"Fashion is entering 2026 in the midst of its most significant reset since the pandemic, with the global industry, worth $1.7 trillion (£1.2tn), being reshaped by rising costs, changing consumer values and rapid advances in artificial intelligence. All this is forcing brands to rethink not only what they sell, but how they operate, who they employ and how they earn customers' loyalty."
"Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging trend in fashion, it is already part of the supply chain. By 2030, up to 40 per cent of workers in developed economies will be expected to reskill as generative AI automates around a third of working hours across industries. In fashion, this is already happening fast and out of sight in customer service, logistics and stock management, improving efficiency while exposing major skills gaps."
"There's a shift from spending money on goods to travel and experiences. Executives say consumer retention is more important than ever with 50% identifying it as a top priority for 2026. Fashion brands that connect with what matters to their customers will be best positioned to earn lasting loyalty. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Belonging Is The New Brand Power British consumers have grown weary of dopamine-fuelled microtrends and en"
Nine major forces will shape fashion in 2026, with AI, wellbeing and resale most impactful for UK consumers. Artificial intelligence is embedded across supply chains, customer service, logistics and stock management, driving efficiency while creating major skills gaps and prompting large-scale reskilling as generative AI automates significant working hours. Generative-AI shopping searches surged, and many consumers now trust AI-generated search results, enabling more personalised, conversational shopping and eventual AI agents that compare and buy. Consumer spending is shifting toward travel and experiences, making retention a top priority, and brands that foster belonging and align with customer values will earn lasting loyalty.
Read at The Independent
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