Luxury retail companies are often considered to be relatively sheltered from economic slowdowns compared to their mass-market peers. This was shown by their quick recovery from the 2008 crisis, partly due to their target audiences being the last to feel the effects of a downturn as a result of the cushion their wealth provides.
However, economists are now forecasting a recession that is longer and deeper than initially predicted and luxury retailers will face new and different challenges. Companies are being forced to increase the price of their goods to deal with higher input costs and protect margins, but even wealthy consumers may reach a tipping point where the price tag becomes too high.
Erin Brookes, Managing Director and Head of Retail & Consumer, Europe discusses how cautious management is required to protect luxury retailers from the impacts of an impending recession in this recent Retail Week article.
To learn about how we can help retailers, visit our consumer and retail pages and check out our latest report on changing consumer values. Or, contact us to see how we can help you transform your consumer and retail business.
European A&M Activist Alert
June 29, 2026
Shareholder activism has become one of the most influential forces shaping corporate strategy, capital allocation and value creation across Europe. In an environment where investors are increasingly willing to challenge management teams and boards, understanding activist priorities has never been more important.
A&M Activist Alert for Europe | Interim 2026 Report
June 29, 2026
As European corporates navigate economic uncertainty, shifting capital allocation priorities, rapid advances in artificial intelligence and increasing scrutiny of strategic decision-making, shareholder activism continues to evolve. While public campaigns remain an important tool, activist investors are increasingly seeking to influence boards behind closed doors, applying pressure privately while remaining ready to wield the “big stick” of acting publicly when necessary.
Activist pressure starts with underperformance
June 18, 2026
Shareholder activism is accelerating, and the root cause is consistent: sustained operational underperformance relative to peers. In a feature for CFO.com, A&M Managing Director Ron Orsini outlines a more disciplined path: close performance gaps early, build a credible value creation plan, and retain control of your strategy before activists define it for you.
Jay Frankl and Annie Peabody featured in The Deal’s Activist Investing Today Podcast
June 11, 2026
Jay Frankl and Annie Peabody discuss current M&A activism trends in The Deal’s Activist Investing Today podcast, highlighting insights from A&M’s US Activist Alert (AAA) report.
