This trend is a full pendulum swing in and of itself. Shopping is going to split into two extremes: effortless automation or intentional effort. AI will handle transactions instantly. And, physical retail swings towards immersion and old-school brand building.
Chris Danton
Chris Danton
Gentle Monster
Ralph Lauren
Selfridges
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Invite-only aisles replace public browsing. Anti-algorithmic, ‘taste-driven’ platforms rise. Friend-vetted, invite-only/members-only, no-website stores become bigger. No digital or AI layering here.
Automated and pop-up retail keep growing
Staffing challenges + the mall declines + "I just want it now" = more automated and pop-up retail. From airports to college campuses, more brands and retailers will explore automated and pop-up retail moments in high traffic areas. In 2025 we saw Amazon, Chick-fil-a, Bath & Body Works, Lululemon, Auntie Anne's, Funko and Pokemon expand into these retail quick solutions. Who will be next?
More luxury goes hospitality
From Coach to Ralph Lauren, luxury brands will continue to lean into hospitality to expand their brand presence and create deeper emotional connections with consumers. I suspect we'll see unexpected brands jump into hospitality in 2026. I wouldn't be surprised to see Alo, Beis, Tiffany & Co or Rivian jump in.
"These are fighting words" more QSRs jump into the beverage category
McDonald's tried it with CosMc's. Now Chick-fil-a and Taco Bell are in on the hot hot hot coffee and beverage growth as consumers are spending money on little luxuries and Starbucks loses significant share. New competitors like 7Brew and Dutch Bros have lit a fire under traditional QSRs. Who will be next in 2026? My bet is on Chipotle or Cava taking an aqua fresca approach. Or perhaps we'll see another unexpected player like Shake Shack spin something up?
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