Despite inflation, rising gas prices, and continued pressure on household budgets, consumers are still showing up at stores. But where they’re shopping, how often they’re visiting, and what they’re willing to spend on are telling a much bigger story. So, which retailers came out on top in 2026, and what can we expect heading into 2027?
In the latest Omni Talk Retail Ask An Expert Series, Chris Walton welcomes R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at Placer.ai, to break down the biggest retail trends of 2026 through the lens of foot traffic and consumer behavior data. From the continued success of warehouse clubs and off-price retailers to Target’s comeback, the resilience of coffee chains, and the surprising resurgence of shopping malls, the two explore what’s driving consumers into stores and which retail strategies are actually working. Plus, RJ shares his predictions for 2027 and why giving consumers a compelling reason to shop will matter more than ever.
In this episode:
- 0:00 – Looking back at the biggest retail trends of 2026
- 3:25 – How Placer.ai uses foot traffic data to analyze retail performance
- 5:15 – Why consumers remain resilient despite inflation and rising gas prices
- 7:55 – How e-commerce, warehouse clubs, and off-price retailers are winning
- 12:40 – Target’s comeback and the retailers outperforming expectations
- 14:20 – Why quick-service restaurants are losing ground to grocery and convenience stores
- 16:22 – The surprising resilience of Starbucks and coffee chains
- 18:42 – Why shopping malls are making a comeback as community hubs
- 23:43 – Retail predictions for 2027 and the future of consumer spending
Whether you’re a retailer, marketer, consumer insights leader, or simply fascinated by how economic and cultural shifts influence buying behavior, this conversation offers research-backed insights into the forces shaping today’s consumer and tomorrow’s retail landscape.
Tune in now on the platform of your choice below:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Soundcloud | Amazon Music
Be careful out there,
– Chris and the Omni Talk team
P.S. To explore more conversations from the Omni Talk Ask an Expert Series, head here.
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Omni Talk® is the retail blog for retailers, written by retailers. Chris Walton founded Omni Talk® in 2017 and have quickly turned it into one of the fastest growing blogs in retail.