The endless aisle gets smarter: 5 predictions that will shape retail in 2026

by Bennett Carroccio — SVP, Rokt Catalog, Rokt, Rokt Catalog

The endless aisle isn’t disappearing but it is getting smarter, more intentional, and more aligned with how people actually shop.

Nearly half of consumers would choose dental visit than wait a week for refund

January 14, 2026

Nearly half, 44%, of U.S. consumers would rather visit the dentist than wait seven days for a refund.

Online holiday spend hit $257.8B, sets new e-commerce record

January 14, 2026

Consumers spent $257.8 billion online, from November through December, reflecting a 6.8% jump year over year and set a new e-commerce record.

AI use is mainstream among consumers

January 13, 2026

A hefty number of consumers, 70%, are using AI in their personal lives and nearly half, 45%, are using it daily compared to half that just nine months ago.

Top read retail CX stories in 2025: Consumer behavior, AI ethics, brand tech deployments

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

The top most read articles in 2025 ran the gamut from tracking tariff policies to understanding generational consumer behavior to brand technology deployments.

Shoppers want flexible delivery over free shipping

January 5, 2026

Consumers want reliable flexible delivery experience over free shipping, and 71% think about delivery before checkout and 41% consider delivery promise before…

What main street can teach Silicon Valley about building loyalty

by Andrew Helms — CEO – USA, SumUp

If Silicon Valley spent half as much time studying Main Street as Main Street spends studying its customers, we’d build technology that feels a lot more like a…

Transparency a non-negotiable for consumers

December 29, 2025

Consumers view transparency in shopping as a non-negotiable and the top frustration is an unclear product description.

Home Depot top fav for home improvement shoppers

December 29, 2025

Home Depot captured 29% of home improvement spending in Q3 2025, beating out Lowe's (17%).

Paying with points gaining popularity with consumers

December 23, 2025

A good majority of consumers, 79%, are using Pay With Points at checkout in-store and online, double the figure from 2023.

Holiday shoppers tapping mobile device to buy, desktop for returns

December 22, 2025

American consumers are embracing mobile devices when it comes to holiday shopping and using desktop devices when it comes to making returns.

Consumers dip into savings citing higher grocery costs

December 16, 2025

American consumers are looking for deals and dipping into savings when it comes to grocery shopping.

The Retail Nomad explores the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show

Nick Harbaugh (aka "The Retail Nomad") takes viewers inside the recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show in Tampa.

Shoppers will turn to AI in 2026

December 15, 2025

Shoppers will turn to AI companions in 2026 and embrace relevant innovation in the new year.

Americans maintain steady payment routines amid economic pressure

by Lilah Raynor — CEO, Logica Research

The latest Logica Future of Money Study shows payment behavior remains stable across methods and brands, even as many households reduce spending and manage…

Costco top grocery retailer in Canada

December 12, 2025

Costco ranks as Canada's top grocery retailer for the second consecutive year, according to a dunnhumby's Retail Preference Index for Canada.

Walmart, Amazon, Costco big favorites for boomer consumers

December 12, 2025

When it comes to shopping the boomer generation's top retailer choices are Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Kroger and Home Deport.

Rethinking Retail: Strategies to Meet Evolving Customer Expectations

Retail is entering a new chapter where every interaction has the potential to shape lasting connections with customers. This infographic explores how…

Presented by Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Inc.

AI redefining brand reputation, consumer trust

December 4, 2025

More than half of consumers often or always check a retailer or brand's reputation before engaging, and, at the same time, AI-driven discovery tools is…

Most online shoppers feel anxious after clicking buy button

December 3, 2025

Two-thirds of online shoppers feel anxious after they click the buy button.