Forecasts, predictions, and trends for the holidays
2017 has been a year of mixed fortunes for the US retail sector. Negative stories about retail bankruptcies, store closures, and the intensification of completion abound. But there are also many positives, not least from the resilience of American consumers who continue to spend and buy. With so many dynamics in play, this will be an interesting and important holiday season that retailers will have to monitor carefully if they are to make a success of the trading period.
Our webinar presents a review of our consumer surveys and the latest results from Black Friday and Thanksgiving. These will provide an early read on how the holiday season is shaping up, the winners and losers, and what this means for the sector.
We will also explore the economic, competitive and social backdrop to this critical time of the year for retail and helps retailers to understand and identify the key trends that are shaping the season and the trading environment – and, most importantly, what to do about them.
Using this knowledge, we will present our latest forecasts for the Christmas trading period. These will cover both total spend and the dynamics of spend via various channels, including online and mobile. All retail sectors and categories will be covered.
Using case studies and examples from previous years, actionable strategies for success will be identified and discussed. Attend this webinar to get a head start on the holiday season and execute effectively for the crucial Christmas trading period.
Presented by
Neil Saunders,
Managing Director
Neil is Managing Director of GlobalData’s retail division.
In this role, he oversees the development of the company’s retail proposition and its research output. He also works with clients to help them understand the retail, shopper and market landscape – advising them on how best to develop, evolve and implement business strategies.
Prior to GlobalData, Neil worked at retail research firm Verdict for ten years. He latterly held the post of board director with responsibility for Consulting, Corporate Development and Planning.
Before Verdict, Neil worked for the John Lewis Partnership where he was involved, among other things, in the planning and relocation of new stores, the development of the ecommerce business, and the creation of technical and information systems.
Before moving to the United States, Neil served as a non-executive board director for the Great Western Railway – a role he held for just under 11 years. He currently serves as an advisory board member for the faculty of business and law at the University of Southampton, as an Honorary Lecturer at the University of New Hampshire, and as a Visiting Fellow at the University of Surrey.
