How Climate Change Is Transforming Consumer Purchasing Behaviors in Retail Strategies

Seminars on Retail Strategies in the Age of Climate Change

The Retail Economic Research Institute, located in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, will host a live-streamed seminar titled "Retail Strategies in Light of Climate Change and Consumer Behavior" on March 19, 2026. This event aims to explore how recent climate changes impact consumer purchasing behaviors, providing essential insights for retailers and consumer goods manufacturers.

Understanding Recent Climate Changes

In recent years, significant shifts in temperature and weather patterns have introduced uncertainty into our buying habits. As climate change alters these environmental conditions, retailers and manufacturers face new challenges regarding consumer visits and purchasing motives. This creates a heightened need for advanced demand forecasting and product policy for retailers, while manufacturers must strengthen their collaborations with retailers to ensure a stable supply amidst fluctuating consumer demands.

The Purpose of the Seminar

In recognizing these pressing issues related to environmental change, the Retail Economic Research Institute has spearheaded a research project focused on "Climate Change and Retail Strategies." The upcoming seminar will present research findings, offering a comprehensive analysis of how to adapt to the critical changes brought about by climate change using data-driven strategies.

Registration Details

Participants interested in this online seminar are required to register through the official website. Below are the event particulars:

- Seminar Name: Retail Strategies in Light of Climate Change
- Date and Time: March 19, 2026, from 13:30 to 16:30 JST
- Format: Web (Live Streaming, with Recorded Replays available)
- Participation Fee: ¥30,000 (Tax included ¥33,000)
- Registration Link: Official Website

Target Audience

This seminar is designed for:

- Managers and professionals within the retail sector focusing on:

- Product planning and merchandising
- Demand forecasting and inventory management
- Sales and promotion planning
- Store operations and operational planning.

- Managers and professionals in consumer goods manufacturing, covering:

- Sales planning and retail support
- Marketing and brand management
- Demand and production planning.

- Individuals interested in data analysis, demand forecasting, or advancing digital transformation (DX) initiatives related to consumer behavior and marketing data.

Seminar Schedule Overview

- 13:30–13:35: Objectives of the seminar by Takashi Teramoto, Professor at Chuo University
- 13:35–14:55: Part 1: Effects of Extreme Heat on Consumer Buying Awareness and Behavior

- Speaker: Yutaka Suzuki, Special Researcher from the Retail Economic Research Institute
- Topics include:
- The transition from a global warming era to a climate crisis era
- Diversifying summer merchandise due to heat
- Consumer purchasing behavior influenced by extreme heat based on research findings
- Summary insights for retailers and manufacturers

- 15:05–16:25: Part 2: Mechanisms of Retail and Consumer Response to Extreme Weather Adaptation

- Speaker: Akira Nakano, Associate Professor at Chuo University
- Discussion points:
- Review of recent climate issues and consumer behavior
- Challenges in tracking temperatures and precipitation effects
- Strategies for short and long-term adaptations in retailing practices

- 16:25–16:30: Overall summary by Takashi Teramoto.

About the Retail Economic Research Institute

Founded as a voluntary group in March 1963, the Retail Economic Research Institute gained status as a public foundation in October 1966, with guidance from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Since then, it has been committed to research, information dissemination, and the improvement of retail and marketing practices to contribute to balanced economic development domestically and globally.