AlixPartners Index Highlights Shifts in Shopping Trends

The 2026 Consumer Sentiment Index reveals significant changes in apparel sizing priorities and price sensitivity.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Shopping — General

AlixPartners Index Highlights Shifts in Shopping Trends

Live Poll

Do you trust that current clothing prices reflect the actual quality of the apparel you buy?

A new report from AlixPartners finds that shoppers are increasingly prioritizing consistent fit and product availability as apparel prices climb. The study, which polled over 9,000 consumers, also notes shifting preferences for inclusive sizing and the rise of AI-driven product discovery.

Why it matters

Rising costs for women's apparel and changing consumer body sizes are forcing retailers to adapt their inventories. These shifts, coupled with the impact of GLP-1 medication usage, require brands to balance value with changing expectations for product diversity.

The AlixPartners study found that 87 percent of consumers view product availability as important, while 11 percent of U.S. consumers now use GLP-1 medications. Additionally, apparel prices jumped 15 percent over the two years ending in August 2026.

The players

AlixPartners

This global consulting firm specializes in performance improvement and corporate turnarounds for retail and other industries.

H&M

This multinational clothing retail company is known for its fast-fashion offerings for men, women, teenagers, and children.

Asos

This British online fashion and cosmetic retailer serves as a major platform for young adults globally.

Reformation

This sustainable fashion brand focuses on women's apparel and operates primarily through an e-commerce model.

The details

Retailers are seeing a marked decline in inclusive product assortments, with drops ranging from 5 percent at H&M to 60 percent at Reformation. To combat these challenges, stores are investing in experiential retail settings, such as cafes, to encourage physical shopping while preparing for an AI-integrated future where 10 percent of consumers already begin their product searches.

In 2024, 55 percent of activewear shoppers valued inclusive product options.
In 2025, 29 percent of activewear shoppers valued consistent fit.
The two-year period of rising women's apparel prices ended in August 2026.
The 2026 Consumer Sentiment Index was released in October 2026.

Culture Shift

The 2026 AlixPartners Consumer Sentiment Index tracks shifts in shopping trends that contradict the assumption of steady consumer demand for standard sizes. This report highlights how inflation and new medical trends are disrupting traditional retail supply chain strategies.

Shoppers may find it harder to locate specific inclusive sizes as retailers reduce inventory diversity in response to shifting sentiment. You should expect to rely more on AI-driven search tools for discovery, as these platforms increasingly dictate what products are surfaced during your shopping routines.

The takeaway

Retailers are currently prioritizing inventory consistency over broader inclusivity as they face higher operational costs. Consumers should focus on verifying specific brand fit guides as companies continue to adjust their sizing strategies in response to new data.