Retail markets must adapt to new habits in 2026

Core Insights - The retail sector is at a turning point due to significant shifts in consumer behavior ahead of 2026, driven by the blending of online and in-store channels, increased price sensitivity, and the influence of Generation Z [1] Group 1: Omnichannel Integration - Omnichannel retail integration is essential for strategy across global markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where real retail spending is projected to grow by approximately 5% due to strong tourism and mobile commerce adoption [2] - In mature economies like the U.S. and Europe, successful omnichannel formats are showing resilience against consumer challenges, indicating that retailers focusing on separate online and brick-and-mortar strategies may fall behind [3] Group 2: Consumer Behavior Changes - There is a notable shift towards value-driven consumer behavior, with over 80% of consumers globally expressing concerns about their finances, leading to increased price sensitivity and brand switching, especially in Latin America and the U.S. [4] - Generation Z is significantly impacting brand communication and sales strategies, demanding digital engagement and authenticity, which is accelerating the adoption of omnichannel models [5] Group 3: Future Opportunities and Risks - Opportunities for the retail sector include repositioning underused real estate assets for mixed-use or adaptive reuse, alongside urbanization and digital adoption as long-term growth drivers [6] - Risks include high financing costs, inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and trade tensions, which could hinder investment and consumer spending [7]