover return costs.

Britain is looking forward to its first coronation celebration in 70 years—with street parties, socializing, and an extra bank holiday set to give a welcome lift to retail sales.

According to Piper Sandler’s 45th semi-annual survey of US teen consumers, Gen Z spending was up 2% YoY to $2,419 annually. We dig into some of the key findings from the survey and offer our perspective, including why Ulta Beauty is proof the “lipstick effect” is in full swing and how Amazon can keep up with platforms like TikTok.

Inflation in the UK is easing but remains near a 40-year high. That’s tamping down consumer spending across all categories—with total retail sales set to grow by just 1.7% in 2023, versus a pre-pandemic growth rate of around 4%.

Plagued with supply chain issues and climbing operating costs, the first half 2022 has put footwear on its heels.

The UK’s total retail sales growth will slow in 2022 amid a challenging economy. Ecommerce sales will see the most significant slowdown—4.2% in 2022 versus 16.0% in 2021. But digital will still account for 35.9% of the country’s total retail sales this year.

During the pandemic-induced lockdowns in 2020, many UK-based shoppers confined to their homes saw little need to shop for apparel, and even now, as restrictions ease, apparel will still not be a consumer focus.

Ecommerce helped retail out of a sticky spot during the pandemic, and those habits formed during lockdowns will endure, as digital demands more attention than ever—37.5% of all retail sales this year will be ecommerce sales.

This summer, Nike will roll out its latest augmented reality (AR) initiative, Nike Fit. While the feature is another move toward independence and away from wholesalers, it could also help to alleviate the biggest hassles of online shopping when it comes to clothes and accessories.