Shopping for the future: what stores will be like in 2026

Even 10 years ago, we did not know anything about Instagram, or even more about shopping on social networks. So to speak, not too long ago we could not imagine that we can make purchases without getting out of the couch.

Technologies are developing in seven-step steps, and this gives reason to think: what will be the stores in another 5-10 years? The progressive minds of the fashion world make their predictions.

Forecast 1. The mobile revolution

In 2026, mobile devices will be our main shopping mall. According to research by Forrester, by 2020, mobile commerce will amount to $ 252 billion and will equal 49% of total online purchases . There is no doubt that in a few years, these figures will increase in number.

However, the mobile revolution means so much more than just the ability to make purchases by phone. It will force retailers to fully revise the concept of customer service. "I think this idea will be successful: you buy the thing from the store with your mobile device, and when you get home, it's already waiting for you on the doorstep," said Christina Mercando, founder of Smartly Jewelry Ringly.

Forecast 2. Shop on the sofa

If you can buy everything with your smartphone, why bother going to the store at all? According to Jennifer Hyman, the founder of Rent the Runway, retailers will have to ask themselves this question more and more: will only be present online. "

Stores of the future will be non-standard and as convenient as possible for customers. "I think we will soon see stores integrated into unusual places like Uber or Airbnb. Traditional stores will be used mainly not for sale, but to strengthen the relationship between buyers and brands, ”says Matthias Metternich, founder of Cocodune, a swimwear delivery company. He believes that since most people find it convenient to try things at home, more and more brands will offer a "try before you buy" service.

Forecast 3. Fulfillment of desires

Big Data processing technologies are already able to predict pregnancy, divorce and crime (I would prefer not in this order). So it's only a matter of time before they can figure out what kind of fashion coat we will dream of next fall. "Consumers are accustomed to services that are honed to fulfill their desires, such as Google and Facebook. In our work we apply technologies that allow us to track what is interesting to our customers. Personalization is the main trend in retail in the near future, ”says Melissa Davis, Vice President of ShopStyle.

Prediction 4. Designer himself

No one knows better than you want to see a particular wardrobe item (even Big Data). This is why, in the near future, purchases will become much more involved in creating things. "I believe the acquisition will soon be replaced by co-creation," says Levi's Vice President of Innovation Paul Dillinger. Google ATAP Technical Manager Ivan Pupyrev goes even further: “For the last 10 years, people have been buying a lot of virtual goods for real money: smartphone apps, data warehouses, game characters. Perhaps in 2026 we will upload thumbnails to a computer and print things on home 3D printers . "

Forecast 5. Bikini in January

In the future, clothing will no longer be seasonal. New bikini models will be available in January and coats in August. “In addition to the traditional seasonal collections, we will see more and more brands offer new trends throughout the year. This will allow designers to experiment more and produce things that might be lost in a large collection, but may be successful in solo performance, ”says Metternich.

Forecast 6. Smart clothes

Desktop technologies will be everywhere, however, we will not call them that. "In 10 years, the concept of" body "will be as outdated as" portable "today. By 2026, most of our wardrobe will have technological capabilities, ”Dillinger said. "Desktop technologies will become more sophisticated and able to connect to the network instantly," confirms Pupyrev. "They will have access to all cloud services and the ability to provide AI services." Let's decipher that one day your zipper will be able to fasten itself when it gets cold, and a sports bag will try to evoke a sense of guilt.