McKinsey on Consumer and Retail

Agentic AI can automate routine work and improve merchandising decisions at scale. What does it take to translate potential into performance? See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Union Square Hospitality Group’s Chip Wade and John Ragan share their perspectives on customer experience, restaurant technology, and the future of dining. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

What are the trends shaping consumer sentiment and behavior in 2025—and what are the implications for brands and retailers? See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

They’re concerned about inflation and looking for value, so US consumers are changing their shopping habits this holiday season. Here’s what that means for retailers and consumer goods companies. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

We asked 15,000 consumers and 100-plus executives for their perspectives on today’s beauty market. In this episode, we highlight the themes that emerged from our research.   See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The authors of a new report, Sporting Goods 2025, explore key themes that will shape the market and highlight consumer trends that could represent paths to growth. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The consumer goods industry, once an investor darling, has underperformed in recent years. Companies can prioritize six actions to simultaneously revive revenue growth and cut costs. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The physical shopping experience matters more than ever, says Value Retail founder Scott Malkin, whose company owns some of the world’s best-performing luxury shopping destinations. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Some consumer companies have simultaneously increased sales, cut costs, and reduced carbon emissions. Their secret? Paying closer attention to the design of their products and packaging. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Retailers need a data-informed, collaborative, store-by-store approach to combat shrink. The payoff: higher profits and better customer experience. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

In search of the best deals, US consumers are spreading out their spending across several months this holiday season. Here’s what that means for retailers. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The most successful retailers will be those that undergo a full reset—by harnessing new technology, creating ecosystems, engaging their workforce, and investing in private brands. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Which sustainability attributes matter most at the point of sale? Do consumers pay attention to sustainability claims? A new report from McKinsey and NielsenIQ provides answers. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

What does purposeful growth look like in the retail sector? Christiana Shi and Stuart Hogue, former senior leaders at Nike, speak with McKinsey’s Brian Gregg about the company’s formula for serving customers—with a focus on digital transformation and the direct-to-consumer model. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The department-store veteran explains how retailers can become more consumer-centric, experiential, sustainable, and diverse than they’ve ever been. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 25:07) >   A survey of 30,000+ consumers and 100+ grocery CEOs reveals the challenges—and opportunities—that grocery retailers face today. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 22:07) >   With inflation persisting, consumer-packaged-goods manufacturers can’t rely on the strategies that got them through the past two years. It’s time for a reset. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 25:52) >   New research reveals which aspects of the employee experience matter most to US frontline retail workers. Retailers must pay attention and act quickly, or risk losing more than half their store staff. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 28:32) >   Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell and two McKinsey senior partners discuss how to better support Black brands and serve Black consumers. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 22:59) >   The CEOs of two vitamin companies, HUM Nutrition and Vous Vitamin, discuss the biggest trends in consumer health and wellness. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 26:40) >   The latest Consumer Pulse survey shows that people across America are changing their shopping behaviors—and will continue to do so. Companies need to pay close attention. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 26:10) >   Shoppers’ behaviors and expectations have changed dramatically—and continue to evolve. If retailers want to keep their physical stores relevant, here are five things they’ll need to get right. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 24:00) >   The e-commerce boom, widespread concerns about sustainability, and the digitization trend are spurring innovation in packaging. Many consumer products will soon be in packages that are stronger, sustainable, and ‘smart.’ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 23:12) >   Consumers everywhere plan to spend more on products and services that improve their health and wellness. Here’s what that means for companies. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 27:17) >   Consumers shopping for high-end jewelry and watches are increasingly favoring brands that act responsibly, value diversity, and have a compelling brand presence both online and offline. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information