Retailing

Convenience retailers in Canada faced a challenging environment in 2023. The COVID-19 crisis and subsequent high rates of inflation have made consumers more conscious of their spending and more likely to shop around for the best deals. In this…

As it did for many industries, the pandemic distorted the growth curve for convenience retailers. Following historically high current value growth rates in 2021 and 2022, sales slowed for convenience retailers (which encompasses convenience stores…

Direct selling continued to face the challenge of digitalisation in Canada in 2023. Towards the end of the review period, many direct selling companies leveraged online platforms and tools to showcase their products and services to customers, who…

Direct selling continued its declining trend in both value terms at constant 2023 prices and in current value terms for the second year running in the US in 2023. The impressive growth posted by direct selling in 2020 has not been sustained. As a…

In 2023, discounters in Canada came under increasing pressure from government. The relationship between the federal government and grocery retailers has been marked by increased engagement and pressure from the former to address the issue of rising…

Sales growth slowed for discounters in the US in current value terms in 2023, reflecting a general trend in the grocery retailers space, as inflation led consumers to volume buys and cheaper meal planning. Nonetheless, discounters recorded one of the…

Generation Z, comprising one-fifth of the global population, is poised to wield significant consumer influence. However, their polarized behaviours toward social activism, technology, and spending present challenges for businesses. This report…

General merchandise stores continued to tap into changing consumer demand trends in Canada in 2023. High interest rates coupled with a persistently high rate of inflation caused Canadian consumers to change their shopping habits towards the end of…

In 2023, although general merchandise stores in the US saw slight growth in current value terms, sales continued to decline at constant 2023 prices, driven by department stores. In December 2023, Arkhouse Management, and Brigade Capital Management…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. In 2023, global inflation is expected to ease from its peak in 2022, but remaining significantly above-trend. Geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market are…