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The 5 Biggest Retail Trends 2026

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Retail’s Roadmap to 2026: A Deep‑Dive into the Five Biggest Trends

In an era where the line between brick‑and‑mortar and digital commerce keeps shrinking, Forbes journalist Shelley Kohan’s 2025 feature “The 5 Biggest Retail Trends 2026” distills the forces that will shape the industry over the next few years. The piece, published September 2, 2025, is a concise but data‑rich primer that draws on industry surveys, analyst reports, and real‑world case studies. Below, we unpack each trend, explain why it matters, and highlight the evidence the author uses—linking out to reports from McKinsey, Forrester, and other trusted sources.


1. AI‑Powered Personalization and Predictive Analytics

Kohan argues that artificial intelligence will no longer be a “nice‑to‑have” add‑on; it will become a core differentiator for retailers seeking to stay competitive. The Forbes article cites a 2025 McKinsey report that projects that 70 % of retailers will deploy AI at some level by 2026. The piece points to real‑world examples—such as Walmart’s “AI‑driven inventory optimization” and the “predictive pricing engine” rolled out by Zalando—which reduce out‑of‑stock incidents by up to 25 % and lift conversion rates by roughly 15 %.

The article links to an industry‑wide “AI in Retail” white paper from Forrester, which discusses how machine‑learning models can forecast demand at a SKU level and even predict customer lifetime value with 82 % accuracy. Kohan underscores that the key is data integration: “Retailers who blend online clickstream data with in‑store footfall analytics will be the first to benefit,” the author notes, referencing the case of Target’s “Clever Shopper” initiative.


2. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

By 2026, the article predicts that “omnichannel will move from a buzzword to a baseline expectation.” Kohan references a 2024 Nielsen survey that found 78 % of shoppers consider a seamless channel experience a top priority. The Forbes piece highlights retailers like Nike and Sephora that have successfully merged online and offline touchpoints—Nike’s “Digital‑First Store” prototype and Sephora’s “Virtual Artist” app—arguing that these brands will set the benchmark.

The article includes a link to a “Future of Retail” panel at the International Consumer Goods Summit, where industry leaders discussed integrating AR overlays in physical stores to guide customers to personalized recommendations. Kohan also draws on Forrester’s “Omnichannel Growth Blueprint,” which outlines a step‑by‑step framework for scaling channel integration, from unified inventory systems to cross‑channel loyalty programs.


3. Sustainable and Ethical Retail

Sustainability isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a business imperative, according to Kohan. The Forbes article cites a 2025 ESG report from the Global Fashion Agenda, noting that 63 % of consumers will avoid brands that do not demonstrate measurable sustainability commitments. Kohan profiles brands like Patagonia and Allbirds, which have pioneered circular business models and are now exploring “take‑back” programs that recycle used goods.

The author links to a case study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on the “Circular Economy in Retail,” which details how retailers can redesign product life cycles to close the loop. Additionally, the piece references a 2025 Deloitte study that found companies with robust sustainability programs experienced a 9 % premium in share price, underscoring the financial upside of responsible practices.


4. Experiential and Immersive Shopping

The Forbes article calls experiential retail “the new frontier” and provides compelling evidence from a 2025 Retail Design Innovation Report. Kohan argues that by 2026, 48 % of retailers will allocate at least 30 % of their capital expenditure to immersive technologies—AR/VR, holographic displays, and sensor‑based environments—to create memorable in‑store journeys.

Examples abound: IKEA’s “AR Kitchen” app allows customers to visualize furniture in their homes, while H&M’s “Virtual Fitting Room” uses AI to generate a 3‑D model of the shopper’s body. The piece also references a 2024 Forrester “Immersive Commerce” study that links such experiences to a 23 % boost in average order value and a 17 % increase in repeat visits.


5. Direct‑to‑Consumer (D2C) and Subscription Models

Finally, Kohan notes that the rise of D2C and subscription boxes will continue unabated. The Forbes article points to a 2025 McKinsey report predicting that 35 % of brand sales will come from D2C channels by 2026, up from 21 % in 2023. The piece cites the success of brands like Dollar Shave Club and Blue Apron, which have leveraged subscription economics to secure predictable revenue streams and deeper customer data.

The article links to a case study on Shopify’s “Subscription API,” showing how retailers can easily embed recurring billing into their e‑commerce platforms. It also mentions a 2024 Forrester “Subscription Retail” white paper that highlights key success factors: flexible trial periods, clear value propositions, and robust customer service.


Why These Trends Matter

While each trend can stand alone, Kohan argues that the most successful retailers will weave them together into a cohesive strategy. For instance, AI‑powered personalization can enhance the omnichannel experience by delivering consistent product recommendations whether a customer shops online, in a mobile app, or in a physical boutique. Similarly, sustainability efforts can dovetail with experiential retail—think “green” pop‑up events that showcase recycled materials in a hands‑on way.

By following the links in the original article—ranging from McKinsey’s research to Forrester’s white papers—Kohan offers readers a roadmap to validate and deepen their understanding. These resources provide the granular data and implementation frameworks that move the conversation from theory to practice.


Takeaways for Retailers

  1. Invest in AI: Start with demand‑forecasting tools, then move into real‑time inventory and personalized marketing.
  2. Prioritize Omnichannel Integration: Adopt a unified platform that blends online and offline data, allowing for seamless inventory, pricing, and loyalty management.
  3. Embrace Sustainability: Embed circularity into product design, supply chain, and customer engagement to capture the growing eco‑conscious market segment.
  4. Create Immersive Experiences: Deploy AR/VR and sensor‑based technology to deepen customer engagement and differentiate your brand.
  5. Explore D2C and Subscription Models: Leverage the flexibility of subscriptions to create predictable revenue and gather deeper insights into customer behavior.

In sum, Shelley Kohan’s Forbes piece does more than list trends; it offers a cohesive vision of retail’s trajectory toward 2026, underscored by concrete data and actionable references. By incorporating AI, omnichannel excellence, sustainability, immersive retail, and D2C strategies, retailers can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly complex, digitally‑driven marketplace.


Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleykohan/2025/09/02/the-5-biggest-retail-trends-2026/ ]