For more than a decade, the narrative around retail has been dominated by a single idea: online always wins. But even before the most recent headlines, cracks in that theory were beginning to show. After years of rapid e-commerce growth, many consumers are reappraising the advantages of physical shopping—and our latest data makes clear why.

The holiday booking window used to be predictable: January for the early birds chasing deals, March for the procrastinators, and a steady stream of last-minute bookings throughout spring. Our latest research reveals that something fundamental has shifted in how UK consumers approach their annual escape. Climate change has quietly moved from the "should consider" category straight into core decision-making criteria—and it's reshaping the entire travel landscape.

January has long owned the cultural spotlight as the season of resolutions and resets. But our latest research reveals a quiet shift that brands shouldn’t underestimate. September, long linked to the return to school, is emerging as a second New Year on the UK calendar—a fresh start that extends far beyond students and parents.

In fact, for many, September feels more like the real start of the year. After summer holidays and looser routines, people return with sharpened focus, renewed organisation and clear intention. At The Harris Poll UK, a Stagwell Company, we’ve found that consumers treat the end of summer as more than a calendar page turn—it’s a mindset shift. Customers are re-engaging. They're motivated. And they're looking for brands that support them through this transition.

With recent headlines about ASOS closing accounts under a ‘fair use’ returns policy, our latest research provides a blueprint for retailers to navigate the fine line between customer expectation and operational sustainability—without damaging brand trust.

Free returns have become an industry norm. For many customers, they’re not a bonus feature—they’re an essential part of the online shopping experience. But behind this convenience lies a growing operational cost, fuelled by evolving customer behaviours.

After months of economic anxiety and cost-of-living pressures, UK consumers are finally feeling a little lighter – and the numbers back it up. Our latest results of our ongoing tracking shows optimism rising sharply in June, with 2 in 5 people (42%) scoring their outlook between 8–10 out of 10. Even more telling, the number of consumers giving a ‘perfect 10’ has doubled from May to June (from 8% to 15%).

And why does that matter? Because how we feel changes what we do. In particular – how, when and where we spend.

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.

If you’ve been following the news in recent months, in amongst all the politics, conflict and cost-of-living coverage, you may have seen another smaller, but quite significant story. The Supreme Court has heard appeals relating to potential mis-selling of car loans, including Private Contract Purchase and Hire Purchase agreements, with a judgment expected in the coming months. Sounds all a bit legal-ese and boring? It shouldn’t. This ruling could impact millions of consumers who’ve bought cars on finance since 2007, with some estimates that over £30 billion in compensation could be on the table.