The days of different categories of shopper – the bargain hunters or quality crusaders for example – pacing the aisles in their store of choice are over.
The rise and rise of coupons
Over £1.5bn worth of coupons were redeemed in the UK last year. What does this take-off in coupons mean for independent retailers and how will they be affected by future developments?
In the aftermath of the horsemeat scandal, can SMEs in the food industry regain consumer trust?
“This is not an issue about hygiene or food safety, this is an issue about meeting consumer standards” says David Taylor, chief executive of James Caan’s growth advisory business HB Prime Advantage.
The democratisation of premium
Never before have shoppers had such easy access to so many brand choices, premium brands among them – both through the proliferation of retail channels and through the ubiquitous promotional activity that brings high-priced items within their reach.
Know your customers like you know your friends
It’s never been more important to know what your customers are thinking. Research shows that 70% of customer defection is not down to a bad product or high price but as a result of poor customer service.
Tapping into the growing pre-shopping trend
Consumer behaviour has changed radically over the past few years. Driven by a combination of economic pressure and more relevant retailer/brand marketing, consumers are increasingly planning their weekly shop in advance.
Growing importance of food to go
There was a time, not so long ago, when it seemed like the concept of ‘fast food’ and pre-prepared snacks and meals were on the wane. Slammed for their health drawbacks, recent years have seen a push for natural, less processed foods. But people continue to demand food on the go – more so than ever.
UK Shoppers are holding their nerve to get the best deals
It’s been a nervous start to Christmas for the retailers. Shoppercentric managing director Danielle Pinnington writes:
Responsible labelling: Which ones resonate with today’s shoppers?
Today’s products are labelled with all manner of badges, seals and promises. But which ones do shoppers really care about? Shoppercentric managing director Danielle Pinnington writes:
Making the right responsible noise
Whose responsibility is it to behave responsibly?! Are retailers, manufacturers and shoppers all ‘doing their bit’? And when it comes to responsible behaviour, are retailers engaging with shoppers in the best way? Shoppercentric managing director Danielle Pinnington writes:

