Deep DiveUS Retailers Leverage Technology To Make the Last Mile a Competitive Advantage Coresight Research April 1, 2021 Reasons to ReadCoresight Research has identified last-mile evolution as one of the key trends to watch in 2021, with consumer demand increasing for faster, more secure and trackable fulfillment. In this report, we discuss four technological innovations that US retailers are implementing to increase the efficiency of their last-mile logistics operations and thus gain a competitive advantage: Autonomous delivery robots BOPIS (buy online, pick up in-store) and curbside pickup Smart lockers Visibility tools We present an overview of each technology, and recent developments and case studies, highlighting relevant retailers and technology vendors. We also discuss an outlook for the future adoption of each innovation. Follow the links to read more Coresight Research coverage of robotics and retail technology. Contents What’s the Story? Why It Matters Technological Innovations in the Last Mile: A Deep Dive Autonomous Delivery Robots BOPIS and Curbside Pickup Smart Lockers Visibility Tools What We Think Implications for Retailers Implications for Technology Vendors Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Shoptalk Fall 2025 Day One: Building Resilience Through Agility, AI and Authentic Connections to Thrive in Volatile TimesWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 16: B&M and Tesco Provide Store-Opening PlansHow Will Tariffs Impact China’s Singles’ Day 2025? Six Months To Go—What Brands and Retailers Need to KnowHead-to-Head in US Department Stores: Kohl’s vs. Macy’s
Deep DiveThink Tank: Community Group Buying in China—Advantages of the Model and Future Prospects Coresight Research March 31, 2021 Reasons to ReadCoresight Research’s new Think Tank series delves into the trends and segments that we have identified as presenting growth opportunities in retail in 2021 and beyond. We provide a definitive overview of each topic and its impact on retail. In this report, we explore the community group-buying market in China, covering a timeline of key developments and the advantages that the model presents for both consumers and retailers. We discuss the key players in the China market—including startups and Internet giants—and consider the future of the market in China and internationally. Click here to read about our key global retail and consumer trends in 2021. CONTENTS What’s the Story? Why It Matters Community Group Buying: A Think Tank What Is Community Group Buying? Timeline of Market Developments Five Key Advantages of the Community Group-Buying Model for Retailers Key Players in the Community Group-Buying Market The Future of the Community Group-Buying Market What We Think Implications for Brands/Retailers Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Retail-Tech Landscape: Unified CommerceUS CPG Sales Tracker: Jump in Food Sales Fuels Total CPG GrowthIntroducing the New Tech 25 for ’25: Retail-Tech Companies To Watch—InfographicSector Focus: Beauty Retailing—Data Graphic
Store TrackerUS Store Tracker Extra, March 2021: Openings Set To Outpace Closures by Almost 9 Million Square Feet Coresight Research March 31, 2021 Reasons to ReadOur monthly US Store Tracker Extra report supplements the Weekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker reports with additional insight, including retailer-level data on square footage and closures and openings as a percentage of total store base. This report also offers a comparison between year-to-date announced closures and openings at the end of each month in 2021 versus the comparable period in 2020. Year-to-date data in this report is as of March 26, 2021 (corresponding to week 12 in our Weekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker). Click here to view our full collection of Weekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker and monthly US Store Tracker Extra reports. The Coresight Research Retail Store Databank offers our premium subscribers access to openings and closures data from 2012 to 2021 year to date, filterable by sector and year. Click here to view. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Consumer Sentiment Stabilizes… for Now; Plus, Inflation Awareness Rises: US Consumer Survey InsightsHoliday Shopping Starts in the Summer: Tariffs Trigger Ultra-Early Holiday Shopping in 2025—Data GraphicAdapting to Tariff Pressures: Strategies for Retail SuccessThe Impacts of US Tariffs: Assessing Companies’ International Sourcing Exposure by Country
Insight Report2021 US Tax Tracker #2: IRS Issues $146 Billion in Refunds, Down Versus Last Year Coresight Research March 31, 2021 Reasons to ReadEach year, the IRS reports tax return filings and refunds on a weekly basis, extending its deadline to May 17 this year amid the pandemic. In this report, we look at what happened in the fifth week of the 2021 tax filing season, which got off to a delayed start on February 12 this year. The number of refunds issued is down compared to the same time last year. Filings are down compared to the same time last year, as is the number of returns processed. The number of taxpayers using the IRS website to access information has increased dramatically compared to last year. Click here to read our previous report on the first week of the 2021 tax filing season. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:The Tech-Driven Future of US Retail: AI To Power Smarter Supply Chains, Seamless Operations and Personalized ExperiencesEarnings Insights 4Q24, Week 7: Costco, Inditex and Puma Lead with Solid Fourth-Quarter GrowthWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 38: Bodycare Bankruptcy Sees Further ClosuresFinancial Sentiment Improves; Plus, Online Shopping in Focus: US Consumer Survey Insights
Insight ReportUS Easter 2021 Retail Preview: High-Growth Context Provides Opportunities for Retailers Coresight Research March 30, 2021 Reasons to ReadWith Easter fast approaching, we assess the planned spending of US consumers on the holiday this year. We discuss the outlook for retail this Easter in light of current shopping trends and against weak comparatives for April 2020 amid a coronavirus-impacted retail environment. In this report, we consider opportunities for retailers to drive Easter spending and prominent seasonal themes at major US retailers Kohl’s, Target and Walmart. Click here for our US retail sales databank. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Diwali’s Global Rise Is Reshaping the Retail Growth CycleUS Store Tracker Extra, April 2025: JD Sports and 7-Eleven Drive Total Opened Retail Space to Over 67 Million Square FeetJune 2025 US Retail Sales Outlook: Projecting Solid Growth as Consumer Sentiment Continues to RecoverWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 45: Fired Earth To Close Stores Due to Administration
Insight ReportFebruary 2021 Monthly Consumer Update: US, UK and China Coresight Research March 30, 2021 Reasons to ReadAnalyzing consumer demand in February 2021, we saw solid retail sales growth in the US, while the UK posted its third consecutive month of decline. China saw very high growth momentum, owing to weak comparatives from 2020. We examine data and assess the overall trends in the US, the UK and China across the following key consumer indicators: Earnings versus inflation Food and fuel prices Retail sales Coresight Research’s monthly reports keep you up to date on US, UK and China retail sales, US retail traffic and in-store metrics, and key global consumer indicators. Click here to view our full collection of Monthly Reports. Complementing our monthly reports, the Coresight Research US Retail Sales Databank brings together retail sales data to help you understand the scale and trajectory of US retail. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:From Prohibition to Participation: Measuring the Impact of Cannabis and Psychedelic Mushroom Legalization on Consumer SpendingWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 13: Kingfisher Announces Store Expansion Plans; Whole Foods Opens New London StoreInnovator Profile: Scrollmark—Automating Social Engagement and Conversions Through Community-Led WorkflowsResilience Now: Turn Tariff Uncertainty into Opportunity Using AI
Insight ReportUS Department Store Insights, 4Q20: Elevated Digital Sales and Strength in Home and Active Categories Coresight Research March 30, 2021 Reasons to ReadCoresight Research’s new US Department Store Insights quarterly series covers the recent performance of Kohl’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom, highlighting trends in comparable sales, revenue, digital sales, product categories and areas of note by management. In this report, we look at the performance of the three retailers in the fourth quarter of 2020 (4Q20, ended January 30, 2021) and discuss relevant fiscal 2020 highlights. Contents US Department Store Insights 4Q20: In Detail Comparable Sales: Improvements at Kohl’s and Macy’s, Quarter over Quarter, Versus a Deepening Decline at Nordstrom Revenue: Year-over-Year Declines Across the Three Department Stores Digital Sales: High E-Commerce Penetration in 4Q20 but Not a Standout Quarter Sales Growth: Kohl’s Sees the Highest Digital Sales Growth and Lowest Physical Sales Decline, Year over Year Product Categories: Home, Active and Beauty Categories Remain Strong; Apparel Is Struggling Area of Note by Management: New, Younger Customers What We Think Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Holiday Bites—Prime Big Deal Days, Walmart Deals, Target Circle Week and Kohl’s Cyber Deals: Consumer Participation—Data GraphicConsumer Sentiment Stabilizes Following Trade Talks and Rate Cut: US Consumer Survey InsightsWeekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 23: Rite Aid To Close Almost 500 StoresWeekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 22: Store Closures Up by 57%
Free Data GraphicCoresight Bites: India Retail Insights—Tata Group in Competition with Reliance Retail Industries Coresight Research March 29, 2021 Although Tata Group is a large conglomerate with operations in 10 sectors and over 100 countries, Reliance Retail Ventures (a subsidiary of Reliance Industries) is the undisputed leader of India’s organized retail market. At a time when Reliance Industries is consolidating its position within Indian retail and threatening the status quo of other major players, Tata Sons (the holding company of Tata Group) is acting to consolidate its position in retail too. Starting with the BigBasket investment, the company is looking to invest in 1mg, an online pharmacy, and develop a WeChat-like “super app.” Click the image to read more about the topic. This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Weekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 13: Kingfisher Announces Store Expansion Plans; Whole Foods Opens New London StoreRetail 2025 Sector Outlooks: EbookShoptalk Spring 2025 “Shark Reef” Startup Pitch: Recap—12 Innovators, Two WinnersThree Data Points We’re Watching This Week, Week 3: Retailer Focus
Insight ReportUS Consumer Tracker: Shopper Behaviors and Expectations as We Head Toward Easter (Select Findings) Coresight Research March 29, 2021 Reasons to ReadThis report provides select findings from Coresight Research’s March 22 survey of US consumers on their behaviors and expectations, with a focus on implications for retailers. This report is available for free and can be accessed by registering for a free account. We highlight selected findings from our weekly survey across three key topics: Respondents’ expectations for spending on Easter 2021 What categories respondents are purchasing online and in-store Whether respondents are avoiding public areas —and which types of places they are avoiding Our full report is available to premium subscribers and includes further findings on shoppers’ current online spending habits and the retailers they shopped at. Click here to view all of our weekly survey reports. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Three Data Points We’re Watching This Week, Week 34: US Retail Sales OutlookUS Retail—Real Estate Insights: Embracing Small Store Formats, Immersive Experiences and Emerging TechnologiesWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 48: M&S To Open Up to 500 New Food StoresCEO Brief: Intelligent Inventory—Achieving Inventory Excellence
Deep DiveUS Consumer Tracker: Shopper Behaviors and Expectations as We Head Toward Easter (Full Report) Coresight Research March 29, 2021 Reasons to ReadCoresight Research’s March 22 survey provides a detailed update on US consumers’ behaviors, concerns and expectations amid the coronavirus crisis, with a focus on the implications for US retail. Our tracker questions cover the following: Respondents’ spending expectations for Easter 2021 What activities respondents have done in the past two weeks Whether respondents are currently avoiding public areas—and which types of places they are avoiding What product categories respondents had purchased in-store and online in the past two weeks Which retailers respondents had bought food and nonfood products from in the past two weeks We also present findings and trend data on what consumers are buying more and less of than pre-pandemic. If you do not have a premium subscription, you can access select findings in a complimentary abridged report. Click here to view all of our weekly survey reports. CONTENTS What’s the Story? Consumers’ Easter Spending Plans What Shoppers Are Doing and Where They Are Going Consumer Activity Dips Slightly Consumers’ Return to Public Places Stalls What Shoppers Are Buying and Which Retailers They Are Buying From What Consumers Bought In-Store and Online Which Retailers Consumers Purchased Food and Nonfood Products From Reviewing Trend Data in Current Purchasing Behavior What Consumers Are Currently Buying More Of and Less Of What We Think Methodology Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:NextGen 2025 Highlights: Coresight Research Premium Subscriber Call, July 2025Store Tracker Extra: UK Store Openings and Closures—2024 Review and 2025 OutlookMarch 2025 US Retail Sales: Retail Sales Rebound Amid Tariff ConcernsFive Ways AI Is Being Used in Beauty Retailing (Plus One Bonus)—and What’s Next
Insight ReportFebruary 2021 UK Retail Sales: Sales Struggle as Lockdown Continues Coresight Research March 29, 2021 Reasons to ReadCoresight Research’s monthly reports keep you up to date on US and UK retail sales, US retail traffic and in-store metrics and key global consumer indicators. Click here to view our full collection of Monthly Reports. We review the February 2021 data for UK retail in total and by sector. This report covers the following: The trend in total value and volume retail sales growth over the last 13 months Value sales growth for 20 sectors across food and nonfood retail, for each of the latest three months Growth in online retail sales, by major sector A Covid-19 lockdown timeline Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Singles’ Day 2025 Around the World—Global ObservationsFinancial Optimism Falls to Lowest Recorded Level: China Consumer Survey InsightsShoptalk Fall 2025 Day One: Building Resilience Through Agility, AI and Authentic Connections to Thrive in Volatile TimesMarket Outlook: US Convenience Store Retailing—Charting New Paths Through Structural Headwinds
Analyst CornerWeinswig’s Weekly: Spring Has Sprung (at Least in New York City) and Residents Start To Look Toward Summer Coresight Research March 28, 2021 Reasons to ReadIn each report in the Weinswig’s Weekly series, Coresight Research CEO and Founder Deborah Weinswig reflects on a topical theme in retail. This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig” discusses the impact of US lockdowns on seasonal spending, including our outlook for Easter retail. Each report also includes recent retail and technology headlines from Asia, Europe and the US. This report is available for free and can be accessed by registering for a free account. Please Login to read the full report. Not a member? To access this content for free, register for a free account. This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Tariff Pessimism Cools; Inflationary Trade-Down Persists: US Consumer Survey Insights ExtraWeekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 10: US Store Openings Exceed 2,000Analyst Corner: What’s Happening in China’s Economy? Analyzing Retail and Consumer Metrics with Madhav PitaliyaInnovator Matrix: Retail Media
Event CoverageAlibaba’s Tmall Global Summit: Retail Opportunities and Strategies for Success in China’s E-Commerce Market Coresight Research March 26, 2021 Reasons to ReadOn March 25, 2021, Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research, moderated Alibaba’s Tmall Global Summit. In this free report, we present three key insights from the event, covering a framework for brands to enter the China market, strategies for startups to go global and recommendations for brands to succeed in China. This report is available for free and can be accessed by registering for a free account. Please Login to read the full report. Not a member? To access this content for free, register for a free account. This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Aldi vs. Lidl US Store Openings: Mapping Retail Real Estate Changes with the Store Intelligence PlatformInnovator Profile: Veesual—Enhancing the Online Apparel Shopping Journey with Image GenerationThree Data Points We’re Watching This Week, Week 17: US Retail and Consumer LatestThree Data Points We’re Watching This Week, Week 31: US Consumer Sentiment, AI Investments and Canada Stores
Store TrackerWeekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2021, Week 12: US Openings Continue To Outpace Closures Coresight Research March 26, 2021 Reasons to ReadOur Weekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker reports on store closures, openings and bankruptcies. We cover: A week-by-week comparison of store openings and closures in the US and UK year to date in 2021 What is happening in retail in the US and UK this week Year-to-date 2021 major US and UK store openings and closures This week, there are highlights from 7-Eleven, Alimentation Couche-Tard, At Home, Designer Brands, Fabletics, Hobby Lobby, Kroger and Signet Jewelers in the US and Beales, Decathlon, Dunelm, John Lewis, Joules and Mango in the UK. We also discuss US quarterly store opening and closure settlements following the release of quarterly company filings this week. Click here to view our full collection of Weekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Trackers. Complementing our weekly report, the Coresight Research Retail Store Databank offers our premium subscribers access to openings and closures data from 2012 to 2021 year to date, filterable by sector and year. Click here to view. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Three Months to Singles’ Day 2025: Simplified Promotions, Government Support and Payment Ecosystem Convergence To Fuel GrowthMarket Outlook: US Foodservice—Growth To Improve Amid Value-Focused InitiativesShoptalk Spring 2025: Day One—Creating Value Is Critical to Success; Tech-Powered Personalization Permeates Panel DiscussionsRetail 2025: UK Retail Predictions—Midyear Trends Update
Insight ReportUS Home-Goods Retailers Step Up Focus on Mobile Applications Coresight Research March 25, 2021 Reasons to ReadHome-goods retailers are stepping up their focus on mobile applications as part of a wider pivot to e-commerce. In this report, we discuss Why this trend in mobile applications one to watch for US home-goods retailers Recent initiatives taken by Home Depot, IKEA and Tractor Supply to improve their mobile app offerings Implications for brands, retailers and technology vendors To read about US home and home-improvement retailers handle returns, click here. Click here to read our e-commerce outlook for US furniture and home furnishings. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Beauty Shopping in Focus; Economic Sentiment Turns Negative: US Consumer Survey InsightsHigh Income Consumers’ Sentiment Improves; Government Shutdown Impacting Shoppers: US Consumer Survey InsightsHoliday 2025: Government Shutdown-Related Reduction in SNAP, Other Payments and Salaries Could Meaningfully Impact US Holiday SpendingHoliday 2025: US Consumer Survey and Retail Outlook—From Social to Smart: AI Becomes the New Driver of Holiday Discovery and Value
