The Goods UK: Rates rock the roof
Welcome back to The Goods UK! With only 13 sleeps to go until Christmas Day, we’re chatting about the price of pigs in blankets, why a global brewer is launching a “de-alcoholisation factory” and whether a sausage without meat should be called a “sausage”.Fun stats of the week
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What’s in: this week’s trends
- Rates rock the roof: Concert venues across England and Wales are bracing for property tax hikes that could more than double bills within three years. Experts warn ticket prices – already soaring thanks to Gigflation – could climb even higher, with smaller venues worried for their survival. The squeeze may also force touring stars to cut back on dates or skip the UK altogether, adding to industry fears that business rates could drive British musicians offshore. (The Telegraph)
- Spending on ice: It may be the golden quarter, but the shine is fading for UK retailers. Consumer card spending has fallen at the fastest pace since November 2021 as households, spooked by budget uncertainty, made fewer purchases and held out for festive discounts. (Financial Times) While official retail figures are still to come, The Grocer’s annual festive survey signals a tougher Christmas ahead, with shoppers expecting to spend 6% less on food and 28% less on general seasonal frivolity. (The Grocer)
- Season’s eatings: This year has brought us plenty of foodie trends, but the festive treats topping our wish lists include Dubai chocolate, hot chocolate bomb-style stirrers and gourmet chilli sauces. (BBC) Shoppers will be pleased to hear the cost of a traditional Christmas dinner is also set to be slightly lower this year, although the overall price has risen by 20% in the last three years. (Retail Times)
Cash or card: shopper behaviour
What’s in and out of our baskets right now? This week, it’s all about maximalism, mid-sized vessels, and the mismatch between people’s values vs. their budgets.
- Fast fashion foils green goals: As our attention turns to New Year resolutions, Gen Z shoppers may be reassigning their 2026 priorities. According to a new study, around three in five admit they talk more about sustainability than they actually practice it. (Retail Gazette) The “aspiration intention” gap closes more with age, because greater financial security means people are more able to resist the fast-fashion fix.
- Goldiships: While mega ships have dominated new launches this year, travellers are saying Ahoy! to mid-sized vessels. New research has found that just 9% of travellers favour giant ships, compared to 41% who prefer those that carry 1,001 to 2,500 guests. Smaller, more manoeuvrable vessels are having a moment for 2026 booking due to people’s desire to visit multiple destinations. (The Independent)
- To the max: The shimmer and shine of the holidays is unlikely to fade as maximalism continues its comeback. Circus-inspired home décor, intergalactic silhouettes and lace accents are among the trends identified in Pinterest’s 2026 trends report. (The Guardian ) The beauty world is also following suit with bold eyeshadows and candy-like looks dominating make-up artists’ New Year look books, further marking the decline of the “clean girl aesthetic”. (Glamour)
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:
- High tech holidays: Coresight Research has dubbed 2025 the first festive season shaped by AI-powered shopping, as savvy shoppers turn to the technology to help with idea generation and to compare prices. (BBC) These handy assistants are rapidly getting more sophisticated, with one new feature allowing shoppers to find, compare and buy gifts without ever having to leave the chat-bot. As a result, McKinsey reckons $3trn-5trn of shopping will be conducted this way by 2030. (The Economist)
- Holiday hangovers halted: Waking up with a frightful headache after the work Christmas ‘do might soon be a thing of the past as global brewing empire AB INBev’s new “de-alcoholisation factory” is up and running. The brewing apparatus, which typically produces more than 1bn pints of Bud, Corona and Stella a year, will now also be used to make the increasingly popular teetotal versions. (The Guardian) A rather timely development as the latest Barclays Consumer Spend report has suggested almost half of 18-34 year olds are planning to drink less this Christmas to save the pennies. (Morning Advertiser)
- Frankenstein or fried chicken?: It sounds like fiction but Chinese scientists have genetically tweaked fungus to create protein-rich “meat” which could be a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative to chicken. While approved for the UK & US market, it’s not all plain sailing as making even small amounts of the product requires enormous resources. (The Independent) Elsewhere, more traditional meat alternatives are facing new hurdles as the EU is planning to ban use of the words “sausage” and “burger” if a product does not contain meat. Sir Paul McCartney has thrown his support behind the opposition, arguing common sense must prevail as a clear label should be enough for “sensible people to understand what they’re eating”. (The Times )
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