Amidst economic uncertainty, Britain shopped for joy in 2025, according to John Lewis’ twelfth annual How we Shop, Live and Look report, which reveals the consumer behaviours, cultural shifts and trends that defined the year.

The report says that 2025 saw the nation swap pared-back minimalism for expressive colour, comfort and ‘Nowstalgia’, while embracing wellness, repair culture and outdoor living.

A wave of ‘Nowstalgia’ – a revival of 1990s music, fashion and culture – shaped the year. The sound of the summer was Oasis, sparking a boom in retro purchases across everything from tech, homes and wardrobes. Sales of bucket hats were up 40%, while parkas, baggy trousers and sheer dresses proved popular too. Interiors also saw a retro revival, with chocolate brown and chrome taking centre stage. 

Commenting on the findings, Peter Ruis, managing director of John Lewis said: “This Shop Live Look report highlights the joy and the buzz we have seen in our stores over the past year. It’s clear that customers really embraced colour, comfort and fun again – from big garden parties, 90s tunes on repeat or butter dishes making a comeback.

Customers doubled down on wellbeing. ‘Sleepmaxxing’ – attempting to get the best possible night’s sleep – was a dominant trend, as sales of screenless wearables soared, with the WHOOP Peak 5.0 activity tracker selling out, and sales of super king-size beds up by 39%, almost twice the amount of doubles.

Products and routines designed to enhance rest, health and mood also soared, the report says. A surge in interest for sexual wellness helped make 2025 one of the biggest years ever for feel-good products, with the category growing by 59%, with John Lewis now stocking more sexual wellness products than hot water bottles.

The UK’s sunniest summer in years also reshaped outdoor living. Gardens became alfresco kitchens, handheld fan sales topped a record-breaking one million units – the most sold to date. With the seasons shifting, swimwear sales broke records, rising by 18% in September and 28% in October year-on-year, while outdoor cooking kit sales soared by 42% in October 2025.

Repair culture saw a major revival as well, as customers embraced longevity. Demand for pre-loved items and mending rose sharply as more shoppers chose to ‘love it, don’t ditch it’. Eight in ten Gen Z John Lewis shoppers buying pre-loved fashion, while 29% of those aged 18-28 said they frequently wore something more than 30 years old – a coat, dress, jumper or shirt made before they were born.

“Our stores have never felt more alive with new premium collaborations, pop-up Topshops and cookery workshops, and a glass of fizz in the new John Lewis Lounge. It’s clear the era of Department stores as destinations is having its own ‘Nowstalgia’ moment – and we’re ready to bring more of that in 2026,” added Ruis.