Research news and archive

Brits turning to AI for “smarter spending” in 2026

New research from American Express (Amex) reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping how consumers plan and make shopping decisions as they look for “savvier ways” to manage their spending in 2026. The ‘Spending Spotlight’ report states that nearly a third (29 percent) of UK adults either plan to, or will consider using,...

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TikTok creators driving luxury growth for younger consumers

TikTok is continuing to drive growth for luxury brands, especially with younger consumers and first-time buyers, through creator-generated content and peer validation, according to new data from the social media platform and research company AYTM. According to a study of more than 3,000 luxury consumers across the UK, US, France and Italy in May...

Retail

UK consumers are spending again “but with more scrutiny”

The State of Spend: Retail Report from advertising and technology company Cardlytics has revealed that UK shoppers are still spending but are more selective than ever, favouring specialist, value-led, and brand-driven experiences over traditional one-stop shops. The report, which analysed spending trends based on its purchase intelligence data...

Fashion

UK shoppers buying luxury fashion directly through social media

Over a quarter of UK shoppers buy luxury fashion and beauty items directly through social media, even though the luxury goods sector is traditionally associated with exclusive, in-person retail experiences. According to the WPP survey of 2,000 consumers conducted by YouGov, 27 percent of UK fashion and beauty shoppers who follow influencers have...

Retail

Brits looking for “better deals” in 2025

New research from American Express reveals that UK consumers are taking an increasingly savvier approach to their spending, while others are looking to shop small and local and search out experiences. The survey, conducted by Opinium, asked 2,000 adults in the UK about their current spending habits and preferences, as well as their intentions...

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Fashion

Gen Z and millennials prioritising quality and sustainability for luxury purchases

Gen Z and millennial consumers are driving a shift towards “accessible luxury,” prioritising quality, sustainability and a secure, seamless shopping experiences, according to new research from Tink, the payment services and open banking platform. The research, conducted by Censuswide in the UK, shows that Gen Z and millennial consumers, who...

Retail

Parcelhero predicts that Black Friday will “dazzle” this year

Home delivery firm Parcelhero is forecasting that following last year’s lacklustre Black Friday, dubbed “Beige Friday” after sales dropped by -1.9 percent, this year, the sales event will “regain its sparkle”. While Brits have been tightening their belts, Parcelhero’s research reveals that it expects UK sales to hit 7.5 billion pounds over the...

Fashion

Heriot-Watt University researchers develop system to combat microplastic pollution in fashion

A research team at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, led by Lisa Macintyre, associate professor of textiles at Heriot-Watt’s School of Textiles has developed a grading system to help fight microplastic pollution in the fashion industry. More concretely, the researchers have developed ‘the world’s first visual fibre fragmentation scale’, as per...

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Retail

Majority of US luxury shoppers to maintain spending levels this holiday season

Amidst economic instability and rising inflation, luxury consumers are set to maintain or increase their spending this holiday season, according to a new report from Saks. 75 percent of luxury shoppers plan to spend the same amount or more this holiday season compared to last year, reflecting a steady trend, as outlined in the Sakes Luxury Pulse...

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British Council and UAL looking for sustainable fashion and technology proposals from UK and India

The cultural and educational organisation British Council has partnered with the University of the Arts London (UAL) and announced an open call for designers, design entrepreneurs, and SMEs from the UK and India to apply for the New Landscapes Catalyst Grant Scheme, a collaborative research and development scheme. The aim is to create solutions...

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Retail

Purpose more important than price for younger shoppers

According to new research from American Express, Gen Z and Millennial shoppers place purpose over price and are drawn towards lifestyle brands that align with life choices and preferences, such as sustainability. The findings reveal that one-third (33 percent) of 18-34-year-olds said they are more loyal to brands with a positive corporate...

Fashion

Dutch education inspectorate: fashion schools must do more to ensure social safety

Art and fashion colleges in higher education in the Netherlands need to work harder on creating social safety, the country's education inspectorate announced in a report released Monday June 5. The investigation revealed that college boards in the country have taken measures, but a structural approach is still lacking. "Adjustment of policy in...