Retail

Identify supply chain disruptions and demand shifts ahead of time to future-proof retail strategies

The only AI-powered strategic intelligence platform that transforms global market shifts into high-impact decisions for retail leaders navigating industry disruption.

Problems

Before Trendtracker, retail leaders struggled with:

Speed of global change

Strategy & innovation cycles are becoming shorter to deal with global macroeconomic uncertainty.

Explosion of global big data

A tidal wave of reports, trends, and signals from around the world now makes it impossible to track, analyse, and respond quickly and effectively.

The inefficiency of strategy

Decision-makers waste massive amounts of time and resources searching for reliable insights. Quarterly or annual reviews are simply too slow for today’s fast-moving landscape. Long-term thinking is becoming more strategic to stay relevant.

Our solution

Discover, analyse and forecast trends on autopilot

Trendtracker cuts through global big data overload, connecting thousands of trusted retail sources into one platform. Instantly surface the trends that matter, anticipate industry shifts early, and make strategic decisions in real time so your company stays ahead of disruption.
trend board visualtrend board visualtrend board visualtrend board visual

Spot opportunities sooner than anyone else

Our AI surfaces signals from billions of global data points, giving your team a strategic edge on emerging disruptions—with prioritized recommendations tailored to your industry.

AI Analyst for retail leaders

Receive exclusive strategic advice powered by Trendtracker’s proprietary global database—far deeper than public LLMs or Internet sources.

See your strategic landscape clearly

Automatically visualize trend radars for continuous, real-time insights on emerging energy shifts.

Track trends in real time

Stay ahead, not just updated. Track how market trends evolve, analyze with AI, and gain deeper strategic intelligence to inform decisions.

Key benefits

AI-powered strategic intelligence for retail, from day one

Strategists trust Trendtracker to turn data overload into instant, actionable insights.

01

Increase team performance

Automate research and analysis powered by AI-driven access to billions of global data points. Accelerate workflows from weeks to hours—saving time, effort, and resources while maintaining confidence in every decision.
02

Improve decision success rate

Strengthen every strategic discussion with data-backed insights derived from real-time global energy data. Make faster, higher-quality decisions that are easier to explain, defend, and act upon.
03

Reduce time to action

Maintain a live, AI-driven overview of your market environment to detect shifts early. Anticipate change, act before disruption escalates, and stay ready for what’s next—always.

Trends in the industry

Top three emerging trends shaping the industry

Retail Media
664
%
7.5

Insights

What's happening globally?

Retailers are turning their digital and physical spaces into powerful advertising platforms. By using shopper data and AI-driven targeting, retail media delivers highly personalized campaigns, making it one of the fastest-growing revenue streams in the sector.

What does this mean for the industry?

Retail media is shifting retailers from being just sellers of products to becoming owners of consumer attention. This creates new revenue channels, strengthens loyalty, and improves margins at a time when traditional retail models are under pressure. At the same time, it demands investment in data, compliance with privacy standards, and new capabilities in digital marketing.

What are the key strategic actions?

Retailers can capture the opportunity by expanding their retail media networks, integrating loyalty programs with advertising platforms, and partnering with brands for co-created campaigns. Building capabilities in AI-driven targeting and real-time analytics will maximize performance, while aligning with consumer expectations for personalization and trust.

Livestream Commerce
525
%
4.5

Insights

What's happening globally?

Livestream commerce is turning shopping into entertainment, blending social media, influencers, and real-time purchasing. Platforms like TikTok, Alibaba, and Walmart are leading the charge, making interactive shopping a fast-growing trend across markets.

What does this mean for the industry?

Livestream commerce shifts retail from transactional to experiential. It drives higher conversion rates, speeds up inventory turnover, and opens new revenue streams by reaching younger and digitally native consumers. At the same time, it requires retailers to build new skills, manage influencer partnerships, and address challenges around trust and sustainability.

What are the key strategic actions?

Retailers can harness livestream commerce by investing in AI-powered video shopping, training teams to host or support live events, and integrating real-time analytics to optimize sales. Strategic partnerships with influencers and platforms will help expand reach, while embedding livestreaming into omnichannel strategies ensures it supports both growth and customer loyalty.

Supply Chain Transparency
317
%
4.2

Insights

What's happening globally?

Retailers are moving fast to make supply chains visible end to end. Blockchain is being adopted for tamper-proof traceability, while AI and IoT provide real-time item-level visibility. Consumers are asking for proof of origin and ethics, and regulators are tightening rules on sustainability and product integrity. QR-enabled packaging and digital product passports are becoming common ways to communicate that story.

What does this mean for the industry?

Transparency is now a competitive differentiator as much as a compliance requirement. Retailers that can verify sourcing and product authenticity win trust and loyalty, reduce fraud, and react faster to disruption. Better visibility improves demand forecasting, inventory accuracy, and on-shelf availability, which lowers costs and lifts service levels across channels.

What are the key strategic actions?

Start by mapping critical products and suppliers, then deploy track-and-trace technology where the risk and value are highest. Use AI analytics to turn visibility data into actions in planning, replenishment, and logistics. Bring the consumer into the loop with scannable packaging that shows origin, certifications, and carbon or welfare data. Align compliance reporting with the same data backbone so sustainability claims are consistent, auditable, and ready for regulators and partners.

Success stories

Trusted by leaders like you

Explore how organizations across industries transform research overload into clarity with Trendtracker.

Save your seat
Replay

Why Siemens Prioritizes Deep Theme Monitoring in Strategic Planning

Save your seat
Replay

Trendtracker empowers Roularta teams with industry-specific AI trends

Strategize smarter with Trendtracker

Retail moves fast. With Trendtracker, you’ll always have foresight that keeps you ahead — clear, actionable, and ready to use from day one.

Retail industry trends 2025 and beyond

Retail is entering a new era shaped by technology, shifting consumer values, and fragile supply chains. Customers expect hyper-personalized experiences, sustainable choices, and seamless digital-physical journeys. At the same time, retailers must navigate inflation, labor shortages, and rising competition from digital-first platforms. The companies that thrive will blend resilience with reinvention, turning disruption into opportunity.

Next-Gen Consumer Experience

Consumers are demanding experiences that go beyond transactions. Retailers are investing in personalization, immersive shopping, and loyalty ecosystems to meet rising expectations. Technology is becoming the bridge between brand storytelling and customer engagement.

Hyper-personalization powered by AI

Today’s landscape

Retailers are using AI to analyze customer data and predict preferences. Personalized recommendations, promotions, and dynamic pricing are improving conversion rates.

The road ahead

Consumers will expect personalization at every touchpoint, from online browsing to in-store experiences. Privacy and trust will be central to adoption.

PESTLE: Technological, Social, Legal

Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–5y)

Strategic action: Invest in explainable AI tools, secure customer consent, and integrate personalization across digital and physical channels.

Immersive retail experiences

Today’s landscape

Augmented reality, virtual try-ons, and experiential stores are reshaping how people shop. These tools are attracting younger, digital-native consumers.

The road ahead

Immersive experiences will evolve from novelty to expectation, especially in fashion, furniture, and beauty. Retailers who fail to offer them risk losing engagement.

PESTLE: Technological, Social, Economic

Horizon: Mid-term (3–7y)

Strategic action: Experiment with AR/VR pilots, partner with tech providers, and blend entertainment with commerce to drive loyalty.

Loyalty ecosystems becoming super-apps

Today’s landscape

Loyalty programs are expanding beyond discounts into ecosystems that integrate payments, services, and lifestyle perks. Super-apps in Asia are leading the way.

The road ahead

Expect loyalty ecosystems to become a battleground, as retailers, banks, and tech platforms compete for consumer attention.

PESTLE: Economic, Technological, Social

Horizon: Mid- to long-term (5–10y)

Strategic action: Design loyalty ecosystems that integrate payments, sustainability tracking, and cross-partner perks to lock in customer relationships.

Rising trends
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Personalization & Customization
150
%
9.5
Past year
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
What is happening globally?
  • AI-driven personalization is reshaping retail, leading to significant enhancements in consumer engagement and retention through tailored shopping experiences. This trend, while difficult to manage due to privacy concerns, is critical for maintaining competitive advantage in the evolving retail landscape.
  • The retail sector faces an ongoing transformation with the integration of cloud technologies, AI, and IoT facilitating seamless personalized experiences across channels. This integration, although challenging to implement, is expected to drive significant growth and improved customer satisfaction.
  • Increased consumer expectations for personalization have led to innovative retail strategies. Retailers are leveraging AI for real-time customer insights and tailored marketing efforts, though this surge in personalization demands careful handling of consumer data privacy.
  • Retailers expanding into emerging markets are embracing personalized shopping experiences, which enhance brand loyalty and engagement, especially among younger consumers who value emotional bonding and trust in e-commerce environments.
  • Innovations in personalized services extend to in-store experiences, integrating AI and smart technologies like beacon data to optimize store layouts and interactions. These advancements promise enhanced customer satisfaction and operational efficiency for retailers exploring personalized in-store journeys.
  • The strategic use of AI in retail extends beyond personalization to operational efficiencies in areas such as inventory management and supply chain optimization. This holistic application supports both competitive advantage and sustainability goals in the retail industry.

What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

What is the impact of this on our industry?
  • The trend of personalization and customization in retail is dramatically reshaping the customer transactional environment by enhancing shopping experiences and creating more engaging purchase journeys. Personalized services can significantly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty, as customers feel more valued when their individual preferences and behaviors are taken into account during shopping. Suppliers and manufacturers also benefit from the trend through better demand forecasting and efficient inventory management, as personalized product tracking helps anticipate customer needs. Employees in retail settings, including store associates, must adapt to using new technologies to provide these personalized experiences, which can increase job satisfaction and efficiency. However, the implementation of personalization strategies may require substantial investment, potentially influencing investor confidence but ultimately leading to long-term growth and profitability if managed well. Regulatory concerns, particularly around data privacy, are significant, as personalization relies heavily on customer data. Retailers must navigate these legal challenges to avoid penalties and maintain a favorable public image. Additionally, logistics partners need to accommodate the rapid changes in inventory and product delivery times demanded by personalized shopping experiences.
  • In the contextual environment, personalization and customization are highly influenced by technological advancements. The integration of AI and machine learning enables retailers to analyze consumer data more effectively, allowing for the delivery of hyper-personalized offers and services. Economically, personalization can boost spending as customers engage more with tailored shopping experiences. Socially, as consumer preferences shift towards more personalized and convenient options, retailers adopting these strategies are likely to gain popularity. Politically, changes in data protection laws can impact how retailers implement personalization, necessitating compliance to avoid legal repercussions. Environmentally, personalization can support more sustainable business models by optimizing inventory and reducing waste, as customized production aligns more closely with actual demand. Legally, robust data protection and ethical standards must be addressed to implement personalization responsibly, ensuring compliance and maintaining public trust.
  • Strategically, personalization and customization are essential for achieving various retail objectives. Enhancing customer experience through personalized services can significantly boost customer satisfaction and increase loyalty, thereby promoting long-term retention. Expansion and market presence can be supported by leveraging personalization to tailor offerings to new regional markets and niche demographics, enhancing the company’s reach. Supply chain optimization is achievable through better demand prediction and inventory management informed by personalized data, reducing costs and improving product availability. Digital transformation is crucial as it supports the implementation of personalized marketing and sales initiatives, offering valuable consumer insights for decision-making. Furthermore, personalization enables product diversification as it provides insights into customer demands and preferences, informing new product development. From a sustainability perspective, personalization helps align with consumer demands for ethical products and reduces unnecessary inventory, contributing to more efficient resource use and reduced environmental impact.
What are the opportunities for this?

What are the risks related to this?

What are the key strategic actions we could take based on this?
    • Enhance personalization in shopping experiences by integrating AI-driven tools to capture and analyze customer data, enabling tailored product recommendations. This strategic action aligns with the technological trend of AI and boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.
    • Develop seamless omnichannel retailing by leveraging IoT for better customer interaction and data analytics, creating unified shopping experiences both online and offline, crucial for expanding market presence and digital transformation.
    • Implement AI and automation for efficient inventory management and supply chain operations, minimizing costs and improving product availability. This strategic action aligns with the need for supply chain optimization and caters to technological trends in retail.
    • Adopt sustainable AI solutions to enhance eco-friendly practices and meet consumer demand for sustainable products, contributing to corporate responsibility and aligning with social and environmental factors.
    • Utilize customer insights gained from personalized engagement strategies for product diversification and innovation, driving competitive advantage and aligning with changes in consumer preferences.
What are the potential scenarios?

What's the outcome of a Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

Experiential Retail
476
%
7.7
Past year
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
What is happening globally?
  • The rise of experiential retail is driving the integration of the real-world and digital elements to create unique shopping experiences that resonate with consumers. This trend is evident in initiatives such as pop-ups, augmented reality, and the connected store concept, leading to higher customer engagement and brand loyalty.
  • Across Asia, retailers are embracing digital transformation to blend online and offline shopping, helping them cater to evolving consumer preferences for personalized and seamless experiences. This shift is bolstered by technological innovations like augmented reality and AI-driven personalization.
  • Large retail chains, such as Uniqlo and Kroger, are introducing innovative store formats and enhanced in-store technology to enrich the consumer experience. These efforts aim to capture a tech-savvy audience and foster a more satisfying and memorable shopping environment.
  • The growing necessity for immersive experiences is driving brands to invest in cutting-edge technologies to sustain competitiveness. The emphasis on personalized, data-driven retail experiences caters to the desire for convenience and unique offerings, likely causing an uptick in consumer foot traffic and brand engagement.
  • Experiential retail is getting a substantial boost from collaborative efforts between global retailers and tech companies, which focus on dynamic systems that enhance both in-store and online consumer interactions, thereby bolstering customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Retailers in competitive markets like Vietnam are actively enhancing in-store experiences to keep up with e-commerce growth. The integration of novel retail formats and user-friendly technologies supports rapid adaptation to consumer behavior shifts, maintaining bricks-and-mortar relevance.
  • Experiential retail strategies are contributing to the revitalization of physical retail spaces, with UK high streets seeing a rise in visitor numbers. These strategies are crucial for revitalizing traditional retail destinations in the face of prevalent online shopping trends.
What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

What is the impact of this on our industry?
  • Experiential retail, which focuses on creating immersive and engaging shopping experiences, is transforming the transactional environment by altering customer expectations. Consumers increasingly seek unique in-store experiences that offer more than just a purchase, influencing their purchasing decisions and enhancing loyalty. Retailers integrating experiential elements such as interactive store displays or tech-driven solutions like augmented reality can better meet consumer demands. This change requires retailers to collaborate more with suppliers and manufacturers to create differentiated product offerings, which can impact supply chain dynamics and pricing strategies.
  • For employees, an experiential retail approach can necessitate retraining and shifts in roles, as staff may take on more interactive and engaging responsibilities to enhance customer experiences. Investors may find experiential retail appealing as it can drive traffic and sales, increasing shareholder value. However, initial investments in store redesigns and new technology could impact short-term financials. Regulatory bodies will need to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws, especially concerning privacy in technology-enhanced retail environments. Logistics partners may experience increased pressure to deliver products suited for more adaptive and engaging retail setups, potentially impacting delivery schedules and warehousing needs.
  • Politically, experiential retail can push policymakers to rethink regulations around digital and in-store consumer interactions, especially concerning data collection and privacy. Economically, it might encourage consumer spending, as engaging store experiences often translate into increased purchase willingness. Socially, this trend aligns with the growing desire for personalized and unique shopping experiences, driven by changing consumer lifestyles and demographics. Technologically, experiential retail is a catalyst for innovation, prompting adoption of cutting-edge technologies like AR and VR to create immersive shopping environments.
  • Environmentally, the shift towards experiential retail can promote sustainable practices as part of the shopping journey. Retailers might integrate sustainability narratives into the experience, educating consumers while reinforcing brand values. Legally, experiential retail reinforces the need to comply with consumer rights and safety regulations, especially when new technologies are involved. Additionally, understanding and adhering to GDPR and related data protection laws will be critical as these experiences often involve data collection for personalization purposes.
  • Strategically, focusing on enhancing customer experiences through experiential retail can lead to increased satisfaction and loyalty. This approach supports market expansion by attracting new customer segments interested in distinctive shopping experiences. It also aligns with digital transformation objectives, as experiential retail leverages digital technologies to create engaging in-store and online experiences. Product diversification can be realized by offering unique, experience-based goods and services, drawing in customers seeking novelty and engagement. Sustainability initiatives can be embedded within experiential elements, reinforcing corporate responsibility.
  • Improving financial performance through experiential retail requires balancing investment in new experiences with cost management strategies. While the setup can initially result in higher costs, the potential for increased customer footfall and higher sales can lead to revenue growth. This trend aligns with objectives to enhance profitability and shareholder value by leveraging innovative experiences to build a competitive edge.

What are the opportunities for this?

What are the risks related to this?

What are the key strategic actions we could take based on this?
  • Retailers could integrate augmented reality (AR) to revolutionize consumer engagement through virtual try-ons and interactive navigation, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. This leverages technological advancement, enhancing the customer experience, expanding market presence, and supporting digital transformation by offering personalized services and improved online interactions.
  • The introduction of experiential retail innovations like IEM's platform transforms stores into engagement hubs. This approach could address social trends by facilitating personalized shopping, while enhancing the customer experience, digital transformation, and product diversification, contributing to sustainability efforts through innovative store formats.
  • Incorporating experiential shopping into retail strategies, as seen in the Asian market, aligns with shifting social preferences and consumer demands for personalized and sustainable experiences. This adaptation supports expanding market presence and customer experience enhancement, promoting innovation and competitive advantage.
  • Developing strategies around immersive store concepts, like Kroger's Connected Store, fosters retail digitization, meeting consumer preferences for digital integration. This supports customer experience enhancement, improved market presence, and operational innovations while addressing technological advancements in the environment.
What are the potential scenarios?

What's the outcome of a Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

Customer Loyalty Program
201
%
7.6
Past year
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
What is happening globally?
  • Retailers are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance loyalty programs, focusing on digital platforms and personalized engagement to adapt to changing consumer behavior. This trend is bolstered by advancements in AI and data analytics, enabling more precise targeting and customer segmentation.
  • The economic uncertainty, including inflation, is pushing consumers towards loyalty programs as a strategy to manage expenses, causing a rise in loyalty-driven shopping. Retailers offering valuable loyalty benefits see increased customer retention despite broader economic challenges.
  • There's a shift towards integrating loyalty programs with omnichannel retail strategies, ensuring seamless customer experiences across online and offline channels. This integration is critical for maintaining consumer engagement and adapting to consumer preferences in a digital-first era.
  • Many loyalty programs are now incorporating gamification and innovative rewards such as digital engagement and app-based interactions, thereby enhancing consumer engagement and satisfaction. These strategies are particularly effective among younger demographics who value interactive and dynamic shopping experiences.
  • Companies are experimenting with cross-industry partnerships for loyalty programs, expanding perks beyond traditional retail benefits. Collaborations with technology firms and service providers are enabling more diversified and attractive consumer offers, thereby driving higher engagement.
  • Despite potential discount fatigue among consumers due to the ubiquity of loyalty schemes, personalized offers within loyalty programs continue to hold appeal. The focus is shifting towards offering exclusive and targeted benefits that can differentiate a brand's loyalty initiative from the competition.
  • The long-term success of loyalty programs is increasingly being linked to sustainability initiatives. Consumers are showing greater loyalty to brands that align with their ethical values, prompting retailers to integrate environmental considerations into their loyalty strategies to build stronger customer relationships.

What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

What is the impact of this on our industry?
  • Customer loyalty programs are becoming increasingly pivotal in shaping the transactional environment within the retail industry. These programs directly influence customer purchasing decisions by incentivizing regular shopping through rewards and discounts. As brands like Kroger unify retail media and loyalty marketing, the integration fosters a more comprehensive strategic approach to customer engagement, potentially driving sales and revenue growth. Loyalty programs also enable retailers to gather valuable customer data, enhancing personalisation and better meeting consumer needs.
  • Loyalty program innovations, such as those evidenced by Tesco's Clubcard, offer insights into achieving corporate strategic objectives like enhancing customer experience and expanding market presence. The effective use of loyalty data can lead to improved product diversification and innovation by tailoring offers and suggestions to specific consumer segments. This could result in increased customer satisfaction and higher retention rates, creating a competitive edge.
  • Economic conditions significantly influence the adoption and effectiveness of loyalty programs in retail. Amidst inflation and economic uncertainty, consumers often gravitate towards loyalty programs for the anticipated value and savings. These programs are critical tools for retailers to encourage spending even during tighter economic climates. By offering exclusive discounts and benefits, retailers can align their strategies with prevailing economic scenarios to maintain consumer engagement and drive sustained revenue.
  • Social and technological factors are crucial in shaping the future of customer loyalty programs. The increasing prevalence of digital technology, as evidenced by QR code-based loyalty programs and AI-driven personalization, enhances customer interaction and engagement. These tech-driven loyalty initiatives meet contemporary consumer expectations for seamless, convenient, and personalized shopping experiences, which are essential for enhancing customer satisfaction and building long-term loyalty.
  • The shift towards data-driven loyalty programs emphasizes the need for digital transformation within retail companies. This shift allows comprehensive insights into consumer behavior and preferences, fostering more effective inventory management and personalized marketing strategies. Consequently, retail companies can optimize their supply chains and expand digital sales channels, thereby enhancing market presence and efficiently meeting customer demands.
  • Loyalty programs also contribute to sustainability and corporate responsibility by encouraging sustainable consumer behaviors. For instance, programs offering eco-rewards for sustainable purchases incentivize consumers to choose greener options, aligning with increasing consumer consciousness regarding environmental issues. Retailers can thus position themselves as environmentally responsible brands while nurturing customer loyalty through these programs.
  • Investment in loyalty programs can improve financial performance and cost management. By driving repeat purchases and fostering brand loyalty, these programs can enhance profitability through steady revenue streams and reduced marketing expenditure. Additionally, effectively managed loyalty programs offer insights into customer preferences, enabling better inventory management and cost control, aligning with strategic financial objectives and shareholder expectations.
What are the opportunities for this?

What are the risks related to this?

What are the key strategic actions we could take based on this?
  • Develop a diversified loyalty program integrating sustainability rewards using QR codes. These programs can enhance customer engagement and align with trends towards sustainability and technology's role in retail, improving customer retention while promoting green practices.
  • Unify retail, media, and insights under a dedicated division to leverage data for personalized offerings, aligning with technological advancements. This approach enhances customer experience through tailored marketing, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty amidst changing consumer behaviors.
  • Introduce AI-driven loyalty solutions to personalize customer interactions and optimize supply chain management. This strategic action could improve inventory turnover and customer insights, aligning with technological advancements and consumer demand for seamless shopping experiences.
  • Implement a tiered loyalty program focused on consumer segments, offering varied rewards. This approach recognizes the polarization in consumer behavior and provides tailored experiences, potentially increasing customer loyalty and enhancing financial performance through targeted marketing efforts.
  • Leverage gamification in loyalty programs to boost engagement. This approach can enhance customer experience and satisfaction by making shopping more interactive. The trend towards gamification aligns with technological advances and the increasing importance of capturing consumer interests amidst economic challenges.
What are the potential scenarios?

What's the outcome of a Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

You’re seeing a preview. Ready to dive deeper with our experts?
What’s hidden could shape your strategy.

Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chains

Global shocks and rising consumer expectations are forcing retailers to rethink how products are sourced, moved, and priced. Transparency and sustainability are no longer optional — they are part of competitive positioning.

Nearshoring and supply diversification

Today’s landscape

Retailers are reducing dependency on single regions by diversifying suppliers and reshoring production. This is helping mitigate geopolitical risk and delays.

The road ahead

Supply chain resilience will become a strategic differentiator. Companies that secure diverse, local, and sustainable sources will be less vulnerable to shocks.

PESTLE: Political/Legal, Economic, Environmental

Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–7y)

Strategic action: Build supplier networks in multiple geographies, invest in local partnerships, and adopt scenario planning for disruptions.

Sustainability transparency demanded by consumers

Today’s landscape

Customers expect visibility into where and how products are made. Regulations in Europe and the US are raising disclosure standards.

The road ahead

Sustainability data will be table stakes for brand trust. Those who fail to provide it risk both reputational and regulatory consequences.

PESTLE: Social, Political/Legal, Environmental

Horizon: Near-term (0–3y)

Strategic action: Adopt traceability tools like blockchain, publish transparent sustainability reports, and engage suppliers to meet compliance requirements.

Circular retail models

Today’s landscape

Resale, rental, and repair platforms are booming, driven by Gen Z’s preference for sustainable consumption. Major retailers are piloting secondhand marketplaces.

The road ahead

Circular models will move from niche to mainstream, influencing inventory strategies and revenue models.

PESTLE: Environmental, Social, Economic

Horizon: Mid-term (3–8y)

Strategic action: Integrate resale and rental into core business, develop take-back programs, and measure lifecycle impact for consumer transparency.

Rising trends
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Cyber Insurance
1400
%
4.8
Past year
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
What is happening globally?
  • The rise in natural disasters is pushing global insurance premiums, especially for catastrophe coverage, to new heights. Insurers are increasingly adopting AI and data analytics to enhance predictive accuracy and financial resilience against these events, thereby improving customer experiences.
  • Insurers are turning to parametric insurance to address the expanding coverage gap, particularly for unpredictable events like tsunamis. This development may improve financial security for policyholders by offering more tailored and prompt payouts.
  • The cost of insuring against natural disasters continues to surge, with insurance carriers using advanced modeling tools, such as catastrophe bonds, to hedge risks. This trend underscores the industry's ongoing effort to maintain stability amid increasing disasters.
  • Collaboration between the public and private sectors is becoming essential to address the growing protection gap in disaster insurance. Initiatives like risk pooling and parametric solutions aim to enhance resilience against catastrophic losses.
  • The frequency and impact of natural disasters have intensified, necessitating innovative approaches to risk management. AI-powered tools are revolutionizing claims processing, enabling insurers to handle claims more efficiently and satisfy customer expectations.
  • Regulatory frameworks are evolving to support more sustainable insurance solutions as traditional methods become financially untenable. Governments and insurers are taking steps to address climate-related risks, ensuring long-term viability for both businesses and policyholders.
What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

You’re seeing a preview. Ready to dive deeper with our experts?
What’s hidden could shape your strategy.

AI-Driven Retail Models

AI is moving from back-office optimization to core decision-making in retail. From forecasting to automation, it is transforming how retailers operate and how consumers interact with brands.

AI-driven demand forecasting

Today’s landscape

Retailers are using AI to analyze real-time sales, weather, and social trends to predict demand more accurately. This reduces waste and improves margins.

The road ahead

Forecasting will become predictive and autonomous, adjusting production and logistics in real time.

PESTLE: Technological, Economic, Environmental

Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–5y)

Strategic action: Deploy AI forecasting tools across supply chains, train staff to act on insights, and integrate sustainability factors into demand models.

Autonomous retail operations

Today’s landscape

Robotics and AI are automating warehouses, checkout, and last-mile delivery. Leading retailers are already testing cashierless stores and drone deliveries.

The road ahead

Autonomous operations will scale rapidly, lowering costs but raising workforce and regulatory challenges.

PESTLE: Technological, Social, Political/Legal

Horizon: Mid- to long-term (5–10y)

Strategic action: Pilot automation in logistics and in-store operations, reskill workers, and engage policymakers on labor and safety frameworks.

Generative AI in customer service

Today’s landscape

AI chatbots are evolving into digital shopping assistants, helping customers find products, compare options, and complete purchases.

The road ahead

Generative AI will redefine customer support, blending personalized recommendations with transaction support. Trust and transparency will determine adoption.

PESTLE: Technological, Social, Legal

Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–5y)

Strategic action: Deploy generative AI carefully, train it on brand values, and ensure human-in-the-loop oversight to maintain trust.

Rising trends
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Geopolictics
1400
%
4.8
Past year
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
What is happening globally?
  • The rise in natural disasters is pushing global insurance premiums, especially for catastrophe coverage, to new heights. Insurers are increasingly adopting AI and data analytics to enhance predictive accuracy and financial resilience against these events, thereby improving customer experiences.
  • Insurers are turning to parametric insurance to address the expanding coverage gap, particularly for unpredictable events like tsunamis. This development may improve financial security for policyholders by offering more tailored and prompt payouts.
  • The cost of insuring against natural disasters continues to surge, with insurance carriers using advanced modeling tools, such as catastrophe bonds, to hedge risks. This trend underscores the industry's ongoing effort to maintain stability amid increasing disasters.
  • Collaboration between the public and private sectors is becoming essential to address the growing protection gap in disaster insurance. Initiatives like risk pooling and parametric solutions aim to enhance resilience against catastrophic losses.
  • The frequency and impact of natural disasters have intensified, necessitating innovative approaches to risk management. AI-powered tools are revolutionizing claims processing, enabling insurers to handle claims more efficiently and satisfy customer expectations.
  • Regulatory frameworks are evolving to support more sustainable insurance solutions as traditional methods become financially untenable. Governments and insurers are taking steps to address climate-related risks, ensuring long-term viability for both businesses and policyholders.
What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

You’re seeing a preview. Ready to dive deeper with our experts?
What’s hidden could shape your strategy.