Retailers and brands are expecting strong consumer demand this holiday season, with major forecasts predicting a 7 percent to 9 percent increase in sales. Even with prices continuing to rise due to higher materials, labor, shipping and marketing costs, consumers seem unfazed and set to celebrate and spend. However, shoppers’ shifting behaviors and ongoing supply chain challenges mean that this holiday season will look different than anything the retail industry has seen in the past.
This week, Steve Sadove moderated our Retail Influencer Network Insights call, which focused on the holiday 2021 outlook. The discussion featured insights from special guests Deborah Weinswig, CEO of Coresight Research; Greg Petro, CEO of First Insight; Neha Singh, founder and CEO of Obsess; and Sarah Willersdorf, partner and managing director of Boston Consulting Group.