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NRF | 10 trends and predictions for retail in 2026

nrf.com

Insights on consumer behavior, technology innovation, supply chain, workforce trends and policy. Here is NRF’s look at five trends and five predictions that will drive the retail industry in 2026. Artificial intelligence is transforming how retail businesses operate and engage with customers, delivering unmatched personalization and operational efficiency. While AI has peppered conversations for a few years, the industry witnessed two significant breakthroughs in 2025 — smart consumer agents and autonomous supply chains. According to Kantar’s 2025 PowerRanking, Walmart ranks as the most powerful U.S. retailer, praised for relevance, innovation, omnichannel experience and value — positioning it at the forefront of consumer culture. And with every announcement, it’s clear they will keep raising the bar in 2026. Shopping mall traffic has been shifting upward for most of 2025, and data suggests the trend will continue in 2026. A report from Capital One Shopping shows that mall foot traffic in the first half of 2025 was up year over year: Indoor malls saw a 1.8% increase in visits and visit durations rose 3.3% compared with the first half of 2024. Read what NRF's Katherine Cullen thinks on consumer spending and decoding consumer motivations in 2026.

Top Consumer Trends 2026: Market Research & Insights Brands Need ...

escalent.co

Key Takeaway: Self-expression and personalization are now table stakes, with consumers expecting brands to reflect individual identity, preferences, and values at every touchpoint. Wellness in 2026 is increasingly data-driven, personalized, and technology-enabled. Consumers are demanding clinical-level, tech-enabled solutions for everyday health, from scientifically formulated beauty products to data-driven fitness tools. Example: WHOOP provides wearable fitness trackers and subscription platforms with real-time, personalized health insights. To truly understand the “why” behind consumer behavior in 2026, brands must move beyond surface-level metrics. Approaches such as ethnographic research, AI-powered analytics and insight communities enable deeper understanding of evolving motivations, unmet needs, and emotional drivers—helping brands design more relevant and resilient strategies that balance data-driven insight with human empathy. Use advanced analytics, ethnographic research, and insight communities to uncover the “why” behind consumer behaviors. Experiment boldly: Test AI-driven personalization, immersive retail formats and other innovative experiences. The future belongs to brands that listen, adapt and lead. Start today by engaging your customers, analyzing emerging signals, and building strategies that resonate in 2026 and beyond. In 2026, hyper-segmentation and personalization strategies (powered by data, AI, and behavioral insights) are no longer optional, they’re essential.

Top consumer & retail trends to watch in 2026

www.simon-kucher.com

Looking ahead to 2026, the winners will be those who combine this analytical sophistication with a deep human understanding of the consumer, balancing emotion and economics, accessibility and aspiration, innovation and efficiency. It’s about getting closer to the customer, turning insight into action, and staying relentlessly focused on value creation in every sense of the word. At Simon-Kucher, we partner with leading retailers and manufacturers around the world to unlock growth and resilience in exactly these kinds of uncertain times. Whether it’s rethinking portfolio strategy, redefining value propositions, or harnessing AI for smarter decision-making, we help businesses translate insight into impact. In the consumer sector, whether brand or retailer, everything revolves around emotion: selling joy, aspiration, comfort, connection, and a sense of fulfillment. However, as we look toward 2026, the environment has become increasingly challenging for both companies and the consumers they serve. 2. The data-driven differentiation era The industry is moving decisively away from “one-size-fits-all” retailing. Advances in data analytics and technology are allowing retailers to dig deep into their own transaction data to uncover meaningful insights.

The Top 10 Consumer Trends To Watch in 2026 | Salsify

www.salsify.com

Our latest report shares shoppers' fresh insights on buying behavior, loyalty, AI trust, and more. Download ... Consumers aren’t consistent. What they like, what they want, and what they’re willing to purchase change in response to social, economic, and demographic factors. On a small scale, these changes are simply individual preferences. Read our blog to get actionable insights for navigating changing markets and industry demands. It’s no surprise that social media made our list last year and will continue to drive success through 2026. For brands, making the most of social media means understanding your audience. Which social channels do they prefer? The more brands know about customers’ social preferences, the better they can create tailored experiences. Influencers will remain a top consumer trend in 2026.

Global Consumer Predictions: 2026 & Beyond | Mintel

www.mintel.com

We’ll help you turn Mintel’s Predictions into tailored strategies for your brand—translating behavioural analysis into actionable opportunities that drive market growth, fuel consumer demand, and sharpen your innovation strategy. Already a client? Log in to download the full Predictive Insights and connect with your account manager. Want the full picture? Download the full 2026 Prediction Insights series for expert analysis and strategic recommendations to make smarter, faster decisions. ... Diana is a Director of Consumer Trends, focusing on North America. Our collection of free insights - fresh perspectives, news and groundbreaking analysis into the markets that matter. ... Your go-to source for industry experts’ perspectives on market trends, dynamics and consumer behaviour. Listen to thought-provoking conversations from seasoned experts as they dissect market trends. ... Track trending themes in one convenient place. Browse to find the conversations that spark your interest. ... Predictive intelligence to help your brand connect today’s consumer signals to tomorrow’s opportunities. ... You know Mintel for world trusted data and expert analysis, well we’re the “What’s next?” team. At Mintel Consulting, we’ll help you digest the data then apply customised insights to your specific growth goals. Dan spotlights and analyses innovative product launches and marketing campaigns from a consumer perspective, interpreting trends across cultures, markets and categories. With expertise in market research and consumer behaviour, he writes on-demand content and delivers presentations that inspire brands to adapt to the ever-evolving preferences of consumers.

Consumer Marketing Trends That Will Drive Growth in 2026 | Circana

www.circana.com

The consumer landscape continues to shift as a new year gets underway. Marketers face a complex environment shaped by lingering economic pressures, rapidly evolving technologies, and consumer interest in genuine connection. Success requires more than just reacting to change; it demands anticipating and recognizing shifts in behavior and leveraging data to deliver value. Discover the consumer marketing trends that are projected to drive brand growth this year, and how integrated data helps brands and retailers succeed. Shoppable formats and frictionless shopping: While AR/VR may not see significant adoption in 2026, retailers are focusing on analytics to create seamless shopping experiences. How can brands leverage data-driven insights to anticipate this year’s marketing trends? Emerging technologies: Data-driven insights can help brands anticipate the adoption of new technologies like shoppable videos and interactive demos, even if these are still in their infancy. Which consumer behaviors should marketers focus on to stay ahead in 2026?