In 2026, retail and consumer goods are defined by a sharply bifurcated, K-shaped economy where 47% of global consumers — including 35% of high-income households — now identify as "value seekers." This pragmatic cohort views sustainability as a baseline and favors high-quality private labels over traditional, pricier brands. And with consumers feeling the weight of the ever-increasing cost of living, they’re becoming much more discerning about what they feel is a luxury versus a necessity, and buying (or not buying) accordingly.
Accompanied by a psychological shift from FOMO to JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), as well as a desire to prioritize environmentally friendly products and buying habits, this trend is driving the resale market to grow at 3x the rate of primary retail.
Ultimately, these consumers aren't just spending less; they’re spending smarter, demanding that retailers and brands prove their worth with every transaction. It’s crucial that retailers find ways to separate themselves from the pack and win that customer loyalty through intelligent data collection, personalization and customer targeting. Let’s take a look at some of the technologies retailers should have in their modern tech stack to give themselves that competitive edge.
