InfographicSector Focus: Luxury Shopping—Data Graphic Aditya Kaushik, Analyst January 14, 2026 Reasons to ReadOur Sector Focus data graphics feature the latest survey findings on US retail sectors and categories. Dive into the US luxury product sector in this graphic. Head to our US Consumer Survey Insights Databank for the full selection of data from our quarterly sector surveys. Find our full selection of US Consumer Survey Insights reports and data graphics here. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:February 2026 US Retail Sales Outlook: Positive Indicators Signal Robust Growth AheadAI Insights: Instacart CEO Fidji Simo To Join OpenAI as CEO of ApplicationsKroger and Instacart Expand Partnership To Advance Agentic Shopping and Accelerate Delivery EfficiencyUS Store Tracker Extra: Store Openings and Closures 2025 Review and 2026 Outlook—Data Graphic
Insight ReportUS CPG Sales Tracker: E-Commerce Growth Strengthens in December 2025, Driven by Beauty and Food; Homecare Sees Strong Recovery Prerana P Kotian, Data Analyst Sector Lead: John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Data-Driven Research January 14, 2026 Reasons to ReadGain valuable insights into the latest developments shaping the US CPG market, with a focus on the robust performance of the beauty and food categories. This report dives into the e-commerce and total sales growth trends, showing how different departments are evolving and adapting to shifting consumer preferences. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: What has caused the recent surge in CPG e-commerce growth, and how does this figure compare with past trends? Which CPG sectors—food & beverages, health & beauty, and general merchandise & homecare—are experiencing significant growth, and which face challenges as we move into 2026? Why is the beauty category continuing to lead in growth, with both online and total sales showing strong performance despite a slowdown compared to last year? How are the general merchandise and homecare categories recovering from previous slowdowns, while health and beauty continues to outperform overall CPG growth? Data in this report include: e-commerce vs. in-store sales growth by department; category-level performance within food, beauty, and general merchandise. Other relevant research: More reports in our US CPG Sales Tracker series Visit the Coresight Research Food, Grocery and CPG Retail Hub to explore sector data, reports and company profiles Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:The Sentiment Split: Optimism at the Top, Strain at the Bottom; Plus, Social Commerce Shopping in Focus—US Consumer Survey InsightsWeekly US and UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 11: US Store Openings Gain Momentum—Updates from BJ’s, Dick’s, Macy’s and MoreUS Store Tracker Extra, July 2025: 127 Million Square Feet of Retail Space To Close, Outpacing Openings by 60%Financial Confidence Stabilizes: Weekly US Consumer Sentiment, Week 42, 2025—Data Graphic
Deep DiveSentiment by Age—Younger Consumers Are More Optimistic but Older Consumers’ Sentiment Improves: US Consumer Survey Insights Aditya Kaushik, Analyst January 13, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how US consumers are reacting to shifting economic conditions, inflation pressures and tariffs in the new year. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: How is consumer sentiment diverging across income and age groups—and what does this mean for premium versus value retail performance. Data in this research report include: Consumer sentiment by age, income and time; and retailer and category-level shopping data. Other relevant research: Coresight Research US Consumer Survey Databank provides additional insight into US consumer behaviors from our weekly surveys. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Weekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 12: Openings Up 50+% Year Over YearWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 39: Amazon and Bodycare To Close All StoresGlobal Tech and Retail Layoffs in 2025: Structural or Cyclical?Impact of Saks Store Closures on Competitors: Strategic Opportunities and Proximity Analysis
Event CoverageNRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show—Day 2—Retail Running on AI, Plus The Growing Value of Private Label and Creator Content John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Data-Driven Research January 13, 2026 Reasons to ReadUnderstand how leading retailers are turning AI from a tool into a transformational operating system, with day two insights from NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: How are top retailers like Macy’s and Target using AI to drive dynamic customer experiences and AI-native operations? What frontline AI use cases are proving most scalable across store operations, HR, and associate productivity? How are private brands evolving from value-focused alternatives to engines of innovation and customer loyalty? Why are retail leaders reframing connectivity infrastructure—especially 5G—as mission-critical for store operations? How are brands leveraging creator content and digital storytelling to fuel full-funnel marketing and AI engagement? Companies mentioned in this report include: Macy’s, Target, Kroger, Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, Walmart, CVS, Columbia Sportswear, American Eagle Outfitters, H&M, Ralph Lauren, Microsoft, T-Mobile. Other relevant research: NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show—Day 1—Everything Agentic, Plus Digital Twins, Robotics and Smart Stores All our insights on AI in retail Visit the Coresight Research Retail Technology Hub to explore reports, data and competitive landscapes on technology. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:India’s Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How Convenience, Technology and Sustainability Powered a Multibillion-Dollar FestivalHoliday Shopping Starts in the Summer: Tariffs Trigger Ultra-Early Holiday Shopping in 2025—Data GraphicHigh-Income Consumers’ Sentiment Soars Ahead; Plus, Home and Home-Improvement Shopping in Focus: US Consumer Survey InsightsMaking Frontline Workers Super: Insights from the Zebra ZONE 2026 Conference
Event CoverageNRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show—Day 1—Everything Agentic, Plus Digital Twins, Robotics and Smart Stores John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Data-Driven Research January 12, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how AI and digital transformation are reshaping the retail landscape in 2026, with day one insights from NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: What is the next evolution of AI-driven retail, and how does it impact the shopping journey? How are industry leaders like PepsiCo, PayPal, and Wayfair approaching end-to-end digital transformation with AI? What role do partnerships play in accelerating AI adoption across retail operations? How can network connectivity, including 5G, influence the success of agentic AI in retail environments? What impact are digital twins and robotics having on physical retail spaces and in-store operations? Companies mentioned in this report include: AWS, dm-drogerie markt, Microsoft, Nvidia, PayPal, PepsiCo, Siemens, Shopify, T-Mobile, Target, The Home Depot, The Children’s Place, URBN, Walmart and Wayfair. Data in this report include: AI-driven platform growth; network connectivity statistics; operational efficiency gains through digital twins; AI adoption rates in retail. Other relevant research: All our insights on AI in retail Visit the Coresight Research Retail Technology Hub to explore reports, data and competitive landscapes on technology. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:US Beauty Retailing: Themes, Concepts and Innovators—Personalization, Tech Integration and Wellness To Drive ChangeConsumer Sentiment Steadies: Weekly US Consumer Sentiment, Week 13, 2025—InfographicEarnings Insights 4Q24, Week 3: Gucci Sales Slump 21%, Plus Updates from Ahold, Amazon, Coty and MoreWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 43: Gap Returns To Physical Stores
Event CoverageA Guide to NRF 2026 Retail’s Big Show: The Next Now—Key Insights Shaping the Future of Retail Madhav Pitaliya, Analyst Sector Lead: Anand Kumar, Associate Director of Retail Research January 12, 2026 Reasons to ReadThe Coresight Research team will attend NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show in New York City, taking place during January 11–13, 2026. NRF: Retail’s Big Show is the leading event for retail professionals, bringing together top innovators, thought leaders, brands, and retailers to explore emerging trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of retail. Read our comprehensive guide to ensure you don’t miss out on key sessions covering AI-driven personalization, omnichannel strategies, sustainability in retail, and business model innovation. Companies mentioned in this report include: Google, Gymshark, LVMH, PepsiCo, REI, Ulta Beauty, Walmart and others. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Consumer Sentiment Shows Modest Improvement in January: China Consumer Survey InsightsUnilever’s Exit from Food Pitches It Head to Head with Procter & Gamble in HPCWeekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2026, Week 10: US Store Openings Gain Momentum—BJ’s, Burlington Stores, Abercrombie & Fitch and MoreShoptalk Spring 2025 “Shark Reef” Startup Pitch: Event Format and Competitors
Analyst CornerAnalyst Corner: US Apparel and Footwear Retailing—Key Distribution Channel Shifts in 2026 Aditya Kaushik, Analyst January 11, 2026 Reasons to ReadUnderstand the key channel shifts shaping US apparel and footwear market in 2026. In this week’s Analyst Corner, we discuss the shifting dynamics across different retail formats and how channel shifts will shape the apparel and footwear landscape moving forward. Please Login to read the full report. Not a member? To access this content for free, register for a free account. This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Weekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2026, Week 1: Claire’s, LK Bennett and The Original Factory Shop File for AdministrationEconomic Sentiment Turns Positive Ahead of Tariff Deadline; Plus, Department Store Shopping in Focus: US Consumer Survey InsightsAgentic Commerce: How Retailers Can Make Their Products Discoverable and Shoppable for 800 Million ChatGPT UsersSingles’ Day 2025: Three Trends To Look For as AI Moves Center Stage
Deep DiveRetail 2026: 10 Trends in Retail Technology John Harmon, CFA, Managing Director of Technology Research January 10, 2026 Reasons to ReadThis report will answer the following questions: How does agentic commerce change the way we shop online and offline? In what ways can agentic AI suggest options when a supply chain disruption occurs? How are AI advancements improving warehouse simulations and operations? What role do large-language models play in hyper-personalization? How can data from in-store ads be connected to customer actions through AI and sensors? What are the benefits of accurate, real-time inventory counts for retailers? How are associate mobile computers with AI and computer vision transforming retail operations? In what ways does advanced AI in kiosks prevent losses and errors? How do cloud, edge, and device computing work together to support AI-powered retail technologies? What role does data collected through sensors play in improving the omnichannel experience? Data in this research report include: The reasons shoppers cited for leaving a store without making a purchase. Companies mentioned in this report include: Advanced Micro Devices, Albertsons, Amazon, Avery Dennison, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Blue Yonder, Google, Honeywell, Kinaxis, Kroger, Manhattan Associates, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Salesforce, Sensormatic, Shopify, Target, Walmart, Zebra Technologies This report is made available to non-subscribers of Coresight Research through its sponsorship by Intel. Other relevant research: Visit the Coresight Research Retail Technology Hub to explore reports, data and competitive landscapes on technology. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Analyst Corner: Decoding the Resurgence of Online Grocery Retail in the US, with Sujeet NaikRetailTech: Empowering Retail’s Front Line, Creating Smarter Stores—Five Tech-Driven Strategies for Associate EnablementWeekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 24: Casey’s To Open 80 Stores; Torrid To Close 180 StoresWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 34: The Sleep Haven Files for Administration
Event CoverageCES 2026: The Keynotes—AI Everywhere: In Factories, Wearables, and Industrial and Consumer Products John Harmon, CFA, Managing Director of Technology Research January 9, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how CES 2026 is setting the stage for the next wave of AI-powered innovation across industries. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: What breakthroughs did NVIDIA’s Vera Rubin chipset bring to AI performance? How is AMD enabling “AI Everywhere” and what does that mean for consumers and businesses? What role does Qualcomm foresee for agentic AI devices like smartwatches and mobile phones? How is Siemens’ digital twin technology improving factory operations and chip production? What new AI-powered products were introduced by Lenovo and Caterpillar at CES 2026? Companies mentioned in this report include: NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm, Siemens, Lenovo, Caterpillar Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:The Future of AI, Supply Chains and Sustainability: Insights from CES 2025Shifting the Size and Fit Paradigm: A Three-Pillar Framework To Reduce Returns and Future-Proof for Agentic CommerceInnovator Profile: Veesual—Enhancing the Online Apparel Shopping Journey with Image GenerationUS CPG Sales Tracker: Food and Beverages Drive Growth Amid Persistent Market Imbalance
Store TrackerWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2026, Week 1: Claire’s, LK Bennett and The Original Factory Shop File for Administration Risheek Dandekeri Sector Lead: John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Data-Driven Research January 9, 2026 Reasons to ReadKeep updated on the latest trends in the UK retail sector, where the number of new store openings is outpacing closures in 2026 Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: Which retailers have been responsible for the rise in openings and closures this week, and what factors are influencing these decisions? How do the store openings and closures in 2026 compare to 2025, and what are the key trends driving the year on year changes? Which retailers lead UK store opening and closure in 2026? Companies mentioned in this report include: Alo Yoga, Antler, Bellamianta, B&M, Bershka, Cardzone, Crew Clothing, Deichmann, Dreams, Fabletics, Footasylum, Frasers Group Plc, Free People, Garage, Greggs, H & M, Holland & Barrett, Home Bargains, Iceland, IKEA, JD Sports Fashion, Jo Malone, Jollyes, Jolly’s, KENJI, Kookaï, Lefties, Lego, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, New Look, Oliver Bonas, Primark, Quiz, R.M.Williams, River Island, Rodd & Gunn, Sainsbury’s, Saint+Sofia, Screwfix, Sephora, Skims, Sosandar, Stradivarius, Superdry, Tesco, The Entertainer, The Food Warehouse, The Original Factory Shop, The Works, Uniqlo, Waitrose, White Company, Wilko. Data in this report include: weekly totals of UK store closures and openings for 2025 and 2024; retailer-level breakdowns of announced versus confirmed closures/openings. Other relevant research: The full collection of Store Tracker reports, including our US-focused series. The US and UK Store Tracker Databank is the definitive resource for information on store openings and closures by sector in the US and UK retail industries. The Corporate and Financial Developments Databank includes details of management changes, financial guidance updates, retail and tech layoffs and capital raised by major retail companies. The Retail Bankruptcies Databank details bankruptcies of US and UK retail companies, restaurants and gyms since March 2020. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Weekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 13: Kingfisher Announces Store Expansion Plans; Whole Foods Opens New London StoreFebruary 2025 US Retail Sales: First Year-Over-Year Drop Since the Pandemic—Electronics and Department Stores Lead DeclinesInnovator Profile: Novel—Driving Conversion and Boosting Loyalty with Branded Wallet PassesBeauty Shopping in Focus; Economic Sentiment Turns Negative: US Consumer Survey Insights
Store TrackerWeekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2026, Week 1: Retailers Announce More Than 1,000 Store Openings for 2026 Risheek Dandekeri Sector Lead: John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Data-Driven Research January 9, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover which retailers are contributing to the surge in US store openings in 2026, and which ones continue to close stores. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: Which retailers have led the way in the most recent store closures and openings throughout the US? How do the trends in store closures and openings in 2026 compare to those in 2025, and what insights can be drawn from these patterns? Which retailers lead US store opening and closure in 2026? Companies mentioned in this report include: 7‑Eleven, Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Aerie, Aldi, American Signature Furniture, Aritzia, Barnes & Noble, Bass Pro Shops, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Blue Elephant, Boot Barn, Buc‑ee’s, Burlington Stores, Casey’s, Destination XL Group, Dillard’s, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Five Below, Guess?, H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Hästens, Haverty Furniture, Hermès, IKEA, J.Jill, Jack & Jones, JCPenney, JD Sports, Jessica McCormack, L.L.Bean, Macy’s, Miss A, Natural Grocers, Nordstrom, Ocean State Job Lot, Olive Young, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Pacsun, REI, Renys, Saks Off 5th, Salomon, Scheels, Snow Peak, T&T Supermarket, The Buckle, The Kroger Co., Tilly’s, Torrid, Tractor Supply Company, The TJX Companies, Inc., Ulta Beauty, Uniqlo, Urban Outfitters, Vallarta Supermarkets, Victoria’s Secret, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Wayfair, WH Smith and Zara. Data in this report include: weekly totals of US store closures and openings for 2026 and 2025; retailer-level breakdowns of announced versus confirmed closures/openings; total store counts by retailer; total US retail bankruptcies year to date. Other relevant research: The full collection of Store Tracker reports, including our UK-focused series The US and UK Store Tracker Databank is the definitive resource for information on store openings and closures by sector in the US and UK retail industries. The Corporate and Financial Developments Databank includes details of management changes, financial guidance updates, retail and tech layoffs and capital raised by major retail companies. The Retail Bankruptcies Databank details bankruptcies of US and UK retail companies, restaurants and gyms since March 2020. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Analyst Corner: Adapting to Uncertainty in Food, Drug and Mass Retail Supply Chains, with Sujeet NaikEconomic Sentiment Climbs; Walmart Overtakes Lowe’s in Home-Improvement Sector: US Consumer Survey InsightsWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 51: Retailers Announce Around 250 Store Openings for 2026Consumer Sentiment Weakens, Driven by Middle-Income Consumers: US Consumer Survey Insights
Deep DiveRetail 2026: 10 Trends Driving Retail Media Madhav Pitaliya, AnalystSujeet Naik, Analyst Sector Lead: Steven Winnick, Vice President—Innovator Services January 9, 2026 Reasons to ReadUnlock the future of retail media with insights into the global market, projected to grow at a 14.0% year-over-year pace through 2026. Dive into 10 game-changing trends that are shaping the future of advertising. How are RMNs expanding beyond sales incrementality to support brand-building with AI-driven campaigns? Why is in-store media becoming a game-changer for marketing strategies? How is CTV transforming retail media with shoppable features and closed-loop measurement? How is AI optimizing ad formats, targeting and workflow automation? How are retailers using first-party data to gain a competitive edge in a privacy-first environment? How can retailers and brands improve performance by integrating marketing, sales and technology teams? Companies mentioned in this report include: Amazon, Best Buy, Frasers Group, Kroger, Rockbot, Ulta Beauty and Walmart. This report is sponsored by Rockbot, a leader in in-store media solutions that empowers businesses with audio, digital signage, retail promotions and more. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Earnings Insights 1Q25, Week 7: Dollar Stores See Growth Amid Tariff Pressures—InfographicBEST at Retail: Evolving Physical Stores for the Attention EconomyPositive Sentiment Trend Comes to an End: Weekly US Consumer Sentiment, Week 21, 2025—Infographic4Q25 US Earnings Season Wrap-Up: 80% of Companies Grow Sales and About 75% Beat EPS Consensus Amid Broad Strength in Discount, Specialty Apparel and Value Retail
Deep DiveUnlocking Success in Retail Merchandise Planning To Drive Sales and Profitability Manik Bhatia, Head of Cobranded Research Sector Lead: Steven Winnick, Vice President—Innovator Services January 9, 2026 Reasons to ReadReady to drive sales and profitability with smarter, more agile retail planning? This report unveils how Merchandise Financial Planning (MFP) software can optimize inventory, enhance customer-centric assortments, and improve financial performance. Learn why it’s a must-have tool for modern retail businesses navigating economic uncertainty and rapidly shifting consumer behaviors. Discover how AI-powered MFP solutions can elevate your planning strategy with cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, boosting forecast accuracy, streamlining workflow, and even enhancing personalization—but are you tapping into its full potential? Below are the key reasons to read this research: Unlock Financial Benefits: 65% of retailers cite improved financial performance with MFP software, yielding an average 6% increase in gross sales and 1.1 percentage points in margin expansion. This solution is proven to create immediate ROI—up to 300%-400% within just one year. Tackle MFP Execution Challenges: 49% of retailers struggle with lack of real-time data, which leads to inventory mismatches and poor decision-making. This report highlights the critical role of data centralization in overcoming these obstacles and driving faster, more informed decisions. Enhance Forecast Accuracy with AI: Learn how AI and machine learning can transform your merchandise planning. From predictive analytics to scenario planning, AI can unlock advanced capabilities and enhance your supply chain resilience. Learn Practical Strategies to Optimize MFP: Find out how to build agile data architectures, improve collaboration across functions, and leverage AI for dynamic adjustments, keeping your business relevant and responsive to market shifts. Seize the Market Opportunity: The global MFP software market is growing fast, expected to reach $5.8 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 9.1%. Stay ahead of the curve by adopting the right tools that optimize your financial and merchandising plans. This report is made available to non-subscribers of Coresight Research through its sponsorship by Board, an enterprise retail planning platform. Other relevant research: Video: Unlocking Success in Retail Merchandise Planning To Drive Sales and Profitability Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Retail Shrink and ORC: Cargo Theft Hits Record Levels in the US, Retail Crime Costs Soar in the UKShoptalk Spring 2026: Day 2— AI, Fulfillment, Marketing and Brand Strategy Take Center StageShaping What’s Next in Retail—Physical Retail, AI, Retail Media: Insights from NextGen 2025, a Coresight Research ConferenceConsumer Sentiment Shows Positive Trend in February: China Consumer Survey Insights
Deep Dive2026 Retail Predictions: China—Five Pillars for Moderate Growth Amid a Tough Environment Charlie Poon, Analyst Sector Lead: Anand Kumar, Associate Director of Retail Research January 8, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover five pillars shaping China’s retail landscape in 2026—from policy-driven consumption and AI innovation to instant retail, experiential formats and RaaS-fueled revenue diversification. This report is part of our global 2026 Retail Predictions series. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: How will policy-backed trade-in and subsidy programs support moderate but resilient retail sales growth in 2026 and beyond? How will GenAI and agentic AI, including Alibaba’s Qwen and AI shopping assistants, transform customer journeys, personalization and operational efficiency across Chinese retail ecosystems? How are experiential, service-led formats like Pangdonglai’s high-service supermarkets reshaping the role of physical stores amid rising vacancy rates and new space in cities such as Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hangzhou? How will intensified competition in instant retail, last-mile delivery and logistics automation—including the deployment of humanoid robots like UBTech’s Walker S2—impact margins, speed and consumer convenience? How are AI-driven advertising, retail media and RaaS creating high-margin revenue pools as China’s ad market grows and instant retail expands from about ¥1 trillion to more than ¥2 trillion by 2030? Data in this research report include: China total retail sales forecasts through 2029; outcomes from the 2025 national trade-in program; usage and adoption metrics for Alibaba’s Qwen and AI shopping assistants; retail property vacancy and new supply indicators; robotics deployment and order data; and projections for China’s ad market and instant retail market size through 2030. Companies mentioned in this report include: Alibaba Group, JD.com, Meituan, Pangdonglai, UBTech and Walmart China/Sam’s Club. Other relevant research: Visit the Coresight Research Retail Technology Hub to explore reports, data and competitive landscapes on retail technology, AI and automation. The China Retail Sales Databank brings together retail sales data to help you understand the trajectory of retail in China and is updated monthly. The Market Sizes Databank offers an overview of key retail markets and sectors, including forward projections for China’s retail and e-commerce segments. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Holiday 2025 Survey Insights: Dollar Stores and Temu Break into the Top Five RetailersAnalyst Corner: Wayfair Turns a Profit for the First Time in Four Years—Four Drivers of Its Performance, with Madhav PitaliyaWeekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2026, Week 4: Amazon To Close All Amazon Fresh Stores as Total Closures Surge by 1,000Saving $4.5 Billion as “Client Zero”: Insights from the IBM “AI at Scale” Conference—From Potential to Performance
Deep DiveConsumer Sentiment Largely Holds Steady in December After November Highs: China Consumer Survey Insights Madhav Pitaliya, Analyst January 8, 2026 Reasons to ReadThe Coresight Research monthly China Consumer Survey Insights series takes a regular temperature check on Chinese consumers’ behaviors and sentiment, based on exclusive proprietary survey data. In this research report, we present findings from our latest weekly surveys, with the most recent undertaken on December 29, 2025. We spotlight developments in consumer sentiment on the economic and financial outlooks. Read this report to discover answers to these key questions: How has consumer sentiment in China evolved in December, and what do recent peaks in optimism indicate about consumer expectations for the upcoming retail season? What role did Singles’ Day play in shaping short-term optimism, and how do the post-event dips reflect evolving consumer confidence? What are the key consumer behaviors and purchase trends observed in the weeks leading up to and after Singles’ Day? Data in this research report includes: Consumers’ expectations for economic conditions and personal finances over the next 12 months, showing how optimism has evolved. Changes in personal financial situations compared to 12 months ago, shedding light on shifts in consumer wealth perceptions. Consumer activities over the past two weeks, highlighting engagement levels and emerging trends. Purchasing behaviors, with insights into what consumers are buying in-store and online during the survey period. Other relevant research: Read the full series of China Consumer Survey Insights The Coresight Research China Retail Sales Databank brings together retail sales data to help you understand the trajectory of retail in China. Interested in more consumer survey analysis? Check out our US Consumer Survey Insights series. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in:Weekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2026, Week 24: Closures Up 31% Year Over YearUS CPG Sales Tracker: E-Commerce Jumps by One-Quarter as Online Food Sales Surge by One-ThirdAnalyst Corner: What’s Ahead for Retail Media in 2026, with Sujeet NaikWeekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 29: Openings by Daiso, LEGO and Target