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What does 2026 hold for supply chain and retail operations?
1. Growth in technology
Technology has become inseparable from everyday life. The widespread adoption of AI and platforms like ChatGPT has transformed retail and supply chain operations. Customer experience continues to drive innovation, but personalization at the retail level is putting pressure on outdated infrastructure and poorly developed supply chain strategies.
Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) are now integrated with supply chain technology, enabling predictive decision-making from production through to the shelf, yet data breaches have made companies hyper-focused on security.
2. Tariffs and global trade
Supply and demand balancing issues caused by U.S. tariffs continue to impact global costs. The total cost of operations is yet to settle into a “new normal.” Global suppliers are seeking new markets for long-lead-time items, and longer-term investment in the U.S. may be at risk if pricing security cannot be achieved.
One of the biggest tariff-related impacts has been the rising cost of automation within the U.S. Interestingly, markets outside the U.S. are benefiting from this, with medium- and long-term automation projects becoming more feasible.
3. Unified commerce
Post-COVID, unified commerce saw a sharp spike followed by a decline in online volumes in late 2025. These volumes are now returning as companies adopt CDPs and unified commerce strategies. Convenience remains central to decision-making, especially in last-mile and eCommerce operations. Businesses are entering a more sophisticated environment, connecting fulfillment operations and managing channels strategically.
4. Property market trends
Property markets are shifting:
- Australia: Vacancy rates are rising from under 1% in 2024–25 to 4–5%.
- North America: Key markets have seen vacancy rise by 5%, with some areas reaching 7–9%.
- UK: Vacancy has surpassed 5% and is heading toward 6–7%.
Short-term lease options with caps and lower rents have been widely adopted, but new leases are seeing global rent increases. Specialized facilities are driving vacancies in older properties, while demand for data centers continues to grow, putting pressure on industrial zones and planning requirements.
Conclusion: What to expect in 2026
2026 promises to be a year of transformation, where technology, customer expectations, and global trade dynamics converge to reshape supply chains and retail operations. Key takeaways are:
- Continued investment in automated facilities
- Consumer behavior driving infrastructure change and fulfillment strategies
- Significant technological impacts on supply chains
- A balanced property market offering opportunities for evolution and change
Watch last year’s predictions here: 2025: The Year of Generational Transformative Change | TMX Transform