What’s Next for Retail in 2026: An Industry Perspective – Placer.ai Blog

Why It Matters

Physical retail will stay a core profit driver, prompting brands and landlords to double‑down on AI‑enabled experiences and secondary mall formats to capture incremental growth.

Key Takeaways

• 55% confident brick‑and‑mortar performance next year.
• 70% expect e‑commerce growth outpacing stores.
• AI seen to boost both online and in‑store sales.
• Stores excel tactile experience; only 30% inspire discovery.
• Wholesale clubs forecast strongest growth, 61% expect expansion.

Pulse Analysis

The 2026 retail outlook reflects a nuanced balance between optimism and caution. Foot‑traffic data shows a steady 1% year‑over‑year increase, reinforcing confidence among more than half of surveyed leaders that brick‑and‑mortar locations will continue to generate revenue. This steadiness is especially notable given broader macro‑economic headwinds, suggesting that physical stores still anchor consumer spending and provide a reliable platform for brand engagement.

A key narrative emerging from the survey is the convergence of online and offline channels. With 70% of executives expecting e‑commerce to grow faster than stores, the industry is moving beyond a zero‑sum view toward a synergistic omnichannel strategy. Retailers are investing in seamless digital‑to‑physical experiences, leveraging data‑driven insights to align inventory, pricing, and personalization across touchpoints. Agentic AI, highlighted by 44% of respondents as a driver of digital growth and 34% as a universal lift, is poised to accelerate this integration, offering predictive analytics, automated merchandising, and enhanced customer service that benefit the entire ecosystem.

Sector‑specific opportunities also stand out. Wholesale clubs, buoyed by a 5% YoY traffic increase in 2025, received the strongest growth confidence, with 61% forecasting continued expansion. Meanwhile, Tier 2 malls, though viewed skeptically by many, are identified by 15% of leaders as fertile ground for niche retailers displaced from saturated Tier 1 locations. By focusing on experiential design, curated tenant mixes, and AI‑optimized foot‑traffic management, these secondary centers can capture discretionary spend that might otherwise drift online. For retailers and landlords alike, aligning investment with these emerging trends will be critical to sustaining growth in a rapidly evolving market.