While the worst of the pandemic in many ways appears to be behind us, and the economic fallout in the U.S. less than once feared, 2023 has nevertheless been a year of uncertainty for the retail industry.
Many consumers benefited from pandemic-era financial support, which diminished throughout the year just as inflation sapped household budgets. Categories like home goods and electronics that had thrived as people hunkered down in their homes took a back seat as dining out and other experiences became priorities.
Was this year in a way another chapter in a late-pandemic story? In fact, retail and branding expert Doug Stephens believes that the industry is hanging on too tightly to 20th century habits that must be broken.
In this episode, Daphne Howland sits down with Stephens for their annual conversation on what lies ahead. Thanks for listening and happy new year.
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