This November edition has a distinct financial theme with a top US economist predicting a global recession. New research from international research companies, the IGD and Mintel, reveals shoppers are seeking out bargains and becoming more thrifty as the credit crunch begins to bite. The economic downturn is also set to impact the industry's attitudes and response to sustainability, according to KPMG and CIES. Their analysis of top executives found more than half would put CSR projects on hold as the downturn deepens. But it's not all doom and gloom. There is a raft of retailers investing in new convenience store formats. Find out how Pick n Pay is partnering with BP in South Africa and why Waitrose is launching a convenience store in the UK. Discover how Tesco has ramped up its Fresh & Easy format in the US and the competitive set's response, namely Wal-Mart Marketside and Supervalu's Urban Fresh design. And, just click on the headlines below to read why two top executives believe downturns provide new opportunities for growth. It couldn't be more convenient.