Global Scans · Retail · Weekly Summary

• [New] The overall retail sector, valued at US$ 1.06 trillion in 2022, is projected to expand to US$ 1.93 trillion by 2030, reflecting rising consumer demand and growth in categories such as FMCG and consumer durables. / India Asia IP
• [New] Retailers that win in 2026 will not just be the ones who adopt new tech, but the ones who use it to simplify operations, build resilience and deliver better experiences - both to customers and their teams. Retail247 - Technology Enablement For Retail
• [New] Retailers investing in tech to reduce the operational burden on in-store staff now will have a more flexible and responsive workforce in 2026. Retail247 - Technology Enablement For Retail
• [New] Significant investments in unified data platforms will allow retailers to harmonize their own RMN with third-party channels, such as Google and Amazon, offering brand partners a more cohesive, high-ROI advertising solution. Retail Touchpoints
• [New] On the back of demand from younger consumers, the low-to-no alcohol category has expanded far beyond its previous presence in retail and conventional alcohol-focused foodservice, a trend that is expected to go even further in 2026. FoodNavigator-Asia.com
• [New] With stronger integration between stores, delivery, and logistics, 2026 could be the year Amazon begins fully delivering on the promise of its grocery ambitions. The Food Institute
• [New] Retail DAO's value could rise by 4830.69% in 2037, with a high of $0.059244 under favorable conditions. CoinDataFlow
• [New] RETAIL may rise by 746.96% in 2034, potentially reaching $0.010176 under the best circumstances. CoinDataFlow
• [New] Retail DAO's price could grow by 195.98% in 2031, potentially hitting $0.003556 under ideal conditions. CoinDataFlow
• [New] In 2026, brands will look for partners who can optimize the entire pack station from materials to ergonomics to layout, with retailers increasingly expecting packaging suppliers to deliver complete workflow engineering, not just materials. E-Commerce Times
• [New] Up to 85 million jobs could be replaced by automation and AI by 2026, with some retail functions seeing automation of as much as 65% of roles. Nucamp Bootcamp
• [New] Industry analysts expect AI tools to become embedded in everyday retail operations in 2026. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Strong liquidity, retail flows and earnings - expected to rise to 37% in 2026 - should sustain momentum for Chinese equities. The Guardian
• [New] Online retail is advancing as the fastest-growing distribution channel, projected to expand at a robust 7.4% CAGR through 2032. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Retailers that start now will be ready to meet the demands of the coming year with scalable, connected and intelligent fulfilment operations. Retail Rewired
• [New] 2026 will reward retailers who stay agile blending tech-driven efficiency, strong cyber resilience, and authentic customer experiences with responsible, future-ready practices. Enterprise Times
• [New] Forrester's predictions call for retailers to be significantly challenged by the disruption caused by AI chatbots - and finally commit to ending generous e-commerce returns in the face of rising processing costs, supply chain pressures, and margin erosion. Retailwire
• [New] Uniqlo plans to open 11 new US stores in 2026, including two in Chicago, four in New York, and one in San Francisco. TexSPACE Today
• [New] Stores and Restaurants That Have Already Announced Closures for 2026 - Take a look at all the retailers that plan to close a distressing number of locations in 2026. Cheapism
• [New] U.S. retail media ad spending is projected to reach $69.3 billion in 2026, more than doubling since 2021. Cool Nerds Marketing - CPG Marketing & Social Media
• [New] Add in uncertainty surrounding tariffs, stubbornly high costs for groceries, rent and utilities, and the growing use of AI tools as personal deal-hunters, and retailers are heading into 2026 facing a strange paradox: strong top-line sales paired with fragile confidence underneath. Baton Rouge Business Report
• [New] The retail landscape in 2026 is defined by a relentless shift toward digital commerce and data-driven advertising. Ainvest
• [New] (22-25% YTD) through margin expansion, Walmart's hybrid digital-physical model insulates it from traditional retail risks. Ainvest

Last updated: 08 January 2026