The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on retailers, with lockdowns and social distancing measures leading to reduced footfall and increased online traffic. The Economist Intelligence Unit's survey of over 4,000 consumers in the US, Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain identified changes in consumer spending levels and patterns, which have affected both brand manufacturers and retailers. Retailers must watch four trends to deliver a unified shopping experience: the shift to online shopping, consumer preferences for convenience, the need for creative solutions, and the importance of meeting high expectations. The pandemic has reinforced the need for retailers to combine the best features of online and in-store shopping to create a seamless and unified experience.
