Market highlights – March 2017

Trends News 6 - Market highlights - March 2017

Market highlights – March 2017

Every month B.D.C. gives you the key retail information you should not have missed. Key trends, innovation, major players, startups, market figures – discover in 60 seconds the latest key retail news.

 

UK MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

 

High street footfall significantly slumped in February. It fell by 12.5% compared to January and by 6.5% compared to February 2016 (Ipsos Retail Performance’s Retail Traffic Index). The explanations are both the rising inflation and continuous growth of Ecommerce (+16% in 2016).

At the moment, 71.5% of the British population is an online shopper (according to a new research from the Centre for Retail Research). It has been predicted that this part of the population should spend £67bn online in 2017, including £27bn via mobile devices. The Mobile-First is no more a trend but a must-have and retailers must meet customers expectations by working on apps, check-out and m-payment.

 

KEY PLAYERS

 

Amazon announced they will create 5 000 new jobs this year. Its workforce expansion will support its development and fulfillment centres as well as its new fashion label that has been just launched. 
 

TJX Companies (parent company of TK Maxx) recorded annual net sales of £26.45 Mds (+7% compared to 2015). As a result, TJX Europe is planning to add 45 stores in Europe in addition to the 582 they already have.

John Lewis invests £4 millions to equip 8,000 shop-floor staff with iPhones. Thanks to a pre-loaded app, they will be able to quickly help customers in store and share information about products or stock level. It received very positive feedback after just a 5-months trial in its Cambridge store.

 

INNOVATION & TRENDS

 

Wirewax is a British start-up that enables brands to offer interactive and shoppable video content. Customers can access products information and buy products just while watching a video. The company works with major UK brands such as Ted Baker or Charlotte Tillbury. They also have offices in London, San Francisco and New York.

 

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