Deirdre Roache, our Global Research and Insights Manager, has compiled some key aspects to look out for in the industry.

Mature consumers, those aged 60 and above, are the fastest-growing and most affluent consumer segment globally. Research from Euromonitor shows that nearly half of this cohort’s budget goes to discretionary categories like travel, hospitality, and premium goods. Retailers need to discard outdated assumptions about mature customers being thrifty and digitally averse. Today’s mature consumers are tech-savvy, value-driven, and loyal to brands that offer trust, relevance, and inclusion.

Oxford Economics forecasts that the emerging market middle class will nearly double to 700 million households by 2034. For middle-income households, international travel becomes a key discretionary spend, meaning more middle class equals more travellers. Asia leads this growth, with China and India accounting for over 110 million new middle-class households in the next five years. As these consumers grow in affluence, their appetite for travel retail, airport experiences, and global brand engagement will soar.

Accenture states 74% of consumers are walking away from purchases due to decision fatigue, not lack of choice. This highlights a consumer need for retailers to simplify the path to purchase and support decision-making. This need is especially relevant for travel retail, where overwhelmed passengers crave simplicity and relevance in fast-paced environments. Expert sales professionals can help unlock sales by identifying consumer needs and recommending suitable brands. Additionally, Generative AI can play a crucial role in assisting with decision-making.