Evri report explores the ‘remarkable’ evolution of fashion and retail in the UK over past five decades

Ahead of London Fashion Week from 12th-17th September, parcel delivery company Evri is celebrating its 50th anniversary by revealing the latest fashion retail insights and taking a nostalgic look at top trends over the past five decades.

Based on data from the parcel deliveries it fulfils for fashion brands each year, the research reveals that, as the UK’s shopping habits have transformed, so too have the trends that define each era.

The news comes as data from Evri reveals that in spite of the higher cost of living after groceries (62%), fashion (40%) and footwear (27%) are now priority purchases in the UK.

Top influences on our spending decisions are value led with us being easily influenced by those we speak to and follow online.

·       Price (60%)

·       Voucher codes (27%

·       Word of mouth (25%)

·       Social media (24%)

·       Shop windows and in-store promotions (20%)

In terms of how we shop for fashion, on average Brits are now visiting the high street 70 times a year, and shopping online annually 60 times.

For 46% of Brits they are visiting stores to try on items before they buy online, however we are an indecisive nation as 21% of items bought online are then returned.

Evri has also charted top trends across the last five decades, unearthing vintage Grattan catalogues to highlight the evolution of fashion over the past five decades.

From the free-spirited bohemian styles of the 1970s to the minimalist chic of the 1990s, fashion has mirrored societal changes and cultural movements. The bold, power dressing of the 1980s gave way to the grunge and casual wear of the 1990s.

The early 2000s brought a fusion of Y2K trends and streetwear, while the latter half of the decade saw the rise of athleisure and sustainable fashion, taking our fashion on a full cycle of revival.

Rosalind Hunt, Director of E-Commerce at Evri, says: "Fashion has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past five decades, reflecting societal shifts and consumer preferences. From the flamboyant excess of the 1980s to the minimalist chic of the 1990s, each decade has left its mark on our wardrobes.”

“Today, we are witnessing a cyclical approach to fashion, with elements from past eras reimagined for modern consumers. This, coupled with the rise of sustainability and the growing popularity of second-hand shopping, particularly among Gen Z, is reshaping the industry in exciting and unexpected ways.”

“As a leading parcel delivery company, we've had a front row seat to the fashion show of the last 50 years and are excited to celebrate this fashion journey with our customers and look forward to seeing what the next 50 years hold."

A spokesperson for Next says: “From the early days of our groundbreaking 48-hour delivery, to 2024's late order cut-off for next day delivery, Evri has worked in partnership with us since the 1980s to provide our customers with the best delivery propositions to suit their changing needs".

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Online delivery is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, Retail Technology Show 2025, and Business France, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.