The Ghost of Christmas 2025: Retail lessons for 2026

Christmas may be over, but the real story is just beginning.In this special episode, Andrew Walker is joined by retail experts from England, Ireland and Scotland to unpack what Christmas 2025 reveals about shopper behaviour and what it signals for 2026 and beyond.The signals are clear:Growth is harder. Shoppers are sharper. Loyalty is fragile.From HFSS legislation reshaping store layouts to the rise of low and no alcohol alongside record festive celebration, this conversation goes beyond “what happened” and asks the more urgent question:Who is ready for what happens next?If you’re planning for 2026 and beyond, this isn’t hindsight — it’s foresight.Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction00:13 – Opening01:17 – Reflection on Christmas 2025 (GB, Ireland and Scotland)05:55 – How shoppers responded to Christmas depending on their financial position (pressure groups)10.41 – How the industry is responding – promotions12:25 – Different choices by different retailers16:58 – Predictions for 202623:14 – Advice for planning in 2026 and beyond26.33 – Close  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.