Retail readiness
Omnichannel excellence is your golden quarter secret weapon
As we navigate through September 2025, UK retailers are facing a perfect storm of challenges that will define their success through the critical golden quarter.avigate through September 2025, UK retailers are facing a perfect storm of challenges that will define their success through the critical golden quarter.
With the government budget looming in November, followed by the Black Friday frenzy and Christmas rush, the retailers who thrive will be those who have invested in sophisticated clienteling, assisted sales capabilities and seamless omnichannel POS systems.
The numbers don't lie
The stakes have never been higher. UK retail sales during the 2024 holiday season reached £97 billion, with Black Friday weekend alone generating over £9 billion in spending - nearly £5 billion of which occurred in physical stores. Yet beneath these impressive figures lies a more complex reality: online sales fell yet again, but penetration rates rose by 5% on October to 41.5% as consumers shopped around for Black Friday bargains, highlighting how consumer behaviour has become increasingly sophisticated and channel-agnostic.
The omnichannel imperative
Today's consumers don't think in channels; they think in experiences. 7 out of 10 retail shoppers use multiple channels in their shopping journey, with only 7% shopping completely online and just 20% shopping exclusively in physical stores. This reality demands a fundamental shift in how retailers approach their customer interactions.
Sales campaigns employing an omnichannel approach report a remarkable 494% higher order rate compared to those launched on a single channel. More critically, employing omnichannel strategies contributed to approximately 80% of customer visits to brick-and-mortar stores this time last year, proving that digital and physical retail success are inextricably linked.
The power of clienteling and assisted sales
In an era where consumers are increasingly price-conscious and deal-savvy, personal service becomes the ultimate differentiator. 44% of consumers purchased a Black Friday deal in-store, demonstrating that despite digital acceleration, physical retail remains vital for conversion - but only when enhanced with intelligent, data-driven customer service.
Modern clienteling tools enable store associates to access comprehensive customer histories, preferences, and cross-channel behaviours in real time. When omnichannel retailers let store assistants access stock data from other stores and online, they transform every interaction into an opportunity to exceed expectations and drive loyalty.
Preparing for Q4 and beyond
The upcoming November budget will likely introduce new economic pressures that could affect consumer spending patterns. Retailers need systems that can adapt quickly to changing demand, redistribute inventory efficiently and maintain service quality even as budgets tighten. More than half of UK shoppers have indicated that an omnichannel perk such as being allowed to order online and return in store would increase their loyalty - this kind of capability becomes even more valuable during uncertain economic times.
The strategic advantage
As we approach this critical trading period, the question isn't whether to invest in omnichannel capabilities - it's whether you can afford not to. 87% of retailers recognise the critical nature of an omnichannel strategy for their success, but recognition alone isn't enough. Execution is everything.
This golden quarter will separate the winners from the wishful thinkers. Those who have built robust clienteling capabilities, empowered their teams with assisted sales tools and created truly integrated omnichannel experiences will capture disproportionate value. Those who haven't will find themselves competing solely on price in an increasingly commoditised market.
The time for half-measures has passed. Your customers are omnichannel - your business must be too.
Red Ant helps retailers transform their customer experiences through intelligent omnichannel solutions. Contact us for a demo.