Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

With the cost of living soaring, millions of Britons have been forced into food poverty. In response, the Community Shop Group is providing access to discounted products for those who need them, as well as community hubs and kitchens – redefining social responsibility through grassroots initiatives.

Aldi has launched its first checkout-free store, joining the likes of Amazon Fresh and Tesco GetGo. After finishing their shopping, people can simply leave without visiting a checkout – the shift to smart pay responds to shoppers’ desire for convenience by removing the friction and saving them time.

It’s a bleak time for UK consumers as they face rising food costs, as well as skyrocketing petrol, energy bills, tax, and mortgage payments. How can brands innovate, inspire, and demonstrate real value with a long-term view of sustainability in order to weather the storm?

Lidl is a German ‘hard discount’ supermarket chain that set up shop on British shores in 1994. Since then, it has quietly – but dramatically – altered the landscape of grocery shopping in the UK. With online shopping being king across industries, how is Lidl continuing to attract loyal customers?