Examining what it’s like to live, work, and play in the UK, our experts guide you through the nuances that define its culture.

Following firmly in the footsteps of Deliciously Ella, its parent brand, the newly launched Deliciously Kids range offers plant-based snacks and wellness-focused digital touchpoints to build a Gen Alpha-specific branded experience that will feel comfortingly familiar and trustworthy to many Gen Y parents.

How Deliciously Kids nourishes UK Alphas’ snacking habits

From Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme to Kate Hudson’s InBloom, the celebrity supplement market is booming. David Beckham has co-launched his own brand, IM8, promising personalised, all-in-one nutrition. Yet with trust in celeb-backed brands diminishing, brands must build genuine trust to win customers over.

Beckham leans into growing celebrity supplements market

British Gen Z job seekers are ‘career catfishing’ – accepting offers but failing to show up on their first day as a way of rebelling against a broken hiring system. Entering an increasingly competitive job market, Gen Zers are adopting atypical survival tactics to reclaim control.

UK Gen Zers are 'career catfishing' to regain autonomy

A new report reveals that UK holidaymakers – particularly Gen Y and Gen Z – are increasingly choosing trips centred on sports and physical activities. With younger Britons moving away from drinking and partying, this shift is driving demand for holidays that prioritise fitness and exercise.

Young Brits increasingly choose sports-centred holidays

Fuelled by economic necessity, and enabled by post-pandemic WFH policies, Gen Yers and Zers have increasingly taken the Gen X mantle as ‘supercommuters’. But with RTO mandates making long-distance commutes less viable, young professionals are likely on the precipice of career changes or home shifts.

'Supercommuting' prompts young workers to rethink careers

Slow travel is making a comeback for speed-saturated Gen Zers and Gen Yers. With their nostalgic luxury and nods to sustainability, luxury sleeper trains are a perfect way for them to engage with this holiday trend. How could a slower, more considered approach work for other brands and industries?

Why it’s full steam ahead for luxury sleeper train holidays

Coach, a leader in modern luxury accessories, has partnered with Gen Phoenix on a mission to reimagine leather sustainably, highlighting a shift toward eco-conscious fashion and aligning with rising demand for brands to prioritise more than just profit.

Coach showcases eco-vision with recycled leather bags

William Grant & Sons-owned Glenfiddich whisky launched a luxury art-rental experience in partnership with digital art pioneer Rise Art. This is a growing trend in the luxury sector - by reducing the financial burden of ownership, brands are democratising high-end experiences.

Glenfiddich’s art rentals enhance the whisky experience

Looking for a job is stressful, and sometimes, applicants' names can reveal the prejudice of potential employers and cause real harm. A new campaign, #NameTheBias, raises awareness of this issue and encourages brands to align their practices with the values of a more inclusive society.

Crafty ad highlights the name bias many jobseekers face

According to a new report, there is a growing regional skills gap in the UK, leading to a self-reinforcing cycle that concentrates high-skilled jobs in the south of England. This points to a growing need to invest in opportunities for training and skills in the regions that are lagging behind.

London's "magnetic pull" is causing a regional skills gap

German Doner Kebab (GDK), a premium kebab chain from Glasgow, Scotland, has launched its first-ever US marketing campaign, developed by creative agency Quality Meats. The provocative campaign, aimed at Gen Z, aims to introduce Americans to the German Doner Kebab with meme-worthy irreverence.

GDK courts curious US Gen Z with humorous kebab campaign

Research has found that Britons are going to new lengths to ensure their fur babies are happy. As pet and human wellbeing become increasingly inextricable, people will be looking for narratives that reflect how pets increasingly figure into their ideas of holistic wellness.

Pet wellness is increasingly central to Britons’ wellbeing

The sportswear giant has announced that it will design team kits and merchandise for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Its stature as a global clothing brand with an established pop culture presence could help advance F1’s aspiration to effectively resonate with Gen Z.

adidas courts F1 fans with Mercedes partnership

UK retail workers face potential job cuts in 2025 as the sector grapples with £7bn in new costs from tax increases and regulations. Following weak holiday sales growth of 0.4%, the sector struggles to balance operational expenses with the need to adapt to changing consumer behaviours and digital transformation.

Bleak Christmas sales threaten UK retail jobs

According to Santander UK's research, just one in four (26%) young adults received financial education at school. This highlights a serious opportunity for brands to prepare young people for financial independence, with approximately 4 million of them lacking basic money management skills.

Poor financial curriculum hinders independence for Gen Z

Meta has ended its fact-checking program in favour of a community-based system like X’s, marking a major shift in social media moderation. The change reflects broader industry tensions between combatting misinformation and preserving free expression.

Meta opts for community note approach in censorship row

Ariel has teamed up with former England striker Peter Crouch to promote the larger size of its latest laundry innovation. The collaboration plays on Crouch's likeable public persona, showing how the right endorsement can effectively boost brand awareness.




Ariel's Crouch collab shows value of relatable endorsements

Fandoms are gathering offline, with IRL events creating connection and combating loneliness amid global uncertainty. From look-alike contests to immersive experiences, fans crave belonging, purpose, and escapism, and brands are tapping into shared passions to foster community and cultural engagement.

Why fandoms are gathering offline in search of connection

Netflix has released a trailer for Meghan Markle’s new cooking show, With Love, Meghan. Critics have labeled it as pretentious, igniting a broader debate about the elitism within the lifestyle content genre, the culture of wellness, and resurgent tradwife aesthetics.

Meghan Markle’s new show sparks elitism backlash

As many traditional symbols of Britishness feel less relevant, Britons are grappling to rethink what unites them as a nation – from multiculturalism to choosing local products. Canvas8 spoke to eight Britons to understand how they define patriotism and how it shapes their everyday behaviours.

What does being British mean today?

Some UK teachers are using audiobooks to help them teach GCSE English, sparking controversy. As teachers turn to audiobooks to manage their workloads or enhance lessons, critics warn of over-reliance on technology, arguing it harms literacy and teacher-pupil engagement.






Audiobooks for GCSE English spark tech-in-class debate

A ‘lesbian renaissance’ is taking place in every corner of pop culture, introducing a fresh wave of authentic stories revolving around same-sex love away from the male gaze. By embracing diversity and countering stereotypes, brands can help ensure this wave of representation leads to lasting change.

How are sapphic narratives in pop culture evolving?

UK Royal Marines recruits will undergo foundational financial literacy training as part of an initiative from the Financial Times' Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign. With many Gen Zers stressed about their finances, brands can help to develop their financial knowledge as they earn higher salaries.

FT partners with Marines for financial literacy course

There are hopes of a new lease of life for a 19th century naval defence site off the Isle of Wight, with plans for it to reopen as a floating luxury hotel. This aligns with a growing trend of immersive, experiential travel designed to create unforgettable memories.

A British fort woos experience hunters with luxe hotel

New research shows that Britons lack confidence in using AI in the workplace. People are keen to unlock the benefits of AI, but they aren’t getting the appropriate resources to do so. Brands can step in to provide guidance that's actually useful and relevant to their roles.

UK employees want meaningful support for AI training

Toyota has launched its new EV with a futuristic campaign that reflects Gen Z’s love for digital culture. As brands’ storytelling in the sector moves away from product-centrism, there’s an opportunity to convey practical information in ways that better resonate with younger audiences.

Toyota utilises storytelling in EV digital runway launch

Surrealist content is mutating across digital platforms, tapping into a shared sense of social isolation and esoteric humor. Niche culture is now, ironically, mass-market – showing just how much Gen Zers want to escape their algorithms. So how can brands help them consume something unexpected?

Gen Zers are enthralled by absurdist media

As young Britons embrace their skincare era early, brands like Bubble have mastered the art of appealing to UK Gen Alphas. With skincare skewing younger, brands can go beyond TikTok to educate and empower young fans (and their purse-wielding parents) with age-appropriate products and guidance.

How Bubble won over Gen Alphas with tween-safe skincare

Coca-Cola is facing a backlash after pushing back its packaging sustainability goals to 2035, reducing its earlier ambitions. The company's admission that it has fallen behind on its 2025 and 2030 targets highlights the challenges involved in implementing sustainability solutions.

Coca-Cola announcement highlights sustainability battle

Heritage travel, where people explore destinations tied to ancestry, is growing in popularity. Partly driven by the expansion of DNA testing, travellers are looking for deeper connections with their past and, as a result, more personalised, culturally relevant travel experiences.

'Heritage travel’ connects people to their pasts

In an era dominated by AI, social media filters, and tweakments, body horror aesthetics are challenging traditional beauty norms and exploring the tension between humanity and technology. By embracing imperfection, distortion, and the macabre, this movement redefines self-expression for a new generation.

Body horror aesthetics are so hot right now

As well as contributing costumes to a Timotheé Chalamet-led biopic, Levi’s has announced a capsule collection featuring recreations of Bob Dylan’s wardrobe. Brands are finding new ways to enter the cultural conversation, leveraging their connection to iconic histories to reach new audiences.

Levi's taps rock and roll heritage in Bob Dylan capsule

When it comes to travel, mindsets are shifting. As awareness of overtourism grows, Brits are becoming more intentional and conscious tourists. Brands and businesses that educate and empower travellers on how sustainable travel can be a force for good will come out on top.

How overtourism is changing Brits' travel habits

The UK has officially banned the use of puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria among transgender youth. With access to treatment crucial to wellbeing and wider prejudice against the community growing, there is an urgent need to protect the mental and physical safety of these young individuals.

The UK bans puberty blockers for transgender youth

The Labour government has announced plans to tackle youth unemployment through a job market reform. Measures include overhauling the health and disability benefits system and boosting mental health support. The move is an attempt at closing the accessibility gaps preventing Gen Z from employment.

Poor mental health is key driver of youth unemployment

Video games have evolved into a dynamic medium for self-expression and community-building, particularly for marginalised players seeking representation. With customisable avatars and immersive environments, gaming offers a unique platform for individuals to explore their identities.

How video games are redefining identity

Manchester City FC has launched a design competition for fans to create its future kit using AI. This initiative shows how brands can leverage AI technology and tap into desires for co-creation to give fans a greater stake in product innovation, thereby deepening their connection.

Manchester City invites fans to co-create kit with AI

A new wave of vintage cosmetics enthusiasts is thriving on social media, captivated by the intricate designs and rich history of antique make-up. Beyond the nostalgia factor, this trend critiques today’s throwaway culture, celebrating artistry, sustainability, and the charm of beauty’s past.

Vintage cosmetics trend encourages slow beauty

Courier company Evri has enlisted inclusive tech provider AccessiBe to optimise its website for people with disabilities. It shows how brands can make a difference by foregrounding the micro-moments that are often taken for granted and enabling a sense of autonomy in people’s product experiences.

Evri makes parcel deliveries more accessible for Britons

Hellmann’s activation at Charli XCX’s Birmingham show tapped into the power of cultural alignment. By authentically engaging with brat culture, Hellmann's leveraged shared identity and fandom, avoiding the pitfalls of inauthentic trend-chasing that can dilute brand impact.

Hellmann’s culturally aligns with Charli XCX fans

Avanti West Coast has launched a low-alcohol beer, responding to the rise in alcohol-induced accidents over the festive period. People are increasingly seeking moderation and brand responsibility, but the move raises the question of how far companies should be involved in drinkers' personal choices.

UK train company launches low-abv beer for festive safety

Guinness faces festive shortages across the UK as demand surges, driven by social media trends and rising popularity among women and younger drinkers. While alcohol consumption dips overall, the shortage highlights the allure of shared indulgence and performative rituals.

Guinness shortage highlights allure of shared indulgence

Nike has partnered with renowned make-up artist Isamaya Ffrench to create two fresh colourways of the Air Max Dn. The collab draws inspiration from women athletes whose influence extends from the field of play to the fashion world, further blurring the boundaries between fashion, sport, and beauty.

Nike x Isamaya Ffrench collab bridges beauty and sport

Standing in line has moved from an inconvenience into a signifier, as people queue for hours at sample sales and pop-ups to socialise and feel part of something exclusive. This shift reflects how younger generations seek community and status through shared experiences rather than just purchases.

Queuing becomes status symbol at fashion sample sales

Spotify users expressed frustration over the delayed release of its annual personalised year-in-review, “Wrapped.” A fusion of insights and entertainment, Wrapped is hotly anticipated each year, offering music-lovers a chance to share their preferences and listening habits with the world.

Spotify Wrapped wait sparks online frenzy 

British Gen Z home-buyers prioritise living near pubs, valuing them as hubs for community and emotional connection. The preference signals a broader desire for belonging as younger generations seek homes that integrate social and emotional wellbeing alongside functionality.

UK Gen Z home-buyers prefer properties close to a pub

Despite the culture-defining impact of TikTok, people in the UK are increasingly drawn to long-form content. Attracted by the comfort of parasocial bonds, they also seek perspectives that feel more authentic than mainstream media. Canvas8 spoke to eight Britons to find out what keeps their attention.

Why are Britons hooked on long-form content?

Fashion stans started joining the queue for Chopova Lowena’s bi-annual sample sale in December 2024 as early as 3am. But the queue – as an endurance test and a temporary community for the fashion-focused – became a destination in its own right, showcasing a growing subculture around sample sales.

Chopova Lowena sample sale draws queues of Gen Z stans 

As people search for cultural experiences that help them connect with their values, grassroots and culture-first fundraisers are growing. Emphasising the power of localism in helping people support global issues, a Margate exhibition supports art fans in raising aid for Palestine and Lebanon.

Art auction reflects interest in culture-led fundraising

The romantic film Layla has been lauded as a joyful and refreshing exploration of queer Muslim identity and love. Intersectional stories are challenging dominant portrayals of minority identities, highlighting the strength and resilience found in the convergence of queerness and faith.

Layla subverts Muslim queer narratives in pop culture

Since posting his first TikTok on November 20th, Brewdog founder James Watt has amassed over 300,000 profile views. But rather than hopping on trends, he’s simply replicated his LinkedIn posts, feeding into a surge of work-related content and creators who deliver on Gen Z's desire for honesty.

'WorkTok' takes alt corporate culture beyond LinkedIn 

The rise of ‘brain rot’ in 2024 captures fears over the mental toll of trivial online content. Brands can capitalise on this moment by offering balanced, meaningful alternatives that cater to the growing demand for thoughtful escapism, standing out in a sea of digital chaos.





Prevalence of 'brain rot' highlights escapist desires

Though best known for its motor insurance products, UK insurer Admiral is getting into the booming pet insurance market by personalising coverage depending on pet breeds and offering diverse discounts. Can it deliver on pet parents’ expectations with its above-and-beyond services?

How Admiral offers reassurance to pet owners in the UK

A watchdog group has found that although most supermarket loyal offerings are genuine, a majority of Britons feel that retailers are driving up their prices to make products on offer seem more appealing. The discrepancy showcases the increasingly critical attitude consumers are adopting.

Report shows trust gap between UK grocers and customers

Against a backdrop of nightclub closures and rising drinks prices, Britons are looking for low-key, affordable ways to party. In response, dating app Bumble and hard seltzer brand White Claw have hosted their own house parties, speaking to a desire for community and intimacy.

White Claw and Bumble tap into British house party scene

Brick-and-mortar retail and British high streets are facing a pivotal moment, forced to adapt to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer behaviours. Canvas8 spoke to retail expert Ibrahim Ibrahim about how retail spaces can evolve beyond transactional venues into vibrant community hubs.

Ibrahim Ibrahim on the future of British high street

Jaguar’s rebrand, entitled 'Copy Nothing', has ignited controversy for featuring no cars, straying from its luxury heritage, and appearing 'too woke'. Inadvertently, the brand is now at the centre of debates around diversity and climate change, clashing with audience expectations.

Jaguar’s rebrand sparks brand identity cultural debate

Airbnb’s Xmas ad puts a spin on the classic poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ to drive home the benefits of staying at an Airbnb over a hotel. As crackdowns on short-term rentals and a desire for ease push people to hotels, the company taps into one of its key advantages as a home away from home.

Airbnb Xmas ad targets hotel-averse vacationers

The number of single women and female couples having fertility treatment in the UK has risen over the past decade. With family structures evolving and becoming more diverse, people are seeking greater access and choice – but barriers remain for those who fall out of 'traditional' norms. 

More single women and female couples are utilising IVF

Bottega Veneta has launched a capsule collection inspired by the work of beloved American author-illustrator Richard Scarry. Offering a keyring belt, cushion, and a woven intrecciato leather notebook, the brand's exploration of childhood wonder and awe feeds into the comforting appeal of nostalgia.

Bottega harnesses nostalgia for capsule collection

The way we approach interior design is changing. While classic styles remain powerful, social media is introducing fast-moving microtrends, transforming how people design and decorate their homes. In recent years, we've seen an explosion of colour and individuality in homeware. Here's why.

Homeware as self-expression: how social media is shaping interior design

British and global consumers both seek everyday products that align with their values. Cue SURI, the London-based eco-conscious toothbrush brand that’s transforming this usually dull and thoughtless sector into one that’s all about eco-empowerment, rituals, and self-care.

How SURI brings eco-responsibility to Brits’ oral health

The Sri Lankan drinks scene is burgeoning locally and internationally, driven by a desire from brands and consumers alike to elevate authentic local flavours. As people search for hyper-local experiences, the food and drinks industry is transforming to accommodate cultural diversity.

Sri Lankan drinking culture accelerates internationally

Sexual health charity Brook has released a series of films to spotlight the realities of imperfect sex. Acknowledging the prevalent pressure for sex to be ‘perfect’, the campaign aims to alleviate that anxiety by encouraging people to see the funny side when sex doesn’t pan out quite as they hoped.

Brook ad challenges unrealistic sexual expectations

A study has found more Gen Zers are concerned with AI replacing them at work than their older CEOs are. As workplace requirements and dynamics continue to shift, these findings highlight the importance of establishing confidence in employees through meaningful upskilling and AI guardrails.

AI anxiety hits Gen Z workers harder than their bosses

Nostalgia, global permacrisis, and a rejection of perfection have led to a sea change and the revival of messier, more chaotic cultural aesthetics. How can brands engage with this ever-shifting trend landscape while maintaining the integrity of their identity and customer loyalty?

Why messy aesthetics signal rebellion against perfection

IKEA has announced an exhibition in London celebrating its iconic blue shopping bag, the FRAKTA, exploring its evolution and personal stories shared by enthusiasts. As people seek new routes to connection, IKEA’s democratic design offers learning opportunities through the cult of everyday items. 

IKEA lures heritage lovers with blue bag exhibit

Dogecoin, the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, is witnessing a resurgence after years of volatile performance. Following a three-year slump, its value surged by 250% after Donald Trump’s election win, driven in part by Elon Musk, with this growth hinting at disillusionment amid political uncertainty.

Dogecoin's renewed growth highlights disillusionment

Singer Kate Nash started a 'Butts 4 Tour Buses' page on adult content subscription platform OnlyFans to ensure good wages and travel for her band and crew on her upcoming tour. The move has sparked online debate about exploitation and commodification in the music industry and sex work more broadly.

Kate Nash's OnlyFans page sparks exploitation debate

The Ordinary is countering the chaos of Black Friday with a slower approach to November sales, using striking campaigns to unveil the realities of this harmful phenomenon. The brand’s bold actions embody a growing movement toward mindful, intentional shopping over unnecessary consumerism.

The Ordinary's Black Friday ads target slower shoppers

A survey has found that a majority of UK shoppers are planning to spend at least some of their holiday gift budget on second-hand items. In addition to being a money-saving strategy, the findings show people’s desire for unique and personalised gifts that don’t feel mass-produced.

Vinted reveals desire for unique and second-hand gifting

A group of mayors from France's Opal Coast has accused the UK of hypocrisy when it comes to the nation's attitudes towards migrants. But as they call for a change in the system, public views around migrants are increasingly polarised in the UK, with trust in the government faltering.

French mayors address UK migrant hypocrisy 

Deliveroo and Hurr have partnered to offer on-demand rental for luxury dresses, delivered in as little as 20 minutes within central London. This partnership speaks to a growing desire for convenient and sustainable fashion solutions, positioning fashion rental as a mainstream practice.

Deliveroo offers fashion fans an on-demand rental option

Budget-friendly supermarket Aldi is spreading Christmas joy with doorstep deliveries of one of the UK’s favourite festive treats. The retailer highlights an opportunity to capitalise on growing demands for convenience and limited-edition products to drive sales and foster brand loyalty.

Aldi delivers the festive spirit to people's homes

Research shows that Gen Z adults are significantly more likely than Gen Yers to have a five-year plan for their finances. Having grown up amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, Zers seem to have developed a particularly pragmatic attitude towards money.

Gen Z's financial literacy reveals roots in pragmatism

Cars are a powerful vehicle for nostalgia for drivers in the UK. From giving their cars nicknames with emotional associations to reminiscing about the soundtracks of memorable journeys, drivers’ emotional ties with their vehicles encapsulate the saying 'it’s the journey, not the destination'.

UK Gen Z drivers more likely to nickname their cars

Cosmetic treatments like injectibles are being rebranded as 'skincare', downplaying their invasive nature and blurring lines with traditional beauty routines. Despite the normalisation of ‘tweakments’, a stigma persists, highlighting a need for open conversations around evolving beauty practices.

People are reframing cosmetic work as skincare 

More people over 50 are starting second careers in new fields, challenging traditional life paths and defying ageist stereotypes. Gen Xers and Boomers are evolving their lifestyles, yet many brands have yet to fully recognise this shift, leaving these generations underrepresented in the media.

Second careers reflect shifting notions of ageing

Stonegate and Heineken UK's 'Pub Alone' campaign aims to create meaningful conversations about holiday loneliness. Inspired by the classic movie Home Alone, it promotes pubs as connection hubs for young people, addressing the growing need for IRL social spaces during the festive season.

Home Alone-inspired ad highlights loneliness epidemic

Britons are increasingly streamlining their beauty routines to cope with busy schedules and tightening purse strings. But what determines their choices when looking for effective and convenient products, especially amid economic pressures? Canvas8 spoke to ten UK residents to find out.

How are Britons rethinking their beauty routines?

A versatile artist, FKA Twigs’ recent pursuits range from an experimental album to a ‘self-healing’ exhibition at Sotheby’s to a surprise show at London Fashion Week. But as her works become more multifaceted, how does she maintain the authenticity that fans have grown to love?

How FKA Twigs is redefining art for a modern audience

Mobile operator O2 has introduced Daisy, an 'AI-powered grandma' designed to outwit phone fraudsters by engaging them in time-wasting conversations about the likes of knitting and family stories. With phone scams pervasive in Britain, Daisy is O2's approach to beating scammers at their own game.

O2 launches an 'AI grandma' amid phone fraud fears

South London rap artist Giggs and oat milk giant Oatly have teamed up to launch a limited-edition line of dairy-free cake and custard kits to raise awareness of the prevalence of lactose intolerance in the UK. In the process, they're encouraging retailers to think outside the dairy box.

Oatly spotlights the scarcity of dairy-free options

The Gen Z-led trend of 'throning' involves dating less for love and more to boost one's social or professional status. Driven largely by women, this shift challenges 'girlboss' ideals, with leveraging a partner’s status seen as a life hack rather than an anti-feminist approach.

Throning trend shows Gen Z's desire for status over love

The cider market in Britain is at a crossroads – while the amount consumed is falling steadily, the drink’s value and market share have grown. So, should brands, retailers, and producers pursue premiumisation, look into low-alcohol options, or take an altogether different path?

Why are Britons sipping less cider?

Coca-Cola’s iconic 'Holidays Are Coming' ad has made its return for 2024, but this time it’s entirely AI-generated. The modern take on a highly anticipated festive classic has faced major backlash from fans – a reaction that hints at the enduring charm and irreplaceable magic of the human touch.

Coca-Cola’s Christmas ad reinforces AI unease

Minecraft is set to join the real world with rides, hotel rooms, and retail outlets coming to the UK and the US initially. As people hunt for maximalist experiences and passionate fandoms heighten their expectations for immersion, gaming's popularity is set to expand IRL.

Minecraft's IRL attractions meet maximalist desires 

With increased scrutiny of companies' diversity efforts and wariness of surface-level action, Diageo is making its commitment clear. Focusing both on internal inclusivity and external representation, the firm's actions reflect changing expectations both within the alcohol category and at large.

Diageo's DEI success highlights intersectional shift

Gen Z is redefining athleisure as more than just workout gear – it's a lifestyle statement woven into their values, fitness goals, and identity. Prioritising durability and brand connections over big names, they seek labels that foster community through shared experiences and authentic engagement.

Why are Gen Zers sporting luxury athleisure?

Gen Zers in the UK are now taking body care as seriously as skincare. To fit into their detailed shower rituals, they’re looking for affordable, non-toxic, and sustainable products that – perhaps most significantly – deliver on their promises. So, how are brands adapting to attract this cohort?

What do Gen Z Britons want from body care?

Supper clubs are offering an alternative to the restaurant experience without skimping on quality. In an age defined by digital interactions, some Britons are becoming exhausted by the pervasiveness of screens and are looking for more opportunities to connect IRL over a hearty meal.

How Britons are using supper clubs to beat digital fatigue

Disney's 2024 holiday ad, directed by Taika Waititi, showcases the magical friendship between a boy and an octopus. Emphasising emotional resonance, it joins other Christmas spots offering joyful escapism and genuine connection amid difficult times, reflecting a growing desire for heartwarming ads.

Disney's Xmas ad spotlights joyful, escapist fairy tale

Younger generations are spearheading the post-pandemic revitalisation of Britain's brick-and-mortar retail sector. The social aspects of shopping and an emphasis on localism and community are particularly appealing, providing guidelines for brands looking to create memorable in-store experiences.

Gen Z and Y shoppers drive UK high street revival

John Lewis’s hotly anticipated Christmas ad for 2024 breaks away from the retailer's traditionally whimsical and escapist approach, instead favouring an undeniably human tale of two sisters. This change in tack is a nod to people’s desire for emotional escapism as well as authentic narratives.

John Lewis Christmas ad offers relatable nostalgia

Luxury fashion houses in Paris are moving to the silver screen, producing films to deepen their cultural influence and connect with new audiences. As they step from the runway to the cinema, how can other brands harness this shift to elevate their storytelling and create more immersive brand experiences?

Why cinema lovers are luxury's next opportunity

Despite traditionally being the prime time for high street shopping, data suggests that Britons intend to spend more online over the 2024 festive season than in 2023. As social feeds open consumers up to new Christmas shopping options, the art of gifting is taking on new forms.

Rise in online shopping shapes Britons' gifting choices

Drest's app connects users with real-world fashion brands, collections, and designers through interactive games. This move seeks to democratise fashion knowledge while offering brands an opportunity to build deeper loyalty and engagement by rewarding digital interactions with real-world gains.

Drest enhances app with gamified fan-led experience

Loneliness is sadly common among new parents, especially mothers. As social apps emerge to combat the issue by providing supportive communities and peer-to-peer guidance, how can brands tap into the trend authentically and appeal to a new digital-native generation of mums?

How social apps help mums find friendship and community

At The Benemart, Benefit Cosmetics’ virtual shopping experience, people can shop, game, and socialise simultaneously. Brands continue to offer initiatives that blend the physical and digital world to engage shoppers, while also incorporating gaming elements to appeal to younger generations.

Benefit Cosmetics launches virtual shopping experience

Health groups in the UK are advocating for a tax on high-salt and high-sugar foods to combat obesity, similar to the 'sugar tax' on soft drinks. However, amid widespread food insecurity in the country, this would need to be paired with efforts to make healthy food more accessible.

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