2. Focus on core brands: During times of stress, upheaval and economic crisis, consumers tend to revert to what’s familiar as it makes us feel ‘safer’. This is particularly true when shopping trips are more challenging and there is a need to switch to new purchase channels (e.g. online). Analysis of brand purchase during previous recessions has shown that ‘high market share brands’ tend to win at these times. It’s time to park more niche brand development that might distract and focus on what we know works well.