Investec Investec Focus Radio SA

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 Ep118: US economic data point to higher interest rates

Economic data in the US, such as jobs growth, have surprised to the upside of late, pointing to a resilient economy. Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International says this strength has unsettled markets, on rising expectations of rate hikes by the Fed.
8 Jun 9 min

Wine as an asset: what collectors look for

Marble's head sommelier, Wikus Human and Investec's Roy van Eck, discuss what to consider when graduating from casual wine purchaser to wine collector. Together with host Palesa Mapheelle, they explain how to identifying age-worthy vintages, and the risks and rewards of investing in wine to make a financial return. They…
4 Jun 27 min

NOW Ep 128 : The dragon’s new terms

China remains South Africa's largest trading partner, but the landscape of global trade is evolving. As compliance requirements tighten, supply chains face new pressures, and geopolitical tensions reshape trade flows, businesses must navigate an increasingly complex relationship with the world's second-largest economy. In this episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Investec…
3 Jun 18 min

Macro Monday Ep117: Tech sector lifts emerging markets

While the tech sector has been a well-known driver of earnings and performance on Wall Street, it’s also been the major contributor to emerging markets as well. Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International says that’s largely to the contributions of TSMC in Taiwan and Samsung…
1 Jun 11 min
All episodes