Retail industry predictions for 2026 – Part 1

With consumer confidence subdued, concerns over rising costs and new technology redefining customer expectations, 2025 was a rollercoaster for all aspects of the retail sector.
But will 2026 be any different?
In the first of a two-part series, Retail Gazette hears from seven industry experts with predictions for the 12 months ahead.
The importance of blended retailCarina Hummel, UK managing director for Optics at Specsavers, says one trend that will be key in 2026, is that “customers expec