With non-essential stores closed and shoppers anxious about crowds, John Lewis is bringing the festive experience to the digital realm with its 3D virtual store. Showing how shops can evolve their offering for Christmas 2020, the retailer is leaning into the AR shopping experience.

As e-commerce giants continue to cannibalise the UK high street, the backlash against faceless retailers is accelerating, leading some shoppers to turn to smaller, local businesses – both online and off. How are these independent firms fostering long-term loyalty across channels?

A combination of growing cities and transient populations has led to residents feeling alienated from each other. The Nextdoor app aims to rectify this by bringing neighbours together on its social platform, fostering a genuine sense of community and positive social exchanges.

Despite the political polarization and societal divisions that have come to light in 2020, kindness has been an overarching theme. Small gestures like checking in and sending gifts have become commonplace, indicating a shift towards collectivism and community values.