The Goods UK – 15 August 2025
Welcome back to The Goods UK! This week we’re chatting about showgirls, haggis and leaving the country without your underwear.
Fun stats of the week
- 270,896: The number of passengers that passed through Heathrow during its busiest-ever day on 1 August (The Independent).
- 36%: The number of 25-36 year olds who have boarded a flight without packing underwear to make room for ‘more important items’ in their luggage (Wales Online ).
- 100: The number of large UK supermarkets stores at risk of closure due to the UK government’s increase in business rates (Financial Times).
What’s in: this week’s trends
- The Hype of a Showgirl: While some prepare for results season, no one was prepared for the announcement of Taylor Swift’s latest era. Following the Eras Tour’s c.£1 billion contribution to the UK economy, it’s needless to say her newest album is more than just a cultural event (BBC ). Research points to consumer spending being increasingly flexible surrounding her album, with sales of merchandise already skyrocketing (Barrons). Are you ready for it?
- No longer sole-mates: Ugly shoe summer is in full swing and while Crocs has warned that US tariffs and consumers swapping comfort for athleisure may be to blame for its falling sales, Birkenstock sales rose 16% as closed-toe clogs rise in demand (The Guardian). While quirky footwear is clearly on trend, Crocs recently acknowledged the increasing preference for sports brands ahead of the LA Olympics in 2028, as well as the men’s football World Cup next year, which may pull customers away from the ugly shoe aesthetic (BBC).
- Just go commando: 72% of fliers show up to the airport with overweight or oversized items, and as we navigate the summer holidays, avoiding extra fees is crucial (Nottinghamshire Live). From wearing extra outfits, leaving underwear at home to make space for more ‘important items’, and even designing a backpack-hoodie, it seems Gen Z have taken baggage handling into their own hands (Daily Mail).
Cash or card: shopper behaviour
What’s in and out of our baskets right now? This week, we’re discussing Wirkins, Pokemon, and Scottish cheese.
- Fake it ‘till you make it: Gen-Z buyers are fuelling the copyconomy as an increasing number of cost conscious consumers choose duped products over designer items. While Walmart famously mirrored the Hermès ‘Birkin’ handbag with its ‘Wirkin’ equivalent, many Gen-Z’s support the rise of dupe culture, noting that it increases the ‘cool factor’ of the authentic brand (Financial Times). They do say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, however, the rise of fake Lafufu dolls, counterfeit versions of the viral Labubu’s, highlight the dangers of this trend as they contain highly flammable and toxic materials (The Sun).
- Gotta buy ’em all: Nostalgic adults have triggered a boom in the UK toy industry, with UK toy sales increasing 8% for far in 2025. ‘Kidults’ have been attributed as driving this increase in demand, with recent viral TikTok’s stoking a Pokémon and Lego renaissance. Elsewhere, entertainment licences are also driving sales, with recent film launches such as The Fantastic Four fuelling further frenzy (The Guardian).
- Oat of control: Following the launch of the Edinburgh Fringe festival this month, interest in Scottish foods including haggis and porridge oats has sky rocketed. Searches at Waitrose for Scottish whisky and salmon have increased 43% and 286%, respectively, while Scottish cheese takes top prize, with searches increasing 900% compared to the previous week (The Times).
Making moves: industry changes & innovation
ICYMI, industry icons are reinvigorating their brand through unique and creative ways. Here are some movers and shakers that you should know about:
- AI in the pilot seat: Pack your bags and get ready because AI is transforming every stage of your next journey. From trip inspiration, to bookings, in-journey support and fraud prevention, hospitality businesses are racing to implement artificial intelligence to drive conversions, streamline financial flows and provide more efficient customer service (Gulf Business). Embracing new technology helps staying ahead of demand, spotting seasonal trends and tailoring travel content to what individual consumers care about (Travel Weekly).
- Watts fair is fair: Online marketplaces will now contribute to paying for the cost to clean up waste electricals instead of just store-front British retailers. With an estimated 100,000 tonnes of electrical waste dumped across the UK every year, the new system will ensure that the collection and disposal/recycling of this waste will now also be covered by online multinationals when the charges are applied in early 2026 (Retail Week).
- These employees are definitely entertained: The family behind Britain’s biggest toy shop chain, The Entertainer, has announced that it is handing ownership of the business to its 1,900 employees, by transferring its 100% shareholding into an Employee Ownership Trust (The Times). Founded 44 years ago by Gary and Catherine Grant and grown from a single shop to 160 stores and 1,000 other outlets in retailers including Tesco and Marks & Spencer, the founders chose this model to secure the legacy of their business and ensure that it continues to act as a force for good for staff and customers (The Guardian). This follows an increasing number of other UK businesses including retailer Richer Sounds and vegetable-box seller Riverford, which have also adopted an EOT model in recent months.
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