Trends/Coronavirus (COVID-19)/Analyst opinion

COVID-19 analyst opinion

IGD’s team of analysts share their perspective on the key themes impacting the trading environment through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

27 July 2020
As Walmart and Target lead the retail sector on plans to close their stores for Thanksgiving Day this year, we consider the outlook for Black Friday as a major event. Kick-starting the holiday sales period With stores typically opening in the late afternoon or early evening, Thanksgiving Day is considered the start to the holiday shopping season. The day immediately leads into Black Friday ...
09 July 2020
Following a spike in new cases and the renewed lockdown of parts of Australia's second largest city, how have retailers responded and what can other businesses and markets learn? 1. Short term buying restrictions As reports of new COVID-19 cases in Melbourne were revealed, Coles and Woolworths were both quick to respond to reinstigating buying restrictions on certain products in response to...
30 June 2020
As retailers seek to reassure shoppers on hygiene and cleanliness, we look at how businesses in other sectors are enhancing their brands in this area, including partnering with two leading CPG suppliers. A safe place to work and shop Providing associates with a safe place to work and consumers a safe place to shop has become a priority for food retailers as they navigate the coronavirus pan...
24 June 2020
COVID-19 has caused a monumental shift in consumers’ food and drink habits. Our new Eating In Vs Dining Out report, produced in collaboration with foodservice consultant Peter Backman, explores the impact of COVID-19 on the UK food and drink market and outlines four scenarios for the future. During the pandemic, the boundaries between eating at home and out-of-home, already blurred, have bro...
18 May 2020
With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic causing changes to shopper behaviour, we investigate the impact on private label and how ranges may be impacted going forward. Private label generally faring well In a number of markets globally, the pandemic created initial panic buying, causing demand to surge. Whilst the significance and duration of this has varied across markets, relatively simil...
01 May 2020
As Russian discounter, Mere, plans to enter several European markets, we look at whether the hard discount model could make a comeback in a post-coronavirus world. Russian hard discounter, Mere, sets to expand in Europe Mere announced the opening of its third store in Germany, in the city of Halle. The discounter, part of Siberian group Torgservis, entered Germany in 2019 with the promise...
21 April 2020
We look at the key ways in which Kroger is coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst setting itself up for success as its impact diminishes. Supply chain efficiency Having a strong and agile supply chain has been a key factor for Kroger in being able to meet the rapidly changing needs of its shoppers. Although the initial surge in demand has slowed, it remains above normal levels and Kroger...
17 April 2020
It is currently hard to know how long coronavirus will be impacting day to day business and shopping behaviour. When looking to plan trade promotions in the medium term we need to consider the volatility and unpredictability of the current climate. Three questions you should be asking are: 1. Why do you want to promote? With many categories and brands seeing record levels of sales during...
17 April 2020
On 23 March, we reported that all the UK’s largest food-to-go operators had closed their doors after the government announced restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and measures to support businesses during this time. Nearly four weeks later, the news that three of the UK’s most popular chains were re-opening selected stores will have delighted many of their fans (a...
15 April 2020
With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic requiring shoppers globally to remain at home, retailers exhausting online order capacity, and rationalising ranges, now is the time for businesses to use online to sell directly to consumers (D2C). Demand is so high for online ordering and home delivery, that the cost to acquire and retain shoppers, a key barrier to launching a D2C operation, is current...