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

Loading player...
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.
Chapters
  • 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
22 Jul 2025 English South Africa Business · Investing

Other recent episodes

Macro Monday Ep129: Warsh’s hawkish speech

New Fed chief Kevin Warsh delivered a hawkish speech at the Jackson Hole symposium of central bankers on Friday, leading to a stronger US dollar and increased expectations of rate hikes this year and next year. Investec Investment Management’s Investment Strategist Osagyefo Mazwai examines what this means for the US…
31 Aug 9 min

No Ordinary Wednesday | The economics of tourism in SA

South Africa’s growth challenge is shifting from reform to delivery. Tourism is part of that test. International arrivals rose 12.3% in the first half of 2026. And phase III of the government-business Partnership now puts the sector firmly on the growth agenda, with a focus on air access, visas, safety…
25 Aug 12 min

Everything Counts | Episode 54: Protecting property wealth

Property is often seen as one of the more reliable ways to build long-term wealth. It’s tangible, familiar and, for many South Africans, an important part of their financial plan. But investing in property comes with risks that can be easy to overlook, from hidden costs and changing rental yields…
25 Aug 28 min

Macro Monday Ep128: US bond market intervention fails to bring down yields

Moves by the US Treasury to intervene in the bond market failed to bring down yields meaningfully, and the continuing worsening of the US’s fiscal position may explain why. According to Chris Holdsworth, Global Chief Investment Officer, Investec Investment Management, the US’s debt-to-GDP ratio is above 100% and seems set…
24 Aug 4 min

Macro Monday Ep127: The Fed’s difficult position

The US Federal Reserve finds itself in a difficult position. The US economy has been shedding jobs, and wage growth is soft. At the same time, says Chris Holdsworth, Global Chief Investment Officer, Investec Investment Management, government debt continues to grind higher while inflation remains elevated, mainly the result of…
17 Aug 7 min