In the face of economic crises, climate anxieties, and global wars, people are seeking solace through connection. They want to be sure someone will hold their hand in the face of hardship. As a result, they have higher expectations of care and understanding from interactions with brands, social systems, and p...

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.

Trigo is looking to bring seamlessness to supermarket experiences with its checkout-free technology. Frictionless shopping has become a necessity rather than an enhancement for businesses and consumers alike, leading to more innovations that cater to a demand for smooth customer journeys.

Ubamarket has launched its Scan, Pay, Go app at two Budgens stores in London, providing customers with a checkout-free retail experience. In addition to boosting convenience at these locations, the app's exclusive in-store offers may help increase loyalty amid the cost of living crisis.

Social supermarkets provide food that has dropped out of the mainstream supply chain at a much reduced or token price to local communities. With a cost of living crisis causing many Britons to tighten their belts, what can businesses outside of the sector learn from SSMs’ success?

After the launch of its Swift convenience stores in 2021, Iceland is expanding the chain with four locations in London. With the pandemic and cost of living crisis impacting people’s shopping behaviours, supermarkets are switching up their formats to meet demands for convenience and affordability.