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
Changing Consumer Trends
ESG Messaging
The younger consumers, who will soon dominate spending, are more conscious of a product’s environmental impact. Fast Fashion has continued to drop regardless of the price because of the negative impact it has on the environment. Consumers are using ESG as a lens for brand selection, and willing to spend more to support brands that share their values and sustainability initiatives.
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. With more brands looking to promote their products online, the consumers journey through a screen is just as important as in person. 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. A huge part of growing globally is your message strategy. Having a strong brand message will build greater brand awareness on social media sites. 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.
Circular Fashion - Resale, Refurbish and Rental
In the economy of circular fashion, major brands are making post-sale eco-friendly.
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.
