Akeneo predicts AI, regulatory changes will transform retail

Core Insights - Akeneo's 2025-2026 commerce outlook indicates that reliable product information will be crucial for consumer purchasing behavior across all sales channels, with AI rapidly being adopted in retail [1][2] - A significant shift in shopping habits is anticipated by 2026, with over half of consumers likely to prefer third-party apps over brand websites for purchases [2] - Regulatory changes, including a US Supreme Court ruling on customs duties and new EU regulations, are expected to complicate the retail environment and may promote resale markets and circular shopping [4] AI Adoption and Consumer Trust - Despite the growth in AI checkouts, only 27% of consumers who have used them intend to use them again, highlighting a trust issue [2] - Successful brands during the 2025 holiday season will be those that effectively communicate how AI enhances accuracy, convenience, and value to consumers [2][5] - One-third of US consumers are open to having AI assistants manage transactions, indicating a trend towards delegating purchasing decisions to AI [3] Brand Visibility and Data Integrity - Brands can no longer rely solely on their websites to attract customers, as consumers may discover and purchase products through platforms like Google, Amazon, and ChatGPT [3] - Incomplete or inconsistent product data can lead to brands not appearing in consumer searches, emphasizing the need for comprehensive product information [3] Transparency and Circularity - Many brands are investing in traceability systems to promote circularity, but this information is often not integrated into customer-facing experiences [5] - In the context of AI and Digital Product Passports, transparency and storytelling are becoming increasingly important for brands [5]