Global Scans · Retail · Weekly Summary

• [New] In 2026, we will see more shared demand twins, co-managed by CPG brands and retailers, with AI recommending the optimal promo mix, pack, and timing for each store-cluster. Synovia Digital
• [New] Global spending on digital transformation is expected to reach $3.4 trillion by 2026, with retail being a top vertical. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] 2025 is expected to be record-breaking: The National Retail Federation anticipates that, for the first time, U.S. holiday spending will cross $1 trillion. Fortune
• [New] The National Retail Federation annual holiday forecast predicts retail sales growth of between 3.7% and 4.2% year over year during peak season to more than $1 trillion. Transport Topics
• [New] U.S. holiday retail sales are expected to exceed $1 trillion for the first time. PentaVision
• [New] Retail sales for the November and December period will grow between 3.7% and 4.2%, surpassing $1 trillion for the first time in 2025. WWD
• [New] Mobile commerce will be a bigger part of digital holiday sales in 2025, accounting for 56.5% of total U.S. holiday retail e-commerce sales and 11.5% of total holiday sales. Forbes
• [New] 46% of retail executives see improving loyalty programs as a top growth opportunity. RTInsights
• [New] Within ten years, most major retailers will operate persistent virtual storefronts where consumers can browse, socialize, and make purchases using digital currencies. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] The next decade will separate retail survivors from retail thrivers. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] Juniper Research forecasts retail expenditure via conversational commerce will grow to $43 billion by 2028, up from $11.4 billion in 2023. MWC Doha
• [New] The retail industry is bracing for a short-term AI winter in 2026 after several years of intense excitement, rapid product releases and aggressive investment in automation. Retail Customer Experience
• [New] With a huge retail footprint, coupled with growing e-commerce penetration, Walmart will both benefit from online and in-store holiday spending. TFX
• [New] Collections surged 150% to $195 billion in fiscal year 2025, but multiple states now cite tariff threats as a top concern among consumers, translating into softer retail sales and volatile tax collections. Capital Advisors
• [New] 62% of retail executives report that supply chain disruption has significantly impacted their business operations. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] By 2025, connected systems, autonomous stores, and predictive analytics will define how businesses grow. LITSLINK
• [New] The metaverse economy could be worth $5 trillion by 2030, and retail will be a primary driver. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] Over the next decade, retail will evolve from a transaction-based industry to an experience-driven ecosystem. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] Global e-commerce sales are projected to reach $7 trillion by 2025, representing over 24% of total retail sales. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] By 2027, over 80% of retail interactions will be AI-mediated, from chatbots handling inquiries to dynamic pricing algorithms adjusting deals in milliseconds. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu

Last updated: 04 December 2025