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A spotlight on Retail and Brand Manufacturers
Inside Digital &
eCommerce 2026
The 2026 Australian study of 107 retailers and brand manufacturers reveals a stark gap: almost everyone sees AI, personalisation and retail media as critical, yet barely anyone is ready to execute. See exactly where ambition outpaces capability — and what it means for each side of the shelf.
of retail leaders believe AI will significantly or moderately impact how shoppers buy
of retail leaders are fully confident their data & marTech foundations are AI-ready
of brand leaders prioritise product content & digital shelf — nearly double 12 months ago
The shared challenge
Two sectors. One shared challenge: ambition is outpacing execution.
Both retailers and brand manufacturers understand what needs to be done. Both are investing in the right areas. But foundational capability — in data, technology, skill and AI-readiness — is making it harder to accelerate.
Retailers
Doubling down on AI, loyalty and identity — while only 12% trust their own foundations.
Brand Manufacturers
Owning more of the shopper journey while wrestling with retail-media trust and product-content friction.
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