12 Emerging Rules and Predictions for Retail
We have spent the last decade obsessed with the “how” of commerce. We chased the frictionless transaction, lightning-fast delivery, and the algorithmic precision of the digital shelf. But as we move into 2026, the retail industry is hitting a wall of diminishing returns. The more relevant question is the “why” of commerce.
The Latest Retail Industry Insights and Analysis
Retailers: Pay Better Attention to the K!
Consumers are not moving in lockstep according to where they sit in the K. High-income consumers can be more financially
AI Visibility Demands Its Own Retail Strategy
A central marketing question for retail leaders today is simple: How do you reach and convert a buyer whose journey
Lowe’s: The Robin Report Retail Hit of the Week, 03. 28. 2026
With the home improvement sector continuing in the doldrums as the housing market remains dismal, give Lowe’s a big Hit
Listen Up
Retail Unwrapped
Our weekly podcast with Shelley E. Kohan, & guests. Available on your favorite podcast platforms.
Experience
Spoiler Alert: The Ultra Rich Are Pennywise and Pound Foolish
Marketing to the Ultra-High Net Worth is a much tougher challenge than marketing with and perhaps through them. The retail
Gen Z Uses Luxury to Build a Personal Profile
Where is Generation Z actually spending their money? As their social media profiles function like supplementary resumes, they’re spending to
Why Chanel and A$AP Rocky Reignite Luxury
Even well-off Gen Zs don’t have the once-promising career prospects as their millennial predecessors—and let’s be real, it’s hard to
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Opinion
Retailers Should Be Wary of Trade School Grads
There is a disturbing disconnect between the classroom and performance on a retail sales floor. This is an industry-wide problem.
Retail in 2026 Faces Political Headwinds — But Not a Freefall
If I were sitting in the CEO chair at a major retailer — whether a mass merchant like Macy’s or
Retailers Should Be Wary of Trade School Grads
There is a disturbing disconnect between the classroom and performance on a retail sales floor. This is an industry-wide problem.
Retail in 2026 Faces Political Headwinds — But Not a Freefall
If I were sitting in the CEO chair at a major retailer — whether a mass merchant like Macy’s or
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The Retail Unwrapped Podcast
Retail insights on-the-go, with Shelley E. Kohan. Available on your favorite podcast platforms.
From Our Partners
Placer’s 10 Brands to Watch + 3 Surprises
Check out Placer.ai’s latest enlightening report on the 10 Top Brands to Watch in 2025 when it comes to retail
How LoveShackFancy and WeWoreWhat Are Crushing Consumer Engagement
Watch and learn LoveShackFancy and WeWoreWhat are building engagement and social media strategies that matter to today’s younger consumer.
Technology
Can Retail Careers Survive AI?
The future of retail work will not be defined by whether humans or machines dominate. It will be defined by
There’s an AI Encouragement Gap
Early data on gender disparities in workforce AI training and encouragement show that the workplace of the future might be
Think You’re in Control Shopping for Groceries? Wrong!
Every scan of your card, every clipped coupon, every “substitute” you accept when something’s out of stock is recorded. You’re
Management
Chip Wilson: The Robin Report Retail Miss of the Week, 3.14.26
Chip Wilson is an ex-retailer, ever since he sold and then gave up control of the company he founded, Lululemon.
Lead Like Her: Marcy Schaffir, Turnaround Legend
Marcy is a customer-centric strategist and innovator; founder of Schaffir Consulting in 2022 she has been one of the most
Operations
Lowe’s: The Robin Report Retail Hit of the Week, 03. 28. 2026
With the home improvement sector continuing in the doldrums as the housing market remains dismal, give Lowe’s a big Hit
Shokay and the Yak: Farm-to-Fashion
By investing in a regenerative farm-to-fashion supply chain, brands elevate their value proposition in ways that are both socially and
A Store Is a Strategic Engine
Operationally rigorous retail is harder to replicate than it appears. It requires clear strategic priorities, disciplined assortment planning, and investment