Retail spending stories
Britons are favouring live events and other real-world outings, with Mastercard research showing many will cut back on gadgets and streaming.
Online sales took 28.7% of the UK retail market in March, even as fuel stockpiling masked weaker underlying consumer demand.
UK health and wellbeing spend is smoothing into year-round habits, with fewer shoppers spending more and January gym spikes fading.
UK shoppers spent a record GBP £26.9bn online over Christmas 2025, as mobile purchases surged and AI-driven referrals leapt from 2024.
Monzo data shows spending on AI platforms has more than doubled to GBP £19 million in 2025, as pre-loved shopping and coffee also surge.
European consumers show cautious optimism towards AI easing Black Friday shopping, with 44% positive but 40% concerned over data privacy and personalisation.
Affluent cardholders in Asia Pacific will get more tailored travel and dining perks, as Visa splits its premium offering into three tiers.
Last-minute purchases are set to lift UK Father's Day spending to GBP £1.32 billion, with retailers bracing for a surge in courier demand.
Cost-of-living pressure has left more than two in five households stretched, with bigger festive purchases falling faster than small treats.
Brands swapping 'Valentine's Day' for personal 'Valentine' subject lines see big email gains, as generic “love” talk and “shop” prompts drag.
AI tools and online deals help drive a 5% rise in Australian Christmas retail spending, with discount and department stores surging.
AI takes centre stage in logistics as Infios predicts 2026 supply chains built for constant disruption, resilience and human‑machine teamwork.
New Zealand retailers may need to rethink payday-driven sales as 40% of employed workers now draw income from multiple sources, Afterpay found.
Household finances are under growing strain as more Australians dip into savings, cut discretionary spending and lean on credit for essentials.
Falling confidence is pushing households to trim discretionary purchases, with 65% cutting non-essential spending as essentials stay dear.
Pay-later use for essentials is rising as Canadians face higher grocery bills and turn to discount chains to stretch budgets.
Australian pubs are seeing extra footfall and kit purchases have surged as live matches spur late-night and early-morning spending.
Wealthy overseas arrivals are pushing premium rentals higher, with Auckland demand more than six times up in May amid Golden Visa interest.
Festive food, drink and dining out delivered a surprise December spending lift, as households splurged ahead of Christmas gatherings.
Australian digital gift card sales hit AUD $10.9 billion, with the overall market set to reach AUD $16.8 billion by 2028, led by personalisation and B2B growth.