New trends report hints at the retail inspiration making an impact in the U.K.

Ben Roberts, Content Director (EMEA)

October 25, 2019

2 Min Read

Following the release of John Lewis & Partners’ 2019 Retail Report, License Global examines how consumers across the U.K. found retail inspiration from cult TV hits, global events and trends of the year.

In 2019, John Lewis & Partners reported a 377 percent rise in sales of 82” televisions, with a 17 percent uptick in 8K-ready displays and corner sofas rising nine percent.

This increase hinted at the return of the U.K.’s favorite shows seemingly having an impact on what was being bought on the shelves at John Lewis.

Thanks to season two of “Fleabag” returning, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s signature black jumpsuit saw a 66 percent rise in sales. What’s more, Cillian Murphy’s slick style brought a 25 percent rise in the sale of flat caps as “Peaky Blinders” came back to screens.

“Stranger Things” season 3 became a licensing machine this year, and with viewers watching the show in droves across the U.K., slim fit Levi’s benefitted from an 8 percent rise in stores.

Global events dominating screens across the country included the Women’s World Cup, which generated a remarkable 76 percent increase in sports headband sales and a 3 percent rise in football goals for the nation’s gardens.

With home becoming more important across the country, and Marie Kondo’s decluttering series “sparking joy” in living rooms everywhere, John Lewis noted the trend of tidiness as storage boxes gained a 47 percent increase in sales, as did baskets (24 percent), clothing hooks (36 percent) and modular storage options (16 percent).

With baby essentials being the most-searched-for items online, John Lewis & Partners also highlighted a few trends within the toys and kids’ market, with Sofie la Giraffe becoming the most-sought-after baby item, while premium LEGO saw a 24 percent rise among big kids in the family.

Another focus is the sustainable future of retail, with John Lewis aiming to move that ethical responsibility past just eating and sleeping trends as consumer demands have led to reusable water bottles rising 15 percent, portable cutlery gaining popularity with a 176 percent rise and a new trend hinting at urban gardens for the renting generation.

Read more about:

John Lewis

About the Author(s)

Ben Roberts

Content Director (EMEA), License Global

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