The Goods UK – 8 August 2025
Welcome back to The Goods UK! This week we’re chatting about the rise of immersive experiences, anonymous payment tools, and reimagined store concepts.
Fun stats of the week
- £351bn: the projected value of the global immersive entertainment market by 2030, reflecting a 258% increase from 2024. (Financial Times)
- 3,600: the number of synthetic chemicals found in human bodies from materials used in food preparation and packaging. (The Guardian)
- 67%: The proportion of Brits who feel stuck in a rut when it comes to deciding how to spend their bank holiday weekend, with more than two-thirds of us admitting to doing the same thing to mark every long weekend. (Retail Times)
What’s in: this week’s trends
- Netflix and thrill: Immersive experiences are taking over London this summer, from walking through Van Gogh’s art, to dining on a decommissioned tube line. ( Secret London) Last month saw the launch of Elvis Evolution at the ExCel Centre, while Netflix is set to debut its new “Houses” venues, offering fans a chance to step into the world of hit shows like Wednesday, Squid Game and Stranger Things. Giving a new lease of life and cash to intellectual property, immersive innovation has shifted from niche to mainstream entertainment. (Financial Times)
- Last orders: Immersive venues may be thriving, but bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs are closing at a rate of two every day. (Daily Telegraph) In an effort to “protect pavement pints”, the Government has unveiled plans to make it easier to open new venues and fast-track permissions for al fresco dining. While these measures are a welcome boost, many question whether they are enough to offset the immediate financial pressures facing the sector. (ITV)
- Scroll-stopping snacks: In the latest culinary creation, Greggs and KFC have teamed up to unveil a new sausage roll with gravy. (Metro) Available for just three days, from pop-up food trucks in three cities, it taps into the growing trend of limited-edition product drops designed to make headlines and generate a buzz on socials. Just like Tesco’s new birthday cake sandwich, which is dividing opinions from its taste to tax disputes. (Financial Times)
Cash or card: shopper behaviour
What’s in and out of our baskets right now? This week, we’re discussing contraband sales, anonymous transactions and at-home health tests.
- Not what the Dr ordered: Despite disposable vapes being banned in the UK more than two months ago, just under £400,000 worth of them went through the tills of convenience channels last week alone, according to Convenience Data UK. Evidence also suggests that those purchasing lawful, refillable vapes are simply using them as if they were disposable. (The Grocer)
- Incognito mode: With privacy and online safety now a major concern for most of us, a growing number are reportedly turning to payment tools and services that allow for anonymous and pseudonymous participation. Digital wallets, prepaid payment methods, guest checkouts and privacy-focused payment apps are rapidly gaining traction among users who see no reason to share more personal data than is absolutely necessary. These tools reflect a growing demand for simple, secure transactions without long forms or permanent records. (Retail Times)
- Home is where the health is: Boots’ director of healthcare Jamie Kerruish has said the retailer is seeing “huge behavioural shifts from customers when it comes to preventative healthcare” with more of us willing to spend on lotions and potions that can help prevent a trip to the GP. As a result, Boots is launching nine at-home kits and four rapid self-test kits, which use DNA or blood to test for a range of health concerns from high cholesterol to hormonal imbalances, with results emailed with advice from a team of medical professionals. (Pharmacy Business)
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:
- Highstreet reimagined: UK brands are reimagining store concepts to meet the evolving tastes of Brits, from fast fashion to fast snacks. Mango is doubling down on its teen takeover with cool new standalone stores designed just for 11-18s. (The Times) Meanwhile, Co-op is shaking things up in grocery with its “next-gen” micro stores, launching compact ‘on the go’ shops in busy urban spots. (Retail Week)
- The perfect byte: Uber Eats is stepping up its game with a new live chat feature that lets restaurants message customers directly and AI tools that summarise reviews, enhance menu descriptions and upgrade food photos. (The Verge) Meanwhile, HelloFresh is using AI to personalise meal recommendations, helping users find dishes that suit their tastes and dietary needs. With smarter suggestions and customisation, both platforms are leaning into AI to enhance their customers’ experiences, rather than shying away from it. (LinkedIn)
- Raising the bar: Beavertown is taking brand experience to new heights. This August Bank Holiday, they’re launching the UK’s first-ever hot air balloon pub, the Skull Tavern. Floating 2,000ft above the countryside, it’s part of their “Stick Your Neck Out” campaign, encouraging Brits to break free from routine and embrace spontaneity. With chilled Neck Oil, classic pub snacks, and unbeatable views, it’s a bold and imaginative move redefining what it means to enjoy a pint in the fresh air. (Retail Times)
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