The half-term holiday combined with more workers returning to the office have provided a welcome boost for the retail sector. A 19.4% increase in footfall in central London and 13.5% central London office hubs shows Brits are eager for the return to normalcy in a post-vaccination world.

But as we enter a busier season for retail, maintaining this momentum isn’t without its challenges. With holiday shopping on the near horizon, retailers must ensure they’re well equipped to manage spikes in demand, despite potential shortages and holdups.

Shoppers will need to be assured that they can get exactly what they’re looking for, or something even better, when they need it from a brick-and-mortar retailer this holiday season. Consumers will seek out retailers who perfect inventory management and omnichannel offerings. Avoiding stockouts and accommodating the new ways consumers are shopping should be top priorities.