Retail Media 2026: Smarter, Faster, More Measurable
AI tools, smarter measurement, and omnichannel formats are transforming retail media strategies for brands and retailers in 2026.
AI tools, smarter measurement, and omnichannel formats are transforming retail media strategies for brands and retailers in 2026.
In omnichannel retail, packaging has become a full-fledged media channel—bridging shelf, screen, and social with storytelling, speed, and shopper impact.
Retail media became full-funnel in 2025, with agentic AI, CTV, and commerce data transforming how brands drive discovery, engagement, and conversion in 2026.
Packaging is a channel. Matt Woolley of Designsteins shares how smart packaging, storytelling, and fast execution drive shelf and screen success, from PDP assets and micro video to sustainability tradeoffs and speed to market.
Luxury retail can feel personal again. This episode explores high touch service, AI clienteling, RFID, and predictive analytics, showing how technology can restore confidence, intimacy, and expert service without losing the human touch.
Direct‑to‑consumer brands like Beyond Yoga, Mejuri and Coterie say physical stores still drive growth, new customer acquisition, and stronger brand experiences this year.
Pop Mart plans to open over 20 U.S. stores in 2026 through a new retail partnership with Simon Property Group, expanding its collectible toy empire stateside.
Fabletics is expanding globally with 40 new stores in 2026, positioning the athleisure brand for major revenue and footprint growth beyond the U.S.
Dos Equis is reviving its iconic Most Interesting Man in the World ad campaign with Jonathan Goldsmith reprising the role in a new spot debuting during the College Football Championship on ESPN.
Omnichannel retail solutions continue shaping retail’s future with over $1.25B raised by 288 companies globally.
Seed Group’s new partnership with RetailNext aims to empower UAE retailers with advanced data analytics, enhancing decision-making in a highly competitive and fast-evolving market.
Centric Software integrates AI and PLM to help retailers accelerate product development, optimize assortments, and drive omnichannel profitability.
The 2026 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index reveals Coca‑Cola, McDonald’s, Tito’s, Michelob Ultra, and Cheetos as top loyalty leaders, showing how consumer expectations are reshaping brand attachment in food and beverage.
Wayfair partners with Google to co‑develop the Universal Commerce Protocol, enabling seamless AI‑powered shopping and checkout experiences across platforms.
Amazon’s Alexa+ upgrade uses generative AI and memory to make Alexa more personalized, proactive, and conversational, putting it in stronger competition with advanced AI assistants like ChatGPT.
Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) is an open standard that simplifies AI‑driven commerce, giving small businesses easier integration, broader visibility, and better customer experiences across digital channels.