Retail Risk Outlook 2024

Our Retail Risk Outlook 2024 helps retailers stay on top of legal and regulatory requirements.

Discover the key themes shaping the retail sector and benefit from invaluable advice from our team of retail experts.

Be prepared for change, mitigate potential risks, and position your business for opportunity.

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Priority themes

We act for more large retailers than any other UK law firm and these are the main themes we are seeing for our clients.

ESG and green claims

Sustainability and environmental issues continue to dominate, with a spotlight on Green claims by regulators. Progress against net-zero transition plans and ESG reporting requirements will be paramount for 2024.

Governance and accountability

Our report shows how retailers prioritising transparency and accountability with customers, investors, and regulators will be best placed to navigate these anticipated changes. The Consumer Law shake-up will emphasise the need for price transparency compliance to avoid significant penalties.

AI Regulation evolving

We discuss how Tech, data and AI is an area where regulation is playing catch-up and evolving rapidly. Retailers will need to keep up to date with developments to understand the impact on operational processes and benefit from cost-saving opportunities.

Challenging trading

Our report highlights what retailers should do to mitigate the challenges due to external forces affecting the supply chain. Vigilant cost management and monitoring customer purchasing behaviour amidst the cost-of-living crisis will be essential for success.

Inside the report

Sustainability and environment

• Supply chain due diligence
• Green claims
• Extended Producer Responsibility update
• Transition Plan Taskforce: update on sector based plans
• Green collaboration agreements

Product and marketing

• ASA update
• Product marking and labelling update
• Product liability reform
• Improving price transparency and product information for consumers
• Display of pricing information – upcoming changes
• Intermediary and Platform Principles Pilot
• New rules for subscription contracts

Property

• Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023
• Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
• Review of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
• Building Safety Act

Employment

• Artificial intelligence and employment law
• Employment contracts and pay
• EDI and ESG workforce issues
• Competition risks for employers

Tech, data and AI

• AI Regulation
• AI – what are the consumer law risks?
• DPDI BillInternational Data Transfers
• Payment methods

Governance and enforcement

• Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
• Progress on DMCC Bill: consumer protection
• Modern slavery update

Actionable guidance

What's changing:

Straightforward guidance on the key changes

How to prepare:

Practical guidance from our legal experts