New WSL Research: Shoppers Cutting Back, Not Doing Without

Rising Prices Everywhere Report Banner featuring upward diagonal arrows overlaid on collage of shoppers
Our just-released How America Shops® survey synthesizes what shoppers told us about how they are responding to rising prices, and it’s more positive than you might think. Read on to learn where they are trading down on brands, the stores they are willing to sacrifice and the savvy ways they are holding off across categories ... Read more

Is This Latest Pharmacy Trend an Opportunity, or a Threat?

Retail clinics, pharmacy, and virtual doctor collage
As pharmacists became distracted by other tasks that took them out-of-sight from behind the counter, shoppers increasingly turned to more accessible sources for advice. Our How America Shops® research explores the growing acceptance of online pharmacies, which challenge retailers to find their way back to their Rx shoppers. Shoppers Want Wellness Advice, But They Won’t ... Read more

Retail Leaders Predict Future Success Relies on Engagement

Rainbow overlay on professional woman walking forward - banner
Retail’s future isn’t simply online or in-store – it’s in a “chameleon consumer” who moves effortlessly through complexity and change. In WSL’s latest Future Shop® podcast, top executives from the Fashion Institute of Technology and Maybelline cultivate new ideas with WSL’s CEO Wendy Liebmann on retail futurism, from the role of supply chain to “ROE.” Where ... Read more

7 Trips from 7 Explorers: WSL’s Best Retail Roundup

Back of a woman's head with colorful thinking and star icons around her - banner
WSL’s experts are committed to examining retail strategies, but we’re regular shoppers, too. So what does the Shopping Life® look like through the eyes of an experienced retail explorer? We share what shoppers told us they expect in the store now, and our own best shopping experiences so far in 2021. How Do We Define ... Read more

Brands Lose Loyalty Online

Vector illustration of two women and a and b ways of shopping - banner
Online grocery sales soared by 54% in 2020, creating logistical challenges, but also unintended consequences for brands. As we learn here, buying CPG online raises a loyalty concern for brands. Shoppers surveyed for WSL’s How America Shops® research said they are far more likely to switch brands online than in-store. We delve into the research the ... Read more

Walking the Talk of Inclusion

Rainbow colored people silhouettes behind circular images of inclusive retail examples - banner
Shoppers want to feel welcomed everywhere, and retail is not excluded. More consumers support brands that promote equality – and the louder, the better. WSL’s experts share their firsthand examples of brands and retailers doing just that, including Unilever, M.A.C and Trader Joe’s. Shoppers are Equality Activists. How is Retail Reacting? Those retailers and brands ... Read more

Recession, Poof! WSL Research Shows 70% are Fiscally Upbeat

Woman wearing sunglasses swinging a shopping bag happily - banner
WSL’s How America Shops® research shows more than 70% of shoppers are secure or optimistic about their finances. And as the weather warms, vaccinated shoppers are more eager to return to brick stores. Here’s what retailers can do to meet the shopper’s pent-up passion to go out and spend. Talk About a Shot in the ... Read more

Beauty Breaks Barriers in Health, Safety and Innovation

Collage of beauty stores in Mumbai, Sydney, and Ginza - banner
Shoppers have been inspiring remarkable retail innovations across categories, but in few areas are the results as noteworthy as in beauty’s healthy, safety and digitally progressive experiences. WSL’s Virtual Retail Safari® Open Call Event, scheduled for March 11, captures the most visionary and shopper-inspired examples. Healthy Beauty is an Exercise in Getting it Right For years, ... Read more

What Will Stick for Retailers Post Pandemic and What Won’t

Pair of feet in pointed shoes standing on concrete with chalk arrows and question mark drawn on the ground
During the months of the pandemic we have seen an acceleration of shopping behaviors that were already underway, while other more traditional practices are slipping away. One finding is clear: Retailers have proven how effectively they can adapt, and there is no going back. Keep Improving, Retail. The Bar is Rising. Just as no good ... Read more

20 New Shopper Trends Retailers Should Know for 2021

20 New Trends blog banner featuring hands holding glittery 2021 paper numbers
As we look forward to a 2021 full of hope, we decided to look back on what shoppers have taught us this year, which is what retailers and brands will need to deliver next. Here are 20 of the most significant findings from WSL’s 2020 archives. Determination. In the WSL Dictionary of Retail and Shopper ... Read more

Thank you for your message.

Your message has been received and we will be contacting you shortly to follow-up. If you would like to speak to someone immediately feel free to give us a call.
212 . 924 . 7780

    Subscribe to our Shopper, Retail Trends and Research Insights.

    *All fields are mandatory.

    You can manage your subscriptions and unsubscribe at any time.

    Thanks for signing up!

    Check your inbox for an email from info@wslstrategicretail.com. Make sure to check your spam folder and add us to your Safe Senders list. Please allow up to 48 hours for the messages to come through.

    Have Questions?

      Tell us a bit about you.

      You will receive an email with the download link shortly. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.

      Thank you. Check your inbox.

      Check your inbox to find your download link. Please be sure to check your spam folder if you can't find it.
      Contact us for questions: 212 . 924 . 7780

        How can we help you?

        Thank you for your message.

        Your message has been received and we will be contacting you shortly to follow-up. If you would like to speak to someone immediately feel free to give us a call.
        212 . 924 . 7780