The Golden Quarter is Changing: Inside the 2025 State of Spend

The Golden Quarter is Changing: Inside the 2025 State of Spend

The UK’s peak retail season is evolving. Consumers are still spending, but they’re more selective, strategic, and values-driven than ever before. Based on spend data from over 23 million UK bank accounts and nationally representative research, Cardlytics' State of Spend report uncovers what’s shaping the 2025 Golden Quarter — and where brands should focus to win.

Headline Trend Summaries (With Light Stats)

1. Black Friday is no longer the main event
The era of single-day shopping spikes is fading. Our data reveals that consumers are spreading spend across weekends and early December instead. Brands focused only on the Friday are missing the bigger picture.

2. Gifts that matter and don’t just impress
Over half of consumers say they’re choosing meaningful or practical gifts this year. Beauty and books are holding strong, while luxury and electrical categories are losing ground.

3. Fashion is fragmenting
Fast fashion still performs, but growth is slowing. Shoppers are shifting toward resale platforms and marketplaces that offer affordability and sustainability in one.

4. Grocery is about confidence, not just cost
Spend is still rising across grocery - but discounters, delivery services, and high-end grocers are outpacing traditional supermarkets. Value is no longer just about price; it’s about trust and convenience.

Consumers are still buying. They’re just doing it on their terms. The winners in 2025 will meet them where they are — with relevance, value, and visibility.”

Want the full data?

The full report includes:

• Category-by-category breakdowns from 2022 to 2024
  
• 2025 retail forecasts across 14 key sectors
  
• Consumer behaviour insights and shopping intent
  
• Strategic recommendations for campaign planning

Download the Full Report