The Future of Commerce Podcast

SAP x HSBC: Holiday Retail Trends & Predictions

Episode Summary

Retail’s holiday season is shaping up with new consumer behaviors, strategic shifts in promotions, and the rising role of Gen AI. Winnie Albornoz of SAP Commerce Cloud speaks with Eric Fisch of HSBC about key trends—from off-price strategies to in-store experiences—and what to expect in the months ahead.

Episode Notes

As the 2025 holiday shopping season nears, what’s top of mind for retailers? In this insightful episode, Winnie Albornoz (Director of Product Marketing, SAP Commerce Cloud) is joined by Eric Fisch (National Sector Head of Retail & Apparel, HSBC) to unpack the state of the retail and fashion sectors.

From the shift toward off-price retailing and changes in consumer spending behavior to the nuanced role of Gen AI in customer service and advertising, this conversation offers a sharp look at what brands need to know—and how they're adapting. Eric also shares predictions on promotional strategies, loyalty programs, and why in-store retail is reclaiming its importance in an increasingly omnichannel world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What’s driving consumer spending decisions in 2025
• The role of off-price and designer segments in shaping demand
• Why brands are rethinking influencer marketing and turning to UGC
• How AI is making resale and customer support smarter
• Strategies retailers are using to manage early holiday shopping and tariffs

Key Takeaways:

• Resilient consumers are spending more cautiously, often prioritizing essentials.
• Luxury shoppers are trading down to contemporary brands for better value.
• Retailers are adopting data-driven promotions and combining online/offline tactics.
• The "golden age" of mega-influencers may be fading—UGC is on the rise.
• AI tools are now actively improving customer service, personalization, and inventory management.

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