Mars Released Research on Future Retail Trends
The study analyzed 180,000 data signals to forecast how AI and immersive technologies will transform consumer shopping habits.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Shopping — General
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Mars has released new research detailing the future of global retail after analyzing 180,000 data signals across four continents. The findings highlight a significant shift toward automated, personalized, and experiential digital shopping environments.
Why it matters
Understanding these technological shifts is essential for navigating the changing retail landscape where AI and automation are redefining consumer expectations. The report aims to help brands adapt to rising demands for effortless and personalized purchasing journeys.
AI referrals to e-commerce brands grew 752% during the 2025 holiday season, with these referrals projected to reach $788 billion by 2035. Additionally, 39% of consumers now expect personalized online experiences, while 22% of U.S. digital buyers utilize livestream shopping.
The players
Mars
Mars is a multi-generational company that has operated for 115 years.
Kantar
Kantar is a global marketing data and analytics firm that partnered with Mars for this research.
Synthesis
Synthesis is a research and analytics firm that provided data analysis support for the study.
The details
The study, conducted by Mars in partnership with Kantar and Synthesis, identifies future shopper demands as effortless, personal, and experiential. Researchers utilized stakeholder interviews, podcasts, news analysis, and publications to categorize how evolving technology will reshape daily commerce.
Timeline
AI referrals grew by 752% during the 2025 holiday season.
Mobile health and wellness apps are expected to grow 15% annually through 2030.
AI referrals are projected to reach $788 billion by 2035.
Routine grocery shopping is expected to become increasingly automated over the next decade.
Culture Shift
The transition toward automated retail reflects a departure from traditional search-based shopping toward personalized AI-driven discovery. This shift mirrors the rapid adoption seen in the 2025 holiday season e-commerce AI referral growth trend, suggesting that consumer habits are permanently moving toward hyper-integrated digital spaces.
Shoppers can expect increasingly personalized digital storefronts and more frequent opportunities to purchase via livestream platforms. These changes mean that daily routines, such as routine grocery procurement, will likely become more automated and faster over the coming decade.
The takeaway
Retailers are moving toward a future where AI handles the discovery process, fundamentally changing how consumers find and buy products. Readers should prepare for these shifts by familiarizing themselves with livestream shopping and personalized digital tools that will streamline their household purchasing.
Further reading
Discover more about evolving consumer behaviors in the Shopping — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Drug Store News.
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Do you prefer the convenience of automated grocery shopping over visiting stores in person?
