Now Ep105: Global consumer trends 2025 | How inflation, AI and tariffs are reshaping retail

Investec Focus Radio SA

From AI-optimised shelf space to influencer-fuelled fast fashion, global consumer trends are in flux. Global Consumer Analyst at Investec UK, Eddy Hargreaves, joins No Ordinary Wednesday to explore retail innovation, brand strategy, and why selling to today’s cautious, connected shopper is trickier than ever.
Podcast key moments:
00:00 – Introduction
01:21 – Developed vs. emerging market consumers
02:32 – Inflation, discounts and luxury sales decline
05:05 – How tariffs affect pricing, brand perception and supply chains
07:28 – AI transforming retail
12:36 – Digital media, influencers and personalisation shift
13:07 – Personalisation data at scale
16:07 – Innovation vs. convenience
20:05 – Sustainability ethics under pressure
23:16 – What’s driving the demand for tailored products globally?
25:18 – Beverages and energy drinks markets growing
27:28 – Weight loss drugs reshaping food, apparel, and wellness sectors
31:54 – Temporary trends or structural shifts?
33:40 – Rise of Chinese brands
Read more on www.investec.com/now
Hosted by seasoned broadcaster, Jeremy Maggs, the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast unpacks the latest economic, business and political news in South Africa, with an all-star cast of investment and wealth managers, economists and financial planners from Investec. Listen in every second Wednesday for an in-depth look at what's moving markets, shaping the economy, and changing the game for your wallet and your business. Investec Focus Radio SA

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Developed vs. emerging market consumers (00:01:21)

3. Inflation, discounts and luxury sales decline (00:02:32)

4. How tariffs affect pricing, brand perception and supply chains (00:05:05)

5. AI transforming retail (00:07:28)

6. Digital media, influencers and personalisation shift (00:12:36)

7. Personalisation data at scale (00:13:07)

8. Innovation vs. convenience (00:16:07)

9. Sustainability ethics under pressure (00:20:05)

10. What’s driving the demand for tailored products globally? (00:23:16)

11. Beverages and energy drinks markets growing (00:25:18)

12. Weight loss drugs reshaping food, apparel, and wellness sectors (00:27:28)

13. Temporary trends or structural shifts? (00:31:54)

14. Rise of Chinese brands (00:33:40)