When the going gets tough, the tough diversify

The initial ‘response’ phase of the pandemic is over. Now, as we’re adjusting to a state of normal(ish), it’s a good time to take stock and evaluate the current state of UK retail and hospitality. We’ve seen that many retailers used the downtime of the pandemic to diversify their sales channels. The boundaries between in-store and online have become increasingly blurred, and new channels and experiences are emerging. But how do we ensure that the values and personality of a brand stay consistent across the board?

Om Podcasten

It didn’t all change in March 2020. Not really.  The UK high street has been in the throes of a gradual revolution for decades. From the rise of ecommerce, to the birth of mobile, social commerce, and a growing emphasis on experience, change has been underway for a while. In fact for many, the pandemic has acted as a wake-up call. Digital transformation was no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a matter of survival. Necessity sparked innovation and customers are enjoying more flexibility and convenience than ever before. But what now? What lessons should we take with us as we move forwards? And how can we ensure we’re ready for whatever’s next? To find out, host Colin Neil embarked on a journey spanning the past 10 years. Using our latest consumer research as a launch-pad, we spoke to famous brands, industry experts, and consumers on the street. The result is a five-part podcast series providing a unique insight into the rich, varied world of UK commerce in 2021 and beyond.