2026 just started, and already it’s looking like it will be a challenge for many retailers. Customers’ expectations of retail shopping have shifted dramatically in recent years, many looking for better value and higher levels of personalisation. Loyalty seems to be waning, as customers will often price shop and jump to new brands without hesitation if they find a better deal. At the same time, they often will reward businesses that match their values, feel modern, and offer an attentive shopping experience. And to make matters that much harder: competition has increased.

Retail success in 2026 means understanding what customers want, keeping stock aligned with real demand, and creating a shopping experience that feels intentional rather than improvised. And those who collect and use data effectively are the ones that will most likely still be relevant next year, and potentially for years to come.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the trends driving retail marketing in 2026, and how your shop can leverage them to wow customers—and keep them coming back.

Leverage Insights to Build Customer Loyalty 

Effective marketing in 2026 starts with giving customers a clear reason to come back. Thanks to technology, independent retailers can now use the same tactics that big chains rely on, and the most effective place to begin is with members-only pricing. A simple loyalty scheme that offers exclusive prices, early access to new stock, or occasional VIP hours creates a sense of belonging while keeping your margins under control. Customers are often happy to share an email address or phone number when the value is obvious, and that information becomes the foundation for targeted, relevant marketing.

With shoppers often having a holiday shopping hangover, January is a particularly powerful moment to launch or refresh a loyalty programme. Anyone who missed out last year will likely be more receptive, especially if they’ve had an exceptionally expensive holiday season.

But make no mistake, loyalty programmes aren’t just about creating warm fuzzies. They also often grant you access to valuable customer data, which in term can generate insights that will help you drive sales.

Retailers who pay attention to what people actually enjoy can create experiences that generate buzz.  Keeping popular items in stock, offering quick checkout, and making click-and-collect smooth all contribute to a sense of reliability. Your EPOS system data, which can track customer purchases, can reveal buying patterns, peak times, and product preferences that aren’t obvious from the shop floor alone.

Finally, the small touches matter. A curated table of giftable add-ons, a local product range, or a warm welcome can shift a visit from transactional to memorable. Staff prompts inside the EPOS system help teams recognise returning customers and personalise the interaction. When shoppers feel valued, they return more often and spend more confidently.

Future-proof Your Stock

Staying relevant in 2026 means keeping your shelves aligned with what customers actually want right now. Trends move quickly, and shoppers expect retailers to keep pace. A toy shop that ignores Jellycats or a gift shop that misses the latest craze will seem out of touch, and customers will notice that instantly.

EPOS data helps you spot rising products early and identify items that are losing momentum. When you can see what’s selling, what’s slowing down, and what customers are asking for, you can adjust your buying decisions with confidence. Fast rotation of underperforming stock keeps your space fresh, and doubling down on proven winners protects your margins.

Dynamic Shelving and Smart Merchandising

Product placement shapes buying behaviour, and the layout of your shop deserves deliberate attention. Eye-level shelves, clear seasonal zones, and well-positioned impulse items help guide customers naturally toward the products you want them to notice. Small adjustments can often create meaningful lifts in sales.

EPOS data supports these decisions by showing which items deserve prime visibility and which ones need repositioning or bundling. A layout that feels intentional gives customers confidence in your range and makes the space easier to navigate, which encourages longer visits and higher spend.

Are you getting the most out of your EPOS? If not, we can help. Contact our EPOS specialists to discuss how your business can use your EPOS system to grow in 2026.