This episode breaks down key industry movements that will shape the ecommerce landscape in 2025 and 2026. Ecommerce operators will gain insights into strategic brand collaborations, M&A activity in the competitive health and wellness sector, and the potential impact of evolving trade policies on sourcing and pricing. The discussion provides a forward-looking perspective on how major players are adapting and what this means for smaller brands navigating a dynamic retail environment.
Key takeaways
Strategic brand collaborations, like NikeSkims, highlight the importance of unexpected partnerships to enter new markets or revitalize brand perception; consider co-creation with complementary brands to expand reach.
The acquisition of Alani Nu by Celsius underscores the aggressive M&A landscape in fast-growing sectors; evaluate acquisition targets or position your brand for acquisition by clearly defining market fit and growth potential.
Prepare for potential shifts in international trade policies and tariffs (e.g., Crocs' proactive stance); audit supply chains for tariff exposure and develop contingency plans to mitigate cost increases or disruptions.
Explore emerging retail channels and marketing strategies, such as TikTok Shop, which can act as a critical lifeline and launchpad for growth, especially for brands facing financial challenges.
Analyze the 'Amazon Effect' and changes in platform policies; be prepared to adapt to evolving payment terms or advertising costs on major marketplaces by diversifying sales channels and marketing efforts.
Themes
brand partnershipsmergers and acquisitionsretail strategytrade policy
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.
Frequently asked about this episode
What does this episode say about brand partnerships?
Strategic brand collaborations, like NikeSkims, highlight the importance of unexpected partnerships to enter new markets or revitalize brand perception; consider co-creation with complementary brands to expand reach.
What does this episode say about mergers and acquisitions?
The acquisition of Alani Nu by Celsius underscores the aggressive M&A landscape in fast-growing sectors; evaluate acquisition targets or position your brand for acquisition by clearly defining market fit and growth potential.
What does this episode say about retail strategy?
Prepare for potential shifts in international trade policies and tariffs (e.g., Crocs' proactive stance); audit supply chains for tariff exposure and develop contingency plans to mitigate cost increases or disruptions.
What does this episode say about trade policy?
Explore emerging retail channels and marketing strategies, such as TikTok Shop, which can act as a critical lifeline and launchpad for growth, especially for brands facing financial challenges.
What does this episode say about brand partnerships?
Analyze the 'Amazon Effect' and changes in platform policies; be prepared to adapt to evolving payment terms or advertising costs on major marketplaces by diversifying sales channels and marketing efforts.
