The explosion of delivery platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat in the last decade, combined with the adoption of home delivery by almost all major high street retailers, has reshaped everything from restaurant models to consumer habits. Many brands are adapting, investing in ghost kitchens, at-home dining formats, and more bespoke direct-to-door (D2D) options.
The explosion in D2D has been accompanied by the biggest change in the entertainment industry since the invention of the television.
At-home entertainment is no longer just about comfort – it’s about choice, control and quality. What began as a lockdown necessity during COVID-19 has evolved into a fast-growing sector, powered by strategic innovation from content creators, platforms and publishers.
Consumer demand for flexibility and affordability has pushed the entertainment industry to adapt, rethinking how content is delivered, accessed, and paid for. Straight-to-streaming film releases, exclusive content drops, global sporting events on new platforms, and interactive experiences have all made the living room a legitimate entertainment destination.
From Netflix’s global launch strategy to live sport on Prime Video and Apple TV+, release formats and licensing deals are being optimised for the home viewer. In parallel, the social element of viewing – from live tweeting to group watching – has given rise to a new kind of ‘event television’, even when the event happens on demand.
Rewriting the rules of convenience
In the last decade, delivery has moved from reactive to routine, but consumer expectations have risen, with many expecting seamless service as standard.
22% say they buy more products for home delivery now than before the pandemic
Takeaway spending grew sharply after June 2020, but growth slowed in 2024
33% say they prioritise takeaway/D2D spending less than 10 years ago – suggesting more scrutiny and selectivity
The rise of the insperience economy
Consumers are now directing their spending toward subscription-based services like entertainment platforms, streaming services, or home deliveries, reflecting a broader demand for seamless experiences that integrate into their routines.
This infographic shows key findings in response to the survey question, “Thinking about your spending on entertainment compared to 10 years ago, to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?”
Data highlights:
44% of consumers pay more for entertainment subscriptions
25% of consumers prioritise spending on streaming services and subscriptions more
22% of consumers buy more products for home delivery
Screens, subscriptions and shared moments
Consumers are investing more in digital content and personalised home experiences, especially when they feel social.
44% pay more for entertainment subscriptions than they did 10 years ago
25% prioritise streaming services and subscriptions more than a decade ago
Spend per customer on digital content & subscriptions has increased 47.5% since January 2020
What this means for brands
Convenience is no longer a value-add – it’s a baseline. To win, brands must layer in quality, speed and sustainability.
The living room is now a competitive stage. To succeed, brands must create content and formats that hold attention and feel premium.
“Online fitness classes, beauty services on demand and meal kits direct to the door, are just some of the trends we’ve seen take off that look set to stand the test of time. But while convenience remains king – consumers now also expect quality, sustainability and speed too. While insperiences came of age during the pandemic, they have continued to go from strength-to-strength. From live sports to binge drops, staying in can now offer just as much excitement as a night out.”
Phil Richardson, Hospitality & Leisure Director, Barclays Corporate Banking
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