During pandemic lockdowns, many Britons got into the habit of buying groceries locally and/or online, with ethics, provenance, and convenience becoming central factors in their decision-making. As the UK emerges from the crisis, how can brands in the sector adapt to these new priorities?

The closure of non-essential retail due to COVID-19 saw shopping become a mostly digital affair for many Britons. Yet while the future of the high street may be in jeopardy, people remain eager to connect with brands. How can pop-up experiences fulfil this desire in the post-pandemic landscape?

In April 2021, volunteers from the fashion industry planted flax and woad on unused land in Blackburn as the first step towards their mission to revive the production of linen fibre in the UK. As people prioritise greener goods, brands have an opportunity to woo buyers by sourcing supplies locally.

In times of uncertainty, people often make purchases that reaffirm their identity – yet many ‘global citizens’ championed local firms during the pandemic. Canvas8 spoke to Sharon Ng of Nanyang Technological University to understand the impact of global-local identities on shopping habits.