Key takeaways:
 

• Adapt to new technologies or risk losing customers
• Diversify supply chains to mitigate geopolitical risks
• Embrace sustainability and the circular economy to engage eco-conscious consumers
• Invest in data, AI, and upskilling to future-proof your business
• Keep an eye on M&A opportunities to drive growth and profitability
   

As David Scott, our Head of Consumer Industries noted at our recent event, the UK retail and leisure landscape has evolved dramatically over the past century. From the golden age of Woolworths to the tech-driven era of today, businesses face a rapidly changing environment. 

Marketplaces are becoming mainstream, with retailers turning their own websites into curated platforms. Social commerce is changing discovery, with platforms like TikTok driving new forms of engagement-led shopping.

Whether it's embracing new technologies, adapting to global geopolitical shifts, or responding to consumer demand for sustainability, the businesses that thrive in 2025 are likely to be those that understand the big picture and act decisively.

Here are our key takeaways from the event, including the challenges and opportunities you should be up to speed on to remain competitive.

If you’re looking to navigate change and seize opportunities amid challenging market conditions, download our report today.

Businesses face an increasingly complex and competitive environment where data-driven decisions, hyper personalisation, and the rise of Generation AI are reshaping consumer expectations.

Consumers no longer simply buy products — they buy for the experience as well as convenience. This change is part of a broader trend of digitalisation where technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping customer journeys. 

If you fail to harness these innovations, you risk losing out on significant revenue opportunities.

The global geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically over the last two decades and the impact of international tensions and instability is likely to be felt in your supply chain. 

China, India, and the Middle East are increasingly influential in driving global demand and shaping market dynamics. At the same time, the current instability in the Middle East and shifting alliances among powers like the BRICS countries are driving volatility in global trade.

Our latest report showed how sustainability has become a critical factor in consumer purchasing decisions as well as corporate strategy. 

Adapting to an increasingly eco-conscious consumer base involves not only reducing carbon footprints but also embracing circular economy principles, such as product longevity, recycling, and reusing.

The rise of pre-loved fashion is reshaping consumer behaviour, with sustainability at the forefront. The second-hand market is booming, and platforms like Vinted have seen massive growth in recent years. The business is using AI to verify the authenticity of products as well as ensuring a seamless user experience to attract fashion, electronics, and homeware consumers.

The pace of technological innovation, especially in fields like quantum computing, biotechnology, and AI, is accelerating. 

Our panellists described how AI’s role in enhancing customer experiences, automating processes, and optimising supply chains cannot be overstated.

• Data is key: AI’s power starts with high-quality, structured data.
• Get the right infrastructure: Strong systems, cybersecurity, and talent are critical to unlocking AI’s value.
• Identify clear use cases: From automation to personalisation, AI must be applied strategically for real impact.
• Organisational culture is crucial: A mindset shift towards innovation, digital literacy, and AI-driven decision-making is essential for successful adoption.

Technology also plays a critical role in business expansion. If you’re looking to scale and future-proof your operations, consider how emerging technologies could help you remain agile and responsive to market changes.

Explore how you could take your company to new levels using TikTok for business.

As your business embraces new technologies and navigates a more complex marketplace, talent is likely to become increasingly important. Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z represent the future workforce, each with unique expectations around job security, economic stability, and work-life balance.

To stay competitive, are you investing in upskilling and attracting top talent? Are you fostering a culture of agility and innovation? 

Read how businesses are getting their talent pipeline future-ready.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) play a pivotal role in the retail sector. If you’re looking to grow, M&A offers a path to gaining market share, expanding into new markets, and enhancing profitability. 

The key to successful M&A lies in finding the right technology, supply chain efficiencies, and data-driven strategies to drive long-term growth.

• The past six months have seen positive momentum in retail investment.
• Investors are prioritising “Future Fit” businesses – those with profitable growth, omnichannel strength, and tech-enabled scalability.
• M&A activity is picking up, with brands seeking digital transformation to stay ahead.

You can now watch it back whenever it suits you. Check out the time stamps for each session below:

• 11:28 Welcome and intro David Scott, Head of Consumer Industries 
• 21:30 Geopolitical outlook Scott Livingstone, International Advisor
• 43:42 Outlook for retail 2025 Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics
• 1:05:30 Panel session on Generative AI, hosted by Neil Bellamy, head of Technology, Media and Telecoms. Guests include Dusan Rnic of Symphony AI, James Mort of Addleshaw Goddard, Rosie Bailey of Nibble Technology, and Nicola Sartori of Grant Thornton
• 2:11:00 Panel session on the Evolution of E-commerce, hosted by David Scott, Head of Consumer Industries. Guests include Herculano Rodrigues of THG Ingenuity, Bex Postlethwaite of Google Cloud, Paul Mears of TikTok, and Andrew Xeni of Nobody’s Child and Fabacus
• 2:58:40 Fireside chat with Adam Jay, CEO Marketplace, Vinted UK, hosted by Richard Lim, CEO, Retail Economics.