Global Scans · Retail · Weekly Summary

• Worldwide retail ecommerce sales are projected to reach $6.9 trillion in 2026, up from an estimated $6.4 trillion in 2025, driven by mobile commerce and marketplace expansion. Nova Analytics
• AI applications are expected to save the retail industry approximately $340 billion per year by 2027, primarily through process optimization and automation. Careertrainer.ai
• Global online retail sales are expected to surpass $8 trillion before the decade ends. SkillersZone
• Online stores are expected to represent the fastest-growing distribution channel between 2026 and 2033. Persistence Market Research
• Retail alone takes 55% of all AR usage in 2027, the biggest application category by far, ahead of gaming, manufacturing, and healthcare. www.limelightdigital.co.uk
• Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the National Retail Federation expects U.S. retail sales to grow 4.4% in 2026, reaching approximately $5.6 trillion. Matthews
• Agentic shoppers could represent $190 billion to $385 billion in US e-commerce spending by 2030, capturing 10% to 20% of total online retail. FoodNavigator-USA.com
• 68% of retailers plan to use AI for inventory management and supply chain by 2026. Ringly.io
• China's AI retail investment is expected to reach $18.8 billion by 2027. Ringly.io
• 9 in 10 retailers will increase their AI budgets in 2026. Ringly.io
• AI spending in retail will reach $19.9 billion globally by 2026. Ringly.io
• Looking forward, 68% of retailers believe AI agents will handle most of their customer interactions within five years. Nevermined
• Competitive pressure is intense, with 63% of retailers agreeing that companies not adopting AI agents risk falling behind within two years. Nevermined
• Consumers will be able to add products from multiple retailers into a single cart while Google tracks discounts, price changes, and restocks automatically. Direct Avenue
• Musk has stated that Optimus should be operating outside Tesla facilities by 2027, with a target retail price below $20,000 at volume. Medium
• Forrester Research projects US retail e-commerce will reach $1.8 trillion by 2030, representing 29% of total retail sales-up from 22% in 2025. Fungies.io - Sell digital products seamlessly
• U.K.: Frictionless retail infrastructure demand in the U.K. is expected to grow at 17.9% CAGR through 2036 due to rising adoption of autonomous checkout systems, AI-powered customer analytics, cashierless convenience stores, and smart retail modernization initiatives. FactMr
• 76% of retailers were increasing AI investment over 2027, while also emphasizing that AI agents need connected sales channels, customer data, and operations to work effectively. / USA Omnichannel Customer Engagement Platform

Last updated: 11 June 2026