"On this week's Modern Retail Podcast, the editorial team dives into what's to come in 2026. Senior reporters Gabriela Barkho and Melissa Daniels are joined by executive editor Anna Hensel for a roundtable discussion on the biggest retail predictions in the coming year. Hensel, for example, is contemplating how AI will continue to shape e-commerce and the way people shop in 2026."
"Meanwhile, Daniels predicts that the creator economy will only get bigger as brands continue to invest in this marketing channel. With that, the team debates whether social media and other e-commerce channels will continue to bombard users with influencer content. Lastly, the team moves onto M&A prospects in 2026, including the biggest brands primed for potential acquisition as consolidation heats up."
AI will continue to shape e-commerce and shopping behavior in 2026, enabling personalized experiences, smarter recommendations, and greater automation across purchase journeys. The creator economy will expand as brands increase investment in creator-driven marketing, making influencer partnerships more central to customer acquisition and retention. Social media and other e-commerce channels may further inundate users with influencer content, raising concerns about saturation and effectiveness. Consolidation is likely to accelerate, generating M&A opportunities and positioning several large retailers and brands as potential acquisition targets during heightened industry consolidation.
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