As the UK faces yet another summer of heatwaves, brands must recognise that extreme heat is becoming a regular feature of UK life – and adapt quickly to this new climate reality. Beyond the physical discomfort, rising heat is reshaping how consumers shop, and what they’re saving money for. And according to new survey insights from The Harris Poll UK, a Stagwell Company, it’s clear the public want support and are expecting brands to step up.

It’s official: second-hand is having a first-rate moment and Gen Z is firmly in the driver’s seat.

In a world increasingly defined by economic pressure and environmental awareness, the meteoric rise of the pre-loved market shouldn’t surprise us. What is striking, however, is the scale and emotional pull of the movement. Our latest research finds that 65% of UK adults have purchased a pre-loved item in the past year, rising to an eye-opening 90% among 18–24s. That's nine in ten young adults actively reshaping the retail landscape.

As Marks and Spencer continue to suffer through one of the worst cases of cyber disruption in recent memory, all eyes are on their response and whether the fallout from the attack will continue to hit their bottom line in the long term. 

We wanted to see just how much of an effect a cyber-incident of this scale can have on an organisation, even one as established and reputable as M&S – and whether a brand’s reputation can actually help them to better survive an attack of this kind. 

Read the results of our snap polling below.