Retail & Consumer Brands Industry Experts
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Years of experience within the industry
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Dedicated bankers in the US
A letter from our Retail & Consumer Brands Sector Head
While every sector and industry has been profoundly impacted by Covid, few had as acute a challenge as the retail sector, which virtually shut down all physical locations overnight. Retailers, and the designers, manufacturers, and importers who supply to it, faced catastrophe with stores closed, and products locked inside. By raising capital, shifting resources to e-commerce, finding efficiencies in expense structures, and reducing inventory levels, retailers were able to position themselves to survive the pandemic, and thrive as the economy rebounds. The US consumer has also proved more resilient than anticipated, with retail sales levels exceeding the levels before the pandemic.
HSBC’s long history and extensive breadth of clients in the sector provided the bank with an opportunity to help those who were challenged and those who benefitted from the shifting consumer demands. Now more than ever, having a financing partner like HSBC who not only understands the need for diversifying sales channels and supply chains, but is positioned to help accelerate those changes, is key to success.
All the best,
Eric Fisch
Retail & Consumer Brands industry thought leadership
HSBC and NPR
“If you think about the IPO markets, generally it’s a lot of tech companies that can show 40%, 50% growth year after year. And all of a sudden, these retail consumer companies are able to demonstrate that.”
Eric Fisch, Head of Retail & Apparel, HSBC US for NPR
HSBC and Vogue Business
“Ultimately, the way most brands operate today, the consumer’s desire for fast, seamless, and inexpensive delivery and returns, is at odds with the retail industry’s goals of reducing carbon footprint and costs. The solution needs to arrive through more innovative use of technology and delivery methods.”
Eric Fisch, Head of Retail & Apparel, HSBC US for Vogue Business
Changing Consumer Trends
ESG Messaging
The younger consumers, who will soon dominate spending, are more conscious of a product’s environmental impact. They are using ESG as a lense for brand selection, and willing to spend more to support brands that share their values.
Sales Channel Diversification
The consumer wants to be able to try on a product in a department store, go home and order it online from the brand's website and then return it in store. When managed well and proportioned right, Wholesale, E-Commerce, and Brick and Mortar Retail support and enhance each other.
Global Growth Strategy
Through social media, the consumer of today is aware of trends across continents regardless of the price point or category, and will find ways of buying the product. If you, as a brand, are not controlling that global distribution, others will fill the void. This could result in negative customer experiences.
HSBC's long standing history within the retail sector allows us to support even in times of uncertainty. With a large international footprint and wide range of product offerings, we have the ability to incorporate feedback on global production, trends and demand that help our clients grow both in the US and beyond.
Disruptive retail
HSBC's Amy Tyler examines 10 frequently asked questions on retail supply chains and considers whether disruptive technology can enhance transparency, a key ESG consideration among investors.
West Side Stories
Luxury demand in the US has surged in the last two years. Is this due to short-term wealth effects such as rising equity and property markets? Or is there a cultural revolution that is spurring a younger and more diverse generation to buy premium goods?
How retail brands are building more transparent supply chains
Consumer demand for transparency can lead to a more resilient supply chain.
What's Next in the Retail Industry?: Discussion with Westman Atelier
How will retail continue to evolve? "I think brands will treat their stores as media… and media platforms as stores," says David Neville of Rag & Bone and Westman Atelier.
Behind the Business: How Frank & Eileen is Shattering the “Glass Runway”
Fashion entrepreneur Audrey McLoghlin on supporting women, succeeding together and inspiring the next generation.
