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Resilient retail supply chains 2026 | Retail and Consumer Products Outlooks 2026 | Deloitte Insights
Summary
Supply chains are becoming a defining source of resilience and competitive advantage in retail by 2026. Retailers face an operating environment characterized by rising costs, trade complexity, and ongoing disruptions, prompting a reevaluation of supply chain designs.
A global survey of over 330 senior retail executives reveals that 95% expect costs to rise, primarily due to global trade policies and logistics volatility. In response, two-thirds of executives are prepared to restructure their supply chains using strategies like near-shoring and diversifying their supply base.
Technology, particularly AI, plays a crucial role in this transformation. Currently, about 30% of retailers utilize AI for supply chain visibility, with expectations for this number to rise to 41% within the next year. AI aids in early disruption detection, accurate demand forecasting, and optimizing trade-offs between cost, speed, and service.
Nearly 60% of executives anticipate a positive return on investment from AI-driven supply chain initiatives within the next 12 months, indicating that these technologies are providing tangible value. The emphasis for 2026 is on adaptability rather than size or cost.
Perspectives
short
Proactive Retail Executives
- Recognize supply chains as critical for resilience and competitive advantage
- Expect rising costs due to global trade policies and logistics volatility
- Prepare to restructure supply chains in response to cost increases
- Utilize strategies like near-shoring and diversifying supply bases
- Leverage AI for improved supply chain visibility and demand forecasting
- Anticipate positive ROI from AI-driven initiatives within 12 months
Skeptics of AI Integration
- Question the universal enhancement of supply chain operations through AI
- Highlight potential barriers such as integration challenges
- Point out varying levels of technological adoption among retailers
- Warn of misalignment between investment in AI and actual operational improvements
Neutral / Shared
- Acknowledge the urgency among retailers to adapt to changing market conditions
- Recognize the role of technology in facilitating supply chain transformations
Metrics
cost_increase_expectation
95%
percentage of retail executives expecting cost increases
This indicates a widespread concern about rising operational costs in the retail sector.
95% of retail executives expect costs to rise in 2026
executives_restructuring
two thirds %
percentage of executives planning to restructure supply chains
This reflects a proactive approach to managing anticipated cost increases.
two thirds of executives say they're prepared to restructure their supply chains
ai_adoption_current
30%
current percentage of retailers using AI for supply chain visibility
This shows the current level of technological integration in supply chain management.
about 30% of retailers are already using AI for supply chain visibility
ai_adoption_future
41%
expected percentage of retailers using AI for supply chain visibility within a year
This indicates a significant anticipated growth in AI adoption in the near future.
that number is expected to grow to 41% within the next year
roi_expectation
60%
percentage of executives expecting positive ROI from AI initiatives
This suggests confidence in the effectiveness of AI investments in supply chain operations.
nearly 60% of executives expect a positive return on investment from AI-driven supply chain initiatives
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
In 2026, supply chains are increasingly recognized as critical for resilience and competitive advantage in retail. Retail executives are proactively restructuring their supply chains in response to rising costs and trade complexities.
- In 2026, supply chains are becoming vital for resilience and competitive edge in retail due to rising costs and trade complexities
- Many retail executives expect cost increases from global trade policies and logistics issues, prompting them to restructure supply chains proactively
- Approximately two-thirds of executives plan to adopt near-shoring and supplier diversification strategies to enhance supply chain flexibility amid rising input costs
- Artificial intelligence is increasingly essential for supply chain operations, with around 30% of retailers currently using it for visibility, and this figure is expected to grow significantly
- AI helps retailers identify disruptions sooner and improve demand forecasting, leading to better decision-making on costs, speed, and service, with many executives anticipating a positive ROI from AI initiatives within a year
- The most resilient supply chains in 2026 will focus on adaptability rather than size or cost, enabling retailers to manage disruptions effectively and maintain operational continuity