Retail Trends to Watch: The Evolution of Beauty, Footwear, and Social Wellbeing
At P-Three, we’ve always believed that successful placemaking puts consumers at the heart of every decision. As we look to 2025, it's clear that consumer trends in retail, leisure, and wellness are evolving faster than ever, reshaping the high street, and driving new opportunities for landlords and occupiers. From beauty to footwear, and the rise of social wellbeing, understanding these trends is vital for creating spaces that resonate with today’s shoppers and tomorrow’s needs.
As we move into 2025, it’s clear that the future of retail is about more than just transactions – it’s about identity, culture, and connection. The evolving consumer trends we’re seeing in beauty, footwear, and social wellbeing are reshaping the high street, and it’s essential for landlords and occupiers to stay ahead of the curve.
Beauty: The Power of Experience and Digital Influence
Beauty is having a moment, and it's one of the brightest stars in retail today. Fuelled by online trends and influencer culture, beauty brands are driving footfall and transforming how we experience the high street. A perfect example of this is Sephora, which continues to outperform despite having no transactional UK website. Its physical stores act as magnets, drawing in shoppers even in the age of e-commerce. This trend of blending digital influence with physical retail is something we’re seeing across the beauty sector.
The rise of “clean” beauty and Korean beauty has also reshaped the market, driving demand for luxury fragrances and eco-conscious products. With beauty spending up by 8% year-on-year in 2024, brands like Le Labo, Byredo, Charlotte Tilbury, and Aesop are redefining the high street, especially in spaces once dominated by department stores. The shift away from large department stores towards more niche, experience-driven beauty retailers is one that landlords should watch closely.
At P-Three, we combine consumer and occupier insights to ensure spaces reflect these changing preferences. By understanding who shops for these brands – from affluent, older shoppers drawn to Sephora to younger, urban shoppers opting for Kiko – landlords can make more informed leasing and asset management decisions.
Footwear: Nostalgia Meets Innovation
Footwear is undergoing a fascinating transformation, as unexpected trends from the past make a big comeback. Crocs, Uggs, and Birkenstocks are no longer just “ugly” footwear – they’ve become statement pieces, propelled by influencer endorsements and consumer demand for comfort. The growth of athleisure and the “Gorpcore” trend, which blends outdoor adventure gear with urban style, is here to stay. Hoka, On, and Salomon are just a few brands redefining high-performance footwear, merging fashion with function.
The demand for multi-brand shoe retailers is also growing. Brands like Office, JD, and Footasylum are thriving as they tap into diverse consumer needs, from the nostalgic pull of Crocs to the high-performance, fashion-forward lines seen in sportswear collaborations with luxury fashion brands. Understanding regional differences in footwear preferences, like the rise of Office’s market share in Wales and the North-West, allows landlords and occupiers to tailor their offerings to local demands.
The footwear market is not just about sneakers anymore; it’s about offering consumers the right fit for their lifestyle, from casual wear to high-performance gear. At P-Three, we believe in creating spaces that cater to these evolving demands, ensuring retailers are in the right locations to meet their customers.
Social Wellbeing: Fitness and Community Take Centre Stage
As wellness becomes an integral part of everyday life, we're seeing the rise of “social wellbeing” – fitness and self-improvement in communal settings. In response to health-conscious Gen Z and Millennials, this trend is transforming how people connect, move, and gather. Wellness spaces like arc in Canary Wharf, BLOK, and Sauna and Plunge are not just about physical fitness; they’re about creating community experiences that blur the lines between health and culture.
Gymshark, one of the pioneers in this space, uses its physical stores not just for shopping, but as hubs for fitness classes and community engagement. This approach is resonating with consumers who are more inclined to spend time in spaces that offer both a retail experience and a sense of belonging.
At P-Three, we believe that the future of retail is about creating environments that foster connection and support wellness. We are actively working with landlords and occupiers to reimagine spaces that serve as platforms for social wellbeing, whether through fitness, wellness treatments, or communal activities.
The Future of Placemaking: Adapt, Innovate, and Grow
As we move into 2025, it’s clear that the future of retail is about more than just transactions – it’s about identity, culture, and connection. The evolving consumer trends we’re seeing in beauty, footwear, and social wellbeing are reshaping the high street, and it’s essential for landlords and occupiers to stay ahead of the curve.
At P-Three, we’re committed to helping our clients adapt to these shifts, innovate within their spaces, and ultimately grow their businesses. By keeping the consumer at the heart of placemaking, we can create spaces that not only respond to trends but lead the way forward.
Want to discuss how these trends can inform your next project? Let’s chat – we’re always here to share insights and help you navigate the future of retail.
Image credit: www.arc-community.com