Who Is Going to Win This Holiday Season?
As the holiday season approaches, with customers making purchasing decisions based on their social media feeds and when “free two-day shipping” is the norm, both pure-play and brick and mortar retailers must be prepared to meet high customer expectations.
Despite the “Retail House-is-Falling” headlines, consumer spending is projected to increase 3.5 percent this year. With festivities around the corner, the season will usher in more than tinsel and lights — it will bring more customers to stores. So, what is key to being a “winner” in this competitive environment?
In this edition of “Retail & Consumer: Act Now,” A&M Senior Director Kristin Kohler Burrows, Manager Jana Gold and Managing Director Michael Simoncic examine the five types of retailers that are poised to have a profitable holiday season as well as what best practices each is leveraging on their way to the bank.
A view on the 2026/2027 Australian Federal Budget
May 13, 2026
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down the Albanese Government’s fifth Budget. While this Federal Budget has been characterised as ambitious by the Federal Government, it does raise questions regarding the underlying benefits of the reform. While fundamental changes to the tax system are forecasted to significantly raise revenue, average Australians are unlikely to feel tangible benefits.
EU Digital Omnibus: Opportunities and Risks from Regulatory Convergence
May 12, 2026
Published in November 2025, EU Digital Omnibus Bill is a proposed regulation that aims to simplify and consolidate existing EU digital legislation across AI, data, privacy and cybersecurity, reducing overlapping controls and reporting obligations.
Carving Out Success: Life Sciences Companies Are Rationalizing Portfolios by Divesting Non-Core Assets
May 12, 2026
Historically, large healthcare and life sciences corporations have focused deal activity on a breadth of diverse assets. However, the landscape is undergoing significant transformation as businesses shift to rationalize their portfolios and invest in fewer core areas.
The Edge AI Revolution: From Centralised Cloud to Distributed, Real Time Edge
May 12, 2026
The evolution of artificial intelligence is reshaping how organisations derive value from their data and operations. This strategic playbook demonstrates how business leaders can move beyond traditional cloud-centric approaches and instead harness real-time intelligence at the edge.
