Insight Report2Q26 Retail Inventory Insights: Retailers Become More Selective with Inventory as Imports Decline Risheek Dandekeri Sector Lead: Anand Kumar, Associate Director of Retail Research October 1, 2026 Reasons to ReadUncover how retailers are balancing selective inventory investments, demand volatility and tariff-related costs in 2Q26. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: Why did inventory values rise for 22 of 49 tracked retailers while overall inventory turnover declined 4.6% year over year? How are retailers such as Target, Walmart, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Five Below using inventory to support demand, store growth and omnichannel availability? Which sectors delivered the strongest turnover productivity in 2Q26, and where did electronics, luxury and specialty apparel and footwear face pressure? How are tariffs, demand volatility and receipt timing shaping inventory planning, working-capital management and margin protection? How are retailers balancing inventory availability, store expansion and omnichannel demand while managing inventory productivity? Companies mentioned in this report include: Abercrombie & Fitch, Albertsons Companies, Alimentation Couche-Tard, American Eagle Outfitters, Apple, Aritzia, Bath & Body Works, Best Buy, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Burlington Stores, Capri Holdings, Casey’s General Stores, Costco, CVS Health, Deckers Outdoor, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Fast Retailing, Five Below, Floor & Decor, Gap, H&M, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize, Kroger, Lowe’s, lululemon, Macy’s, Murphy USA, NIKE, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, RH, Ross Stores, Sherwin-Williams, Sprouts Farmers Market, Tapestry, Target, The Estee Lauder Companies, TJX Companies, Tractor Supply, Ulta Beauty, Under Armour, Urban Outfitters, Walmart, Wayfair, Williams-Sonoma and more. Data in this report include: US retail sales growth by month; retail traffic; inventory turnover ratios by retailer and sector; year-over-year changes in inventory values; and commentary on strategic inventory actions across leading retailers. Already a member? 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 membership plans. View Membership Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for
Event CoverageShoptalk Fall 2026: Day 2—From Loyalty and Live Shopping to Agentic Commerce, Retailers Focus on Data Quality, Repeat Behavior and Trust John Harmon, CFA, Managing Director of Technology ResearchKelly McCluskeyMax Kahn, President Sector Lead: John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Retail Research October 1, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how leading retailers and brands are adapting to AI-driven discovery, social commerce, evolving loyalty models and agentic commerce while protecting trust, customer relationships and margins. Read this report to uncover answers to these and other questions: How can retailers use loyalty, community and first-party customer data to deepen relationships without relying on discounts? How are marketplaces, TikTok Shop and livestream commerce helping brands acquire new customers and create new paths to discovery and conversion? What should retailers prioritize now to prepare for agentic commerce, AI-powered search and emerging shopping agents? How can retailers deploy AI in operations, warehouses and frontline teams while maintaining strong governance and human oversight? Why are authenticity, physical retail experiences and repeat engagement becoming more important as AI-generated content increases? Companies mentioned in this report include: AnyRoad; Beachwaver Co.; BRUNT Workwear; Depop; FedEx; Fashionphile; Glow Recipe; Holt Renfrew; MERIT Beauty; QVC Group; Reddit; RG Barry Brands; Sally Beauty Holdings; Stripe; The Vitamin Shoppe; TikTok Shop; Walmart; The Walt Disney Company; Zipline. Shoptalk Insights from Coresight Research Already a member? 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 membership plans. View Membership Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for
Deep DiveTariff Restraint and Policy Support Lift Sentiment to Two-Month High: China Consumer Survey Insights Keerthan Shetty, Data Analyst Sector Lead: Philip Moore, Global Head of Data and Managing Director of Market Research September 30, 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 August 31, 2026. We spotlight developments in consumer sentiment on the economic and financial outlooks. Read this report to discover answers to these key questions: How did consumer sentiment recover through August after weakening in July, and what factors supported the rebound? How are continued flooding, slower retail sales growth, trade developments and broader economic uncertainty affecting consumer confidence and the pace of China’s consumption recovery? Which consumer activities and product categories showed resilience as households remained cautious and focused on value, self-care, experiences and selective spending? What do weekly and four-week rolling sentiment indicators reveal about the outlook for China’s economy and household finances? 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 member? 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 membership plans. View Membership Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for
Event CoverageShoptalk Fall 2026: Day 1—Hearing from Amazon, Anthropic and Ulta as Brands Prepare for AI-Led Discovery John Harmon, CFA, Managing Director of Technology ResearchKelly McCluskeyMax Kahn, President Sector Lead: John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Retail Research September 29, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how Shoptalk Fall 2026’s Day 1 morning sessions revealed where agentic commerce, creator-led marketing, marketplaces and the evolving store are reshaping retail growth. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: How are TikTok Shop and creator-led campaigns driving sales spikes across Ulta, Amazon and retail partners, and what did they mean for Estée Lauder and Favorite Daughter? How quickly can retailers build their own AI shopping agents, and what does Anthropic advise on trust, data and keeping the customer relationship? How are Amazon Prime and B2B marketplaces turning convenience, scale and product content into growth engines? How are brands such as SharkNinja, U.S. Polo Assn., Wayfair and AG Jeans using storytelling, creators, AI and intent-based personalization to adapt to a changing market? Why is Ulta Beauty treating physical stores as experiential hubs for omnichannel growth? Companies mentioned in this report include: The Estée Lauder Companies, Clinique, MAC Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, The Ordinary, Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Macy’s, Amazon, TikTok Shop, Favorite Daughter, Nordstrom, Netflix, Anthropic, AWS, Shopify, Priceline, Wix, Amazon Business, Grasshopper Mowers, Simpson Strong-Tie, SharkNinja, U.S. Polo Assn., Pattern Brands, Amika, Wayfair, AG Jeans, Constructor, Target, Dolce & Gabbana, Hearst Magazines, DoorDash and Uber Eats. Discover all our coverage of Shoptalk Fall. This document was generated for
Deep DiveConsumers Reward Scale as Amazon Gains: US Consumer Survey Insights Aditya Kaushik, Analyst September 29, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how US consumers are responding to shifting economic conditions, the Iran conflict and inflationary pressures. Read this report to explore answers to these questions: How is consumer sentiment diverging across income groups, and what does this mean for premium versus value retail performance? Which retailers are consumers shopping at, and which categories are they purchasing? Data in this research report include: Consumer sentiment, in total and by income, weekly; rates of shopping at major retailers, weekly; rates of purchasing in selected retail categories, weekly. Other relevant research: Coresight Research US Consumer Survey Databank provides additional insight into US consumer behaviors from our weekly surveys. Already a member? 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 membership plans. View Membership Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for
Event CoverageGroceryshop 2026 Wrap-Up: Grocery and CPG Leaders Share Learnings on Moving AI from Pilot to Practice John Harmon, CFA, Managing Director of Technology Research September 29, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover the AI-driven shopping innovations, retail media strategies and loyalty tactics that dominated grocery retail’s biggest conversations at Groceryshop 2026. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: How are AI-powered shopping assistants moving grocery retail beyond item search to understanding shopper intent? How are retailers transforming and optimizing business operations through data, faster reaction and a sharper focus on profitability? How are grocers meeting consumer expectations amid stretched budgets and rising interest in health and wellness? What retail media opportunities and omnichannel marketing strategies are retailers and brands using to reach shoppers across channels? How can retailers win and engage customers—maintaining the relationship in an increasingly agentic world—through memberships and other benefits? Companies mentioned in this report include: Albertsons, Ahold Delhaize, ButcherBox, CVS, Diageo, Freshpet, Getir, Hy-Vee, InMarket, Instacart, Kroger, Loblaw, MC Sonae, Migros, Perfect Store Group, Rohlik Group, Sam’s Club, Schnuck Markets, Shalio, Shelflife, Shoptalk, Siete Foods, Thrive Market, TOMORROW and Uber. Related research: All our coverage of Groceryshop. This document was generated for
Insight ReportSeptember 2026 US Retail Sales Outlook: Mid-4% Growth Expected Despite Rising Downside Risks Prerana P Kotian, Data Analyst Sector Lead: Philip Moore, Global Head of Data and Managing Director of Market Research September 29, 2026 Reasons to ReadRead this report to discover answers to these and other questions: What are Coresight Research’s projections for year-over-year retail sales growth in each of the next 12 months? How has the proprietary Retail Growth Outlook Score changed compared to previous reporting periods? Which macroeconomic indicators are currently having the greatest impact on retail performance and consumer spending? Data in this report include: US retail sales forecasts; model-predicted vs. actual retail growth; labor force, wage, and inflation metrics; consumer sentiment and disposable income trends; housing market data. Alongside this report, you can access the data behind key charts and tables in the Excel download above. Other relevant research: Coresight Research monthly reports keep you up to date on retail sales (in total and by sector) and key consumer indicators in the US. All our coverage of tariffs The US Retail Sales Databank features retail sales values and year-over-year growth, in total and by sector, by year and by month. This Databank is updated monthly. The Coresight Research US Consumer Survey Databank provides additional insight into US consumer behaviors from our weekly surveys. Our Weekly US Consumer Sentiment infographic series complements our survey reports with selected findings on consumers’ financial and economic expectations each week. Already a member? 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 membership plans. View Membership Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for
InfographicThe IMPACT Framework: Retail AI Strategy Checklist Charlie Poon, Analyst Sector Lead: John Harmon, CFA, Associate Director of Technology Research September 28, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how retailers can test their AI strategy against the Coresight Research IMPACT framework, covering investment and infrastructure, model choices, policy and security, operational applications, the consumer experience and workforce transformation. Read this report to uncover answers to these and other questions: How can retailers ensure AI investment, data quality and systems integration are strong enough to scale AI use cases across stores and channels? Should retailers use a provider’s AI model, adapt it with their own data, or build proprietary models—and how should that build-vs.-buy decision be tested? What policies, security safeguards and accountability structures are needed to keep AI actions safe, compliant and reversible? Which AI applications should retailers prioritize, and how can they measure adoption and net benefit against a credible cost and service baseline? How is agentic AI reshaping product discovery, order completion and fulfillment—and what must retailers get right to stay visible and trusted in AI-mediated shopping? How should retailers redesign workflows, decision rights and incentives so that time freed up by AI turns into real service or cost gains rather than stalled pilots? Ready for the next step? Read our Playbook report for a more detailed “how-to” guide to achieve agentic AI readiness with our IMPACT framework. Already a member? 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 membership plans. View Membership Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for
Deep DiveThe IMPACT Framework Playbook: A Six-Point Guide To Help Retailers Achieve Readiness in Implementing AI Charlie Poon, AnalystJohn Harmon, CFA, Managing Director of Technology Research Sector Lead: John Harmon, CFA, Associate Director of Technology Research September 28, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how retail readiness for agentic AI is moving from isolated pilots to enterprise-wide capability, as shared infrastructure, task-tested models, governed decision boundaries and consumer-ready agentic commerce reshape how retailers compete. Read this report to uncover answers to these and other questions: How does shared data and infrastructure investment determine whether AI pilots scale into repeatable business capabilities? What should determine whether retailers buy, adapt or build their own AI models? What decision boundaries, safeguards and “kill switches” are needed to contain the risks of increasingly autonomous AI agents? Which AI applications are retailers prioritizing to scale, and how should they measure adoption and net benefit against a baseline? How ready are consumers and retailers for agentic commerce, and what workflow and organizational changes are needed to capture AI’s efficiency gains? Companies mentioned in this report include: Alphabet (Google); Amazon; Anthropic; Kroger; Microsoft; Mistral AI; OpenAI; Perplexity AI; RELEX Solutions; Target; and Walmart. Data in this report include: North American retail decision-makers’ survey findings on AI governance barriers; Coresight Research consumer survey data on GenAI shopping adoption and purchase completion; shopper comfort levels with autonomous AI grocery purchasing, by retail membership status; the most attractive features of AI shopping assistants to US shoppers; AI deployment rates across retail business functions. Already a member? 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 membership plans. View Membership Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for
Analyst CornerAnalyst Corner: US Mass Retail Tops $1 Trillion with Warehouse Clubs Leading Sector Growth, with Sujeet Naik Sujeet Naik, Analyst Sector Lead: John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Retail Research September 27, 2026 Reasons to ReadEach Analyst Corner features highlights and insights from the respective week’s “Report of the Week”—our featured must-read research report. This week, our featured report was Market Navigator: Inside the $1 Trillion US Value Retail Market. Discover how US mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs and discount stores are reshaping the retail landscape as sector sales exceed $1 trillion, e-commerce accelerates and value-focused consumers change where and how they shop. Read this report to uncover answers to these and other questions: What is driving growth across US mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs and discount stores, and why are warehouse clubs expected to lead the sector through 2030? How will cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu and Amazon Haul intensify competition for dollar stores, particularly in discretionary and nonfood categories? How will changes to SNAP eligibility and state restrictions on eligible products affect grocery spending, basket composition and discretionary purchases? How can dollar stores respond to rising online competition through private labels, exclusive products, faster merchandise rotation and discovery-led shopping? Companies mentioned in this report include: Amazon; BJ’s Wholesale; Costco; Shein; Sam’s Club; Target; Temu; Walmart. Data in this report include: US mass merchandiser, warehouse club and discount store sales forecasts through 2030; warehouse club sales growth and CAGR estimates; global e-commerce growth for mass retailers; warehouse club sales trends from 2021 to 2025; and consumer sentiment toward leading US mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs. Other relevant research: All Analyst Corners This document was generated for
Event CoverageGroceryshop 2026 Day Three: Shaping the Future of Grocery Through AI, Personalization and New Customer Ecosystems Sujeet Naik, Analyst Sector Lead: John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Retail Research September 25, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how Groceryshop 2026 Day 3 reveals the future of grocery retail through AI-powered personalization, agentic commerce, loyalty innovation, health-focused strategies and differentiated value propositions. Read this report to uncover answers to these and other questions: How are retailers moving beyond customer segmentation to deliver AI-driven, one-to-one personalization experiences based on shopper intent, occasions and desired outcomes? How can AI reduce decision fatigue by helping consumers build baskets, plan meals, manage budgets and simplify everyday grocery decisions? What challenges and opportunities will retailers face as agentic commerce reshapes customer relationships and AI agents influence shopping journeys? How are grocery retailers redefining value beyond price through private-label products, curated assortments, convenience, quality and trust? How are health-focused initiatives, food-as-medicine programs and evolving membership models creating deeper consumer relationships and new growth opportunities? Companies mentioned in this report include: Albertsons; Hy-Vee; iFood; Instacart; Misfits Market; Save A Lot; Thrive Market; Uber. Related research: All our coverage of Groceryshop. This document was generated for
Store TrackerWeekly UK Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2026, Week 38: Søstrene Grene Plans Two Hertfordshire Stores in Push Toward 100 UK Locations Aaron Mark Dsouza, Data Analyst Sector Lead: Philip Moore, Global Head of Data and Managing Director of Market Research September 25, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover the latest trends in UK retail store openings and closures for 2026 and gain insights into the evolving market landscape. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: How many store closures and openings have UK retailers announced year to date in 2026 and how do these totals compare with the same period in 2025? Which retailers are driving the latest changes in our 2026 major UK store closures and openings tracker? How do full-year 2025 store closures and openings compare with 2026 year-to-date trends? Companies mentioned in this report include: Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Hollister, House of Cavani, Lakeland, Loeffler Randall, Lukfook, Marks & Spencer, Oak Furnitureland, Søstrene Grene, Tala, The Range, The Works and Uniqlo. Data in this report include: week-by-week comparisons of UK store closures and openings for 2026 and 2025; rankings of major retailers by total store closures; rankings of major retailers by total store openings; tabulated confirmed versus planned store activity by retailer and sector. 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 member? 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 membership plans. View Membership Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for
Store TrackerWeekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2026, Week 38: The Children’s Place Opens 19 Stores in One Quarter, Its Most Since 2013 Aaron Mark Dsouza, Data Analyst Sector Lead: Philip Moore, Global Head of Data and Managing Director of Market Research September 25, 2026 Reasons to ReadUncover the latest shifts in the retail landscape and stay ahead of key trends that impact store openings, closures and the broader consumer market. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: What are the top store openings and closures in the US for 2026 so far? Which retailers are expanding in 2026 and which brands are downsizing? How do store closures and openings compare between 2025 and 2026 in key retail sectors? Companies mentioned in this report include: Bandai Namco, Birkenstock, Primark, RH, Roland, Rosa Clará, Save A Lot, The Children’s Place and World Market 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 member? 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 membership plans. View Membership Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for
Event PresentationThe IMPACT Framework Playbook: How Retail Enterprises Scale Agentic AI—Coresight Research Presentation Hosted by Instacart at Groceryshop 2026 Coresight Research Sector Lead: Steven Winnick, Vice President—Innovator Services September 24, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how retail enterprises can scale agentic AI by aligning investment, model choices, governance, applications, consumer expectations and operating model change. This slide deck presents Coresight Research insights hosted by Instacart at Groceryshop 2026. This presentation unveils: Why does agentic AI introduce requirements and risks that machine learning and generative AI did not? Which data and infrastructure foundations do retailers need in place before scaling AI? How should retailers decide whether to build, adapt or buy AI models? Why is the technical complexity of AI-specific controls the biggest barrier to stronger governance? What do US grocery shoppers want most from an AI shopping assistant? How must roles, workflows and skills change for AI to become part of the operating model? Related research: Read our Playbook report for a more detailed “how-to” guide to achieve agentic AI readiness with our IMPACT framework. All our coverage of Groceryshop. This document was generated for
Event CoverageGroceryshop 2026 Day Two: AI Moves into Action as Retailers Redefine Value and Commerce Sujeet Naik, Analyst Sector Lead: John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Retail Research September 24, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how AI is moving from experimentation to operational transformation in grocery retail, reshaping shopping experiences, digital shelves, retail media and connected commerce. Read this report to uncover answers to these and other questions: How are retailers moving beyond AI pilots and using AI to accelerate marketing, redesign workflows and improve operational efficiency? How are AI shopping assistants changing grocery discovery from product searches to mission-based shopping experiences, and what role do data quality and digital shelf readiness play? How is AI transforming digital shelf management through agentic workflows, automated insights and AI agents? How are retailers redefining consumer value through curation, convenience, quality and reduced shopping friction beyond price competition? How are brands building connected commerce strategies, optimizing retail media measurement and improving supply chain transparency through identity data, traceability and smart packaging? Companies mentioned in this report include: Amazon Web Services (AWS); DoorDash; Migros; OpenAI; Shalion; Sam’s Club; Ahold Delhaize USA; InMarket; McKinsey & Company; Pressed Juicery; Freshpet; Siete Foods; Unilever; PepsiCo; Mondelez; Infosys. Related research: All our coverage of Groceryshop. This document was generated for
