Cybersecurity will be core to retail strategy over the next 12 months, while AI will be central to profitability, according to IGD’s Global Retail Trends 2026 report.
The report spotlights seven key industry shifts, highlighting the strategic trends shaping growth and relevance across global food and grocery retail in the year ahead.
“Understanding the future of retail means recognising the key macro drivers reshaping the industry,” said IGD. “Retailers are navigating ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, while rising consumer focus on health and wellbeing is fuelling demand for wellness, preventative, and functional products. Technological progress continues at pace, requiring retailers to strike a balance between embracing innovation and maintaining resilient infrastructure.
“Climate change and environmental concerns are also intensifying, with both regulators and consumers expecting greater sustainability efforts. Additionally, demographic shifts are influencing shopper expectations, with a growing demand for personalisation, faster service, and better value.”
IGD’s seven global retail trends for 2026:
- Cybersecurity becomes retail’s frontline: we expect cybersecurity to shift from a siloed IT function to a board-level strategy priority.
- AI as the engine of the retail revolution: retailers will continue to use AI to drive profitability and efficiency through advanced strategies.
- Retail media comes of age: the next five years will see certain retailers in certain markets reach a level of retail media maturity.
- Retailers race to capture the world on their shelves: globalised flavours going further, with clearer segmentation; strategies that reflect diverse communities; and curating more authentic ranges supported by storytelling and seasonal events.
- The convenience revolution: specialist convenience operators will increasingly focus on food and drink to be consumed in minutes, not days, gradually eroding take-home grocery assortments.
- Playing a meaningful role for more health missions: retailers will serve a broader span of health missions, and do so in deeper and more meaningful ways.
- The war on waste: in the coming years, we expect retailers to increasingly prioritise reducing food and packaging waste both in the supply chain and within stores.
Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner at IGD, added: “Retailers around the world face evolving consumer preferences, technological advances, and market disruptions, and they are responding to these shared challenges with bold, relevant solutions. The seven trends we have identified show how global forces are reshaping strategy, and why agility, relevance, and execution will define the leaders of tomorrow.”
IGD’s Retail Futures team helps businesses prepare for what’s next, navigate challenges, and identify opportunities. For a free consultation about specific circumstances, retailers can email igdconsulting@igd.com.
