A Guide to the Top 2026 Retail Trends

2026 retail trends won’t be about chasing the next big thing for the sake of it. Instead, the next 12 months are shaping up to be where retailers double down on doing the fundamentals really well, supported by smarter technology, better data and a stronger focus on customer experience.

Shoppers are more considered, margins are tighter and expectations are higher than ever. The retailers who succeed will be the ones who can adapt quickly, stay connected across channels and make informed decisions without adding unnecessary complexity.

Here’s a look at the key retail trends shaping 2026 and what they mean in real terms for retailers.

Retail will feel more joined-up (because customers expect it)

By 2026, customers won’t think about channels at all. They’ll simply expect your brand to be consistent, whether they’re browsing online, visiting a store or ordering something that isn’t physically available on the shop floor.

This joined-up experience is becoming the norm. Customers might check stock online before travelling, order in store for home delivery or expect staff to instantly know what’s available elsewhere. When this works well, it feels effortless. When it doesn’t, frustration sets in quickly.

Behind the scenes, this puts pressure on retailers to ensure sales, stock and orders are properly connected. Solutions like our Retail EPOS System and Order-in-Store functionality are designed to support these blended journeys, helping retailers offer flexibility to customers without creating operational headaches for staff.

Personalisation will be quieter and more meaningful

Personalisation isn’t going away, but it is changing. In 2026, it’s less about constant offers and more about relevance. Customers want brands to recognise them, not overwhelm them.

That means smarter use of customer data, understanding buying habits, preferences and engagement over time, rather than relying on blanket promotions. When done well, personalisation feels helpful and human.

Capturing the right data at the right time is becoming increasingly important, especially with privacy and trust firmly in the spotlight. Tools such as our Customer Data Capture allow retailers to build a clearer picture of their customers, creating the foundation for more thoughtful communication and stronger long-term loyalty.

Operational efficiency will matter as much as customer experience

While customer-facing technology gets most of the attention, some of the biggest changes in 2026 will happen behind the scenes. Retailers are under pressure to do more with less, and efficiency is no longer optional.

Smarter forecasting, better visibility of performance and quicker decision-making are all becoming critical. This is where AI and advanced analytics come into play, not necessarily as headline features, but as practical tools that quietly improve accuracy and reduce waste.

For many retailers, having a clearer view of what’s selling, what isn’t and what’s coming next can make the difference between reactive firefighting and confident planning.

Stock accuracy will be a deal-breaker

Few things damage trust faster than inaccurate stock information. Customers notice when items repeatedly show as unavailable or when stores are overstocked with the wrong products.

In the new year, retailers are placing far greater emphasis on real-time stock visibility across stores, warehouses and channels. Better stock control supports availability, reduces unnecessary markdowns and helps teams make informed buying decisions.

Our Stock Management System and Warehouse Management tools support this shift, helping retailers stay in control of stock movement while reducing manual intervention and guesswork.

Convenience will be built into the store experience

Physical stores are evolving. Rather than competing with online retail on speed alone, they’re focusing on convenience, service and flexibility.

Customers expect knowledgeable staff and smooth checkouts. They don’t want to wait while someone disappears to check stock or queue unnecessarily at the till. Mobile technology is becoming central to this experience, allowing staff to assist customers wherever they are in the store.

Using tools like FM Mobile, retailers can empower teams to work more efficiently, improve service levels and keep the focus on the customer, even during busy trading periods.

Payments need to be seamless

By 2026, payment should be the easiest part of the journey. Any friction at the checkout risks undoing an otherwise positive experience.

Retailers are increasingly moving towards integrated payment solutions that work directly with their tills and online stores, improving speed, accuracy and reporting. Our Payments offering supports this by keeping transactions simple for customers and clearer for retailers.

Systems that don’t integrate will hold retailers back

One of the clearest shifts heading into 2026 is the move away from disconnected systems. Retailers want technology that works together properly, sharing data across platforms without manual workarounds.

Whether it’s eCommerce, accounting, fulfilment or loyalty platforms, integration is becoming essential for scalability and efficiency. Our range of integrations support this joined-up approach, helping retailers build a tech stack that grows alongside their business.

Stay on top of 2026 retail trends with FM

The focus for 2026 is on the connection between channels, systems, staff and customers.

Retailers who invest in flexible, well-connected technology will be better placed to respond to changing behaviour, control costs and deliver the kind of experience customers now expect as standard.

Thinking about how your systems can better support your retail operations? Arrange a demo or speak to our expert team on 0330 024 5014.