Editor’s Note
This analysis from the Deloitte Consumer Industry Center outlines five key dynamics poised to reshape the retail landscape by 2026. As the marketplace becomes increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, the report underscores the critical need for retailers to embrace agility, intelligence, and operational discipline to stay competitive.
Five dynamics are expected to reshape the retail industry in 2026, demanding agility, intelligence, and discipline in an increasingly AI-led marketplace.
Article • 12-min read • 08 January 2026 • Deloitte Consumer Industry Center
United States
Evan Sheehan
Global retail, wholesale, and distribution sector leader
United States
Evan Sheehan is the retail, wholesale, and distribution leader for Deloitte Global. In this role, he is responsible for developing the global sector strategy and integrating businesses and go-to-market solutions across the Deloitte network. Currently the global lead client service partner for a leading retail organization in the United States, Sheehan has more than 20 years of experience serving a range of retail clients. Over the years, he has helped clients with service delivery transformation, technology integration, portal management, and enterprise transformation.
[email protected]
+1 617 437 2734
United States
Natalie Martini
US retail and consumer products sector leader
United States
Natalie Martini serves as the vice chair and US retail and consumer products sector leader for Deloitte. She is also an audit and assurance partner and has 25 years of professional experience auditing and advising large and mid-sized multinational companies across the retail, distribution, and technology industries. Martini assists public and private companies through complex transactions, including initial public offerings, carve-out audits, acquisitions, and dispositions.
[email protected]
+1 312 486 2464
United States
Brian McCarthy
Principal | Retail strategy and business transformation
United States
Brian McCarthy is a principal in Deloitte’s strategy and analytics practice. He has more than 15 years of retail experience spanning the retail value chain. His specific work includes merchandising, supply chain, store operations, and enabling analytics and technology.
McCarthy has advised department, specialty, mass, and grocery retailers through growth strategy and business transformation engagements, including merchandising and supply chain transformation, assortment, organizational structure design, process redesign, inventory management, and capacity planning.
[email protected]
+1 212 313 1894
United States
Lupine Skelly
Retail, wholesale, and distribution research leader
United States
