Editorial
Hey there, holiday enthusiasts! This week in Consulting usually dives into heavy business talk, but hey, it’s the last week of the year, and we’re all drowning in the holiday season vibes! 🎄
So, we’ve shaken things up and dedicated this edition to the universal spirit of love, happiness, joy, and family time. Because who needs more spreadsheets right now?
The holiday season is all about surrounding yourself with the squad you vibe with—family, friends, or your community. Plus, giving back is like the ultimate holiday hack, not just a seasonal thing. We’ve got some nifty ideas on how to sprinkle gratitude and joy all year round!
Now, we get it; some folks take holiday perfection seriously. The pressure to nail the perfect gifts, host Insta-worthy parties, and post flawless family pics can be intense. Cue the stress stats from Sesame. But hey, good news! While we can’t control our feelings, we can ace some holiday habits for a dose of gratitude and connection.
And oh, the holiday-shopping saga! US consumers are spreading their spending love over several months. What it means for retailers? From personalized promos to “buy now, pay later,” retailers are on their A-game. Know it from Monica Toriello. as she spills the deets in her podcast episode.
Lastly, staying true to its tradition of delving into seasonal topics that evoke different moods—be it the ‘Monday blues,’ the uncertainty of heatwaves, or the joy of December and Christmas—Fathom Consulting unravels the connection with equity market reactions. Their insights shed light on why, even if you’re not a firm believer in Father Christmas, giving a bit more attention to the Santa Claus rally might just be worth your while.
Enjoy the read, soak in the holiday season cheer, and hit us up—we’d love to hear from you!
Laurent THOMAS
Chairman Consulting Quest
This week’s must read
In this edition of This Week in Consulting, we shift focus to the holiday spirit, emphasizing love, joy, and family time. Enjoy the seasonal cheer!
In Altair Global’s article, global holiday gift-giving traditions vary from Christmas in the U.S. to Diwali in India. Embracing diversity is key, urging relocating employees to navigate with cultural sensitivity, fostering a universal spirit of togetherness.
Thought Leadership
KPMG’s UK survey reveals one-third of consumers plan to cut festive spending due to the cost of living. Gift, grocery, and dining budgets will be reduced, especially among ages 35-44. Retailers face challenges, with 39% anticipating smaller gift budgets.
This Huff Post article by Monica Torres discusses the importance of virtual holiday parties for remote workers, emphasizing inclusion and creativity. It suggests tools like Conspiracy Santa and Slack channels and recommends organizing local events. Fostering a sense of community is crucial for remote workers during the holiday season.
In an article by Fortune Well, holiday stress is common, with societal expectations causing emotional challenges. To counter this, focus on cultivating gratitude through the “George Bailey Effect,” design intentional gatherings for meaningful connections, and prioritize activities that bring genuine happiness.
The article by Fathom Consulting explores the Santa Claus rally in stocks during the seven-day period from Christmas Eve to early January. Statistical evidence suggests strong returns, influencing January’s market strength. The author playfully speculates on Santa’s impact, encouraging readers to update their calendars for the next rally.
US consumers exhibit caution in 2023’s extended holiday season, emphasizing personalized promotions, same-day delivery, and “buy now, pay later” plans. McKinsey’s surveys reveal a trade-down mood, increased focus on self-care, and the importance of transparent communication. Retailers leverage AI for personalized experiences, while Gen Z prefers quality over price.
In Centerstone’s article, holidays emphasize unity and gratitude. Celebrate by expressing thanks, connecting with loved ones, volunteering, and fostering positivity. Practice gratitude year-round for improved mental health.
Laurent is the Chairman and Co-founder of Consulting Quest. Focused on greater value creation, and being thoroughly familiar with Consulting, Laurent has sourced and sold millions of dollars worth of Consulting over the course of his career. Prior to joining Consulting Quest, Laurent was Executive Vice President Oil and Gas at Solvay and Senior Partner Transformation at Oliver Wyman.
