What Can We Expect From Online Retail In 2019?

December 20, 2018

The importance of online shopping is growing and it got me thinking about what’s in store for 2019. This year has seen the meteoric rise of chatbots, short-form video ads, and social influencers, but ecommerce businesses are always looking to try something new so it’s exciting to look ahead to what the next 12 months hold for us as consumers.


With the UK high street recently posting its worst August performance for three years, the pressure traditional retailers are facing is evident and that trend is continuing with retailers reporting slower than expected sales in the run up to Christmas. December footfall is predicted to drop by 4.2% according to new figures by retail intelligence company Springboard, and I wasn’t surprise read that retail footfall in November fell by 3.2%, a substantial drop on the previous year which had reported nominal, but some, growth.


The biggest challenges facing ecommerce businesses are personalisation, convenience, competitive prices, fast and reliable delivery. Those who can’t meet these challenges will have a hard time. There will be a concerted move towards omnichannel shopping with consumers now expecting brands to deliver a cross-device and cross-channel shopping experience, one that is highly personalised, seamless, and as easy as possible. Knowing who the customer is, what their needs are, what their purchase history looks like and having a direct communication channel to them will be one of the tests for any business operating in this space.

And on the note of convenience, we should anticipate the rise of voice assistants with interest in conversational platforms growing rapidly. This is due to a compelling value proposition for users and the potential to improve customer service. In response, businesses are moving quickly to implement these technologies. Currently leading the pack are Amazon Alexa and Google Voice. Brands and retailers who want to engage with shoppers via voice will have to get on Amazon Marketplace or Google Express to not miss out on this great growth opportunity. Whilst for some it may feel alien to ask Alexa to book your train ticket, for many it’s yet another ingenious way businesses are striving to make the way we transact with them even easier (good work Virgin Trains!).


Retailers of all types need to figure out how they can own the customer and create a comfortable customer journey. Businesses will need to be innovative and be willing to be present any and everywhere. It will be up to businesses to clearly communicate that value in this dynamic, competitive, and quickly changing landscape.



Whilst I’m partial to a bit of online shopping but there’s nothing better dashing to the high street to grab a few last minute stocking fillers and a chance to see the Christmas lights so on that note “Alexa, a return ticket to St Pancras please”….

Next Chapter Recruitment


Salary Scales
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Why It Matters Talking about money can feel uncomfortable but it’s one of the most important parts of the hiring process. Your salary expectation sends a message: it tells an employer how you value yourself and where you see your level of contribution. Pitching it right is about balance , go too low, and you risk underselling your worth; go too high without context, and you might price yourself out of contention. Being open, informed and confident in that conversation shows self-awareness, professionalism and credibility, all qualities employers notice and respect. How to Talk About Salary with Confidence Do your homework Before the interview, research average salaries for your role, level and location. Market rates can vary significantly between agency and in-house, or between Milton Keynes and London. If you’re unsure, we can share real-time local salary benchmarks so you walk in informed. Give a realistic range It shows flexibility while setting clear expectations. If your research suggests £40k–£45k, it’s fine to say, “I’m ideally looking for something around the mid-40s, depending on the role and responsibilities.” Frame it around value, not just numbers Explain why your expectations sit where they do, link them to results, ROI, leadership experience, or specialist knowledge. For example: “I’ve managed multi-channel campaigns with £500k+ budgets, consistently delivering ROI, so I’m targeting roles around the £50k mark.” This shifts the focus from cost to contribution. Don’t undersell yourself If you say you’d “take less for the right role,” there’s a good chance you’ll be offered less. Employers typically work within budgets, not above them so set your expectation confidently and let your experience justify it. Consider the whole package Salary is important, but benefits, flexibility, progression and culture can all make a huge difference. Be ready to discuss the overall value of the opportunity, not just the pay packet. Be mindful of proof Some employers may ask for evidence of current or previous salary, such as a P60 or recent payslip. It’s not a trap, it’s part of ensuring internal parity. Just make sure your expectations align realistically with your documented history and market value. Employer Perspective Most employers set a salary range before a role goes live. If your expectations fit that window, the process moves smoothly. If they don’t, it’s better to clarify early than waste anyone’s time. And remember: once you’ve put a figure on the table, it’s rarely possible to negotiate significantly higher later so preparation really does pay off. Final Thought Salary conversations don’t need to be daunting. With the right insight and preparation, they can be empowering. Know your worth. Be honest about your expectations. And let your recruiter help position you in the best possible light, we’ll share market data, guide you through the discussion, and make sure you’re representing your value with confidence. Talk to us about salary benchmarks and negotiation advice
Hand placing wooden block on staircase with upward arrow, rocket, and target.
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Why It Matters Rejection hurts and there’s no getting around that. You put time, energy and hope into an opportunity, only to hear “we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate.” But in a competitive market, where marketing and digital roles attract hundreds of applications , rejection isn’t a reflection of failure, it’s feedback, redirection and part of the process. The truth? It’s not about how many no’s you get. It’s about how you respond to them because that’s what shapes your next “yes.” How to Handle Rejection and Move Forward Ask for feedback Don’t be afraid to ask why you weren’t selected. Sometimes it’s about fit, team dynamics or timing ,not your ability. Constructive feedback gives you clarity and helps you improve how you present yourself next time. If you’ve worked with us, we’ll always ask on your behalf and be honest about what we hear. Don’t take it personally It’s easy to think, “What did I do wrong?” But remember, recruitment is often about nuances, one candidate might have slightly more experience with a tool, or a particular cultural fit. It’s rarely black and white. Reframe rejection as redirection Every “no” gets you closer to the right opportunity. Think of it as refining your path rather than blocking it. Many of the candidates we’ve placed in career-defining roles started with a rejection or two but each one helped them refine their story, focus their search and prepare better for the next. Keep your momentum The hardest part after rejection is not losing motivation. Take a day to reset, then get back into action. Keep learning, keep applying, keep connecting. Every interview builds experience and confidence and you never know when the right door will open. Zoom out — one role doesn’t define your career Your career is a long game. You’ll have highs, lows and everything in between. What matters is consistency, curiosity and resilience. Marketing and digital are fast-evolving industries, those who stay adaptable and open always bounce back faster. Employer Perspective Hiring managers often make decisions between two or three excellent candidates. Missing out doesn’t mean you weren’t good, it means someone else was a slightly better match for that brief, at that time. And here’s the thing: we’ve seen candidates who were runners-up get called back six months later when the perfect opportunity arises. A “no” today can still be a “not yet.” Final Thought Rejection isn’t the end of your story, it’s just another chapter. The next opportunity might be the one that changes everything. If you’ve had a setback, talk to us. We’ll help you review feedback, strengthen your approach and get you in front of the roles where you’ll genuinely thrive. Talk to us about your next move
Teal sky gradient over a light orange desert landscape.
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
How to Stay Positive During Your Job Search
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
New Title
Illustration of a marketer at a crossroads choosing between agency-side and brand-side marketing car
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Thinking about moving from agency to brand-side marketing? Learn the key differences, trade-offs, and what to expect when making the switch.
Yellow notepad with
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
New Title
Image of a spotlight lighting up a dark stage
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Advice on how to create a winning interview presentation with tips on what to do and what to avoid.
A megaphone on a pink background.
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
New Title
A purple rubber duck stands out among many yellow rubber ducks.
By Shazamme System User November 12, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
Show More
Salary Scales
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Why It Matters Talking about money can feel uncomfortable but it’s one of the most important parts of the hiring process. Your salary expectation sends a message: it tells an employer how you value yourself and where you see your level of contribution. Pitching it right is about balance , go too low, and you risk underselling your worth; go too high without context, and you might price yourself out of contention. Being open, informed and confident in that conversation shows self-awareness, professionalism and credibility, all qualities employers notice and respect. How to Talk About Salary with Confidence Do your homework Before the interview, research average salaries for your role, level and location. Market rates can vary significantly between agency and in-house, or between Milton Keynes and London. If you’re unsure, we can share real-time local salary benchmarks so you walk in informed. Give a realistic range It shows flexibility while setting clear expectations. If your research suggests £40k–£45k, it’s fine to say, “I’m ideally looking for something around the mid-40s, depending on the role and responsibilities.” Frame it around value, not just numbers Explain why your expectations sit where they do, link them to results, ROI, leadership experience, or specialist knowledge. For example: “I’ve managed multi-channel campaigns with £500k+ budgets, consistently delivering ROI, so I’m targeting roles around the £50k mark.” This shifts the focus from cost to contribution. Don’t undersell yourself If you say you’d “take less for the right role,” there’s a good chance you’ll be offered less. Employers typically work within budgets, not above them so set your expectation confidently and let your experience justify it. Consider the whole package Salary is important, but benefits, flexibility, progression and culture can all make a huge difference. Be ready to discuss the overall value of the opportunity, not just the pay packet. Be mindful of proof Some employers may ask for evidence of current or previous salary, such as a P60 or recent payslip. It’s not a trap, it’s part of ensuring internal parity. Just make sure your expectations align realistically with your documented history and market value. Employer Perspective Most employers set a salary range before a role goes live. If your expectations fit that window, the process moves smoothly. If they don’t, it’s better to clarify early than waste anyone’s time. And remember: once you’ve put a figure on the table, it’s rarely possible to negotiate significantly higher later so preparation really does pay off. Final Thought Salary conversations don’t need to be daunting. With the right insight and preparation, they can be empowering. Know your worth. Be honest about your expectations. And let your recruiter help position you in the best possible light, we’ll share market data, guide you through the discussion, and make sure you’re representing your value with confidence. Talk to us about salary benchmarks and negotiation advice
Hand placing wooden block on staircase with upward arrow, rocket, and target.
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Why It Matters Rejection hurts and there’s no getting around that. You put time, energy and hope into an opportunity, only to hear “we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate.” But in a competitive market, where marketing and digital roles attract hundreds of applications , rejection isn’t a reflection of failure, it’s feedback, redirection and part of the process. The truth? It’s not about how many no’s you get. It’s about how you respond to them because that’s what shapes your next “yes.” How to Handle Rejection and Move Forward Ask for feedback Don’t be afraid to ask why you weren’t selected. Sometimes it’s about fit, team dynamics or timing ,not your ability. Constructive feedback gives you clarity and helps you improve how you present yourself next time. If you’ve worked with us, we’ll always ask on your behalf and be honest about what we hear. Don’t take it personally It’s easy to think, “What did I do wrong?” But remember, recruitment is often about nuances, one candidate might have slightly more experience with a tool, or a particular cultural fit. It’s rarely black and white. Reframe rejection as redirection Every “no” gets you closer to the right opportunity. Think of it as refining your path rather than blocking it. Many of the candidates we’ve placed in career-defining roles started with a rejection or two but each one helped them refine their story, focus their search and prepare better for the next. Keep your momentum The hardest part after rejection is not losing motivation. Take a day to reset, then get back into action. Keep learning, keep applying, keep connecting. Every interview builds experience and confidence and you never know when the right door will open. Zoom out — one role doesn’t define your career Your career is a long game. You’ll have highs, lows and everything in between. What matters is consistency, curiosity and resilience. Marketing and digital are fast-evolving industries, those who stay adaptable and open always bounce back faster. Employer Perspective Hiring managers often make decisions between two or three excellent candidates. Missing out doesn’t mean you weren’t good, it means someone else was a slightly better match for that brief, at that time. And here’s the thing: we’ve seen candidates who were runners-up get called back six months later when the perfect opportunity arises. A “no” today can still be a “not yet.” Final Thought Rejection isn’t the end of your story, it’s just another chapter. The next opportunity might be the one that changes everything. If you’ve had a setback, talk to us. We’ll help you review feedback, strengthen your approach and get you in front of the roles where you’ll genuinely thrive. Talk to us about your next move
Teal sky gradient over a light orange desert landscape.
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
How to Stay Positive During Your Job Search
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
New Title
Illustration of a marketer at a crossroads choosing between agency-side and brand-side marketing car
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Thinking about moving from agency to brand-side marketing? Learn the key differences, trade-offs, and what to expect when making the switch.
Yellow notepad with
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
New Title
Image of a spotlight lighting up a dark stage
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Advice on how to create a winning interview presentation with tips on what to do and what to avoid.
A megaphone on a pink background.
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
New Title
A purple rubber duck stands out among many yellow rubber ducks.
By Shazamme System User November 12, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
Pink piggy bank on a calculator, surrounded by scattered coins, against a yellow background.
By Shazamme System User November 12, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
Show More