In this special peak season episode of Retail Therapy, Paul Zahra is joined by Craig Woolford, Senior Retail Analyst in the Consumer Sector at MST Marquee. Together, they explore what’s in store for retailers and consumers during the busiest time of the year—Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas shopping.
The conversation covers the challenges retailers face with rising costs and supply chain pressures, as well as consumer behaviour shifts amid the ongoing cost-of-living crunch. Craig shares valuable insights on category performance, peak season trends and what retailers can expect for Boxing Day sales.
Key topics discussed:
- A recap of the retail industry’s performance in 2024
- Key trends and challenges leading into Christmas trading
- Insights into changing shopper behaviour and category performance
- Predictions for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales
- The impact of supply chain issues on retailers this holiday season
- Strategies retailers can use to manage costs and team hiring ahead of the Christmas rush
Tune in for more: Catch Craig Woolford live at the ARA’s Peak Season Insights Breakfast in October, where he will be diving deeper into market trends for the upcoming holiday season. Grab a ticket here.
Prepare for the holiday season with the ARA’s curated collection of insights, reports and resources, designed to support your strategic Christmas planning and retail success. Explore ARA Peak Season Hub here.
