RAPORT INQUIRY
In this report, you will find out how technology is transforming the industry worldwide and how brands are responding to changing consumer needs in 2026.
FREE REPORT FROM THE EBELTOFT GROUP
New technologies, the growing importance of the shopping experience and the pressure to be sustainable are leading companies to trial entirely new business models today.
The Retail Innovations 21 report showcases the most interesting retail concepts from around the world – from new shop formats and innovative business models to solutions based on AI and the circular economy.
This year’s edition also featured three honourable mentions from Poland, demonstrating that local innovations are increasingly serving as a source of inspiration for the global market.
The report “Retail Innovations 21 (2026)” by the Ebeltoft Group, an international consultancy network of which Inquiry is a member, presents selected retail projects from various markets around the world. It illustrates how companies – from Europe and the US to Asia and Africa – are responding to changing consumer expectations.
In this publication, you will find, amongst other things:
1
Key trends in RETAIL
How is the role of shops changing, and what new formats and business models are emerging on the market?
2
Three key trends shaping the RETAIL sector
A Better World
: Solutions based on sustainable development and the circular economy.
Easy Journeys
: Technologies that simplify the purchasing process and remove barriers along the customer journey.
Engaging Destinations
: Shops as places for experiences, inspiration and building relationships with the brand.
3
EXAMPLES of innovative retail concepts
The report showcases projects across a range of categories: from AI-powered supermarkets to new service models and innovative shop concepts.
4
WHICH CONCEPTS FROM POLAND WERE HIGHLIGHTED in the global report?
This year’s edition of the report features three projects from Poland that showcase different avenues of innovation in retail: Rebread, Upcycling 8a.pl and Friscoach.
These are examples of projects that combine technology, sustainability and a new customer experience.
Read the full report.
Retailers and owners of retail chains.
FMCG manufacturers and consumer brands.
managers responsible for strategy and innovation.
people who develop shop concepts and the customer experience.
anyone who wants to understand the trends in the global retail sector.
CONTACT US
Today, innovation in retail is taking place where technology simplifies shopping, shops create experiences, and companies are changing the way they offer their products.
Agnieszka Górnicka, Chair of the Management Board of Inquiry sp. z o. o.
ABOUT US
We are a research company specialising in consumer research and ethnographic research. We help companies make informed marketing, strategic and sales decisions based on an understanding of consumers.
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Retail Innovations 20 summarises two decades of global changes in the retail sector and features dozens of inspiring case studies of solutions implemented by global market leaders. In it, you will learn how technology is transforming the industry and how brands are responding to changing consumer needs.