The Goods UK – 18 September 2024
Welcome back to The Goods UK. This week, we’re chatting the revival of the humble jacket potato, why corkscrews are becoming kitchen relics and whether the watershed will save our waistlines.
An estimated two million people in over 100 countries “plog” on a daily basis. Yes, you read that right: it’s a Swedish fitness trend that combines jogging with picking up litter. Kudos!
What’s in: this week’s trends
- Clubonomics: It only takes a quick scroll on Insta to see the continued popularity of members’ clubs, but did you know that the location of these establishments can have a tangible effect on the housing market? A new report has found that demand for properties within 15 minutes of places like Soho House and The Ned are more than twice the average for the area. Similarly, houses within a mile of such clubs sold 2.5 weeks faster on average than properties just 5 miles away.
- Will the watershed save our waste lines?: The government will deliver on its manifesto commitment to tackle childhood obesity by banning junk food adverts online and on TV before 9pm from October 2025. The restrictions follow a “damning report” from the NHS on the state of the country’s public health system.
- Sour grapes limes: Lime bikes could be a thing of the past by Halloween if Muhammad Butt, leader of Brent Council in north-west London, gets his way. Rental bike companies are facing mounting pressure from local authorities, charity activists and the disgruntled public who argue poorly parked bikes make the Capital’s pavements inaccessible and unsafe. Lime owns and operates most of the 30,000 rental bikes on the city’s streets.
- Record breakers: Nearly 8 million people passed through Heathrow over the summer, a record number partly thanks to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. However, the booming demand leaves the world’s most connected airport operating close to capacity, meaning controversial plans to build a new runway may need to be reignited.
Cash or card: shopper behaviour
What’s in and out of our baskets right now? Retailers are lamenting the loss of tax-free refunds, while shoppers are rejoicing in the return of advent calendars for grown-ups.
- Tourist tax turmoil: There might be more international visitors coming to London, but the loss of tax-free shopping has significantly decreased their spending. Data from the New West End Company has revealed that retailers in the city have lost c.£220m in sales during the first half of this year alone. In contrast, tax-free refunds across Europe have increased 36% in the same period.
- Gin-gle all the way: Gin advent calendars are predicted to fly off the shelves this year, as Christmas stockings get boozy makeovers for grown-ups. Meanwhile, with less than 100 days to the “big day”, early-bird shoppers have already started preparing for the festive period. As well as ensuring they don’t miss out on in-demand items, spreading the costs over longer period helps people mitigate cost-of-living pressures.
- Corkscrewed: Once a staple of any kitchen, the corkscrew is becoming a relic. One study suggests the growing number of young people steering clear of alcohol is playing a part in the shift. Instead, culinary gadgets such as avocado slicers and ergonomic garlic rockers are rising to claim the kitchen utensil throne.
Making moves: industry changes & innovation
ICYMI, even industry icons need to reinvigorate their brand presence through unique and creative ways. Here are some movers and shakers that you should know about:
- A difference focus on zero: With the backdrop of London Fashion Week turning 40, some industry voices have claimed that this year’s AW24 shows have seen plus-size representation drop substantially. With the average size in the UK still a 16 plus, they suggest fashion’s gradual return to size zero on the runways means companies are missing out on a significant business opportunity if they better embraced broader sizing.
- Shutting up shop: John Lewis has announced it will close the majority of its stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. While these shopping days have typically been highly lucrative for retailers, giving staff a break over the festive season has been welcomed as a positive employer brand move. Last year, retailers from Aldi to Wilko closed their doors for an extended period.
- Falafel’s coming home: From all vegan offerings to butter chicken skewers, match day food is now in a different league to the pies of old. The growing demand for more elevated stadium dining is considered partly down to Footy Scran. Launched in 2020, the social media account which has almost 600k followers on X, posts pictures of stadium food from around the world. While some sceptics claim beef mince and Westmoreland cheese pies are further sign that football is losing its soul, enticing catering makes simple commercial sense – fans are spending more.
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