Global Scans · Lifestyles · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Digital lifestyles are on the rise around the world and AR and VR will likely see us all using wearables, head-mounted displays and smartphones in almost everything we do. And, most of us will be living in cities too with full amenities close by.

• [New] Generative AI shopping assistants could disintermediate Amazon by enabling price comparison and direct-to-consumer connections. Deep Research Global
• [New] Shopping directly within social media apps (like TikTok Shop and Facebook) is a primary sales channel, with global sales forecast to exceed $1.17 trillion in 2026. Wiserreview
• [New] The future of shopping will be increasingly conversational and automated. The Pilot News
• [New] In 2026, AI shopping agents will change how people buy, spreading demand across thousands of smaller sellers instead of a few major hubs. Supply Chain Management Review
• [New] In 2026, marketers who can leverage AI to optimize campaigns and analyze consumer behaviour will stand out in a competitive field. SteezeTech
• [New] Agentic AI will continue to simplify the shopping journey, from automatic grocery replenishment to deal-finding. eMarketer
• [New] By 2026, if retailers do not make shopping seamless within content, customers will lose interest and turn to competitors. Retail Systems
• [New] In 2026, brands that clearly communicate values, data practices, and authenticity will stand out. Social Lady
• [New] Recurrent Neural Networks and LSTMs will dominate personalized shopping experiences by 2026. Software House
• [New] In 2026, organizations must focus on managing human behaviour and AI agents to reduce the risk of a cyber incident. Techzine Global
• [New] Privacy approaches will drive the success of shopping agents. Pure AI
• [New] In 2026, expect pay-to-play advertising in commerce to change shape, as consumers increasingly choose AI search for their shopping journeys. Vogue
• [New] According to Kingsland Drinks' latest outlook, 2026 drinks trends will center on moderation, premium value, and alternative formats as producers respond to evolving lifestyles and economic pressure. The Rum Lab
• [New] McKinsey estimates that the transition toward Agentic Commerce could represent US$ 1 trillion in the U.S. B2C retail sector by 2030, with a global opportunity reaching US$3 to 5 trillion as automated shopping and payment flows become part of everyday life. FinExtra
• [New] Agentic AI will change the top of the shopping journey first. eMarketer
• [New] Major global sporting events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, have the potential to lift property values in surrounding areas, though lasting impact often depends on broader urban development plans. Wealth Professional
• [New] From the impact of GLP-1 medications on eating behaviour, to protein-dense snacking, clean-label reformulation and authentic global flavours, each trend represents a practical opportunity for product development. Lupa Foods
• [New] By 2026, 17% of all online sales are expected to occur through social platforms, with livestream shopping projected to reach $70 billion in the U.S. alone. Wiserreview
• [New] Economic uncertainty will continue to shape behaviour in 2026, and customers are already scrutinising purchases more carefully than ever. Adrian Swinscoe | Customer and Employee Engagement | Im
• [New] In 2026, websites and marketing platforms will increasingly utilize AI to personalize content, messaging, and user journeys based on behaviour, intent, and real-time data. Web Ascender

Last updated: 15 January 2026