Talking Retail Live 2026: What Retailers & Brands Need to Focus on Now

Talking Retail Live 2026 at the Kia Oval brought together some of the most respected voices in convenience retail, and one thing was clear from the outset: This is a sector that doesn’t stand still.

Despite economic pressures, rising operational challenges and evolving consumer expectations, independent retailers continue to adapt, innovate and lead from the front. And for brands, the opportunity to support them- and grow alongside them- has never been more important.

Here are our key take outs from the day:

1. It Was a Good Year… But Not Without Pressure

Across the opening panel, there was cautious optimism. For some, it had been a strong year. For others, more challenging than expected. But the common thread? Retailers need to be more focused, more strategic, and more intentional in how they operate.

The response to ongoing pressures, whether economic, operational, or regulatory has been to “knuckle down”:

• Be more calculated with ranging and pricing
• Focus on delivering real value
• Put the community at the centre of decision-making

Challenges like theft, illicit trade, and recruitment continue to impact stores. But the mindset shared was clear: as business owners, control what you can and keep evolving.

2. Value Means More Than Price

One of the strongest themes throughout the day was a shift in how “value” is defined. Yes, price still matters, but it’s no longer the full story.

Retailers spoke about value as:

• Customer service and experience
• Relevance of range
• Convenience (delivery, online, accessibility)
• In-store theatre and engagement

Some of the most forward-thinking retailers are going beyond simply stocking products by creating immersive in-store experiences, particularly around NPD launches, and working closely with brands to bring products to life.

For brands, this is a clear opportunity:

➡️ Support retailers with activations, not just listings.

3. Get to know Your Customers- REALLY know them, Then Act on It

Retail success is increasingly data-led, but grounded in real human understanding.

Retailers highlighted:

• The importance of Epos data to refine ranges
• Staying close to emerging trends (e.g. protein, functional health products)
• Adapting quickly to local demand and evolving tastes

Shoppers today are more informed than ever, particularly around health and wellbeing, and expect stores to reflect that in what they are selling.

The takeaway is simple:

➡️ Relevance drives loyalty.

4. Community Is Still the Competitive Advantage

Perhaps the most powerful thread running through the entire event was the role of the retailer as a community hub.

From supporting local suppliers and producers, to contributing to food banks, schools and local initiatives, independent retailers are deeply embedded in their communities.

And that connection matters.

• Stocking locally made produce= stronger customer loyalty
• Supporting local causes = deeper relationships
• Being present = long-term trust

As one retailer put it: “Nothing is more rewarding than raising someone else in your community.”

For brands, this presents a huge opportunity:

➡️ Partner with retailers in ways that strengthen their community role, not just their sales.

5. Illicit Trade Is Growing and Retailers Must Act to Influence

A more serious note came from discussions around illicit tobacco, vape and nicotine products. The scale is significant and growing.

Retailers were encouraged to:

• Stay vigilant for signs of illicit products
• Report issues clearly (who, what, where, when)
• Engage in upcoming regulatory consultations
• Make their voices heard with MPs and industry bodies

With further regulation on the horizon (including licensing and display rules), proactivity will be key.

6. Low & No Alcohol Is No Longer a Trend, It’s a Behaviour Shift

The low and no alcohol category has evolved rapidly and is now a major growth opportunity.

Key insights:

• 40% of adults who are purchasing alcohol are considering low/no options 
• The category has rapidly expanded beyond beer into spirits, RTDs and stout 
• Growth is being driven by health-conscious consumers and Gen Z

But there are still barriers:

• Customer confusion
• Lack of in-store signposting
• Pricing challenges vs supermarkets

For retailers:

➡️ Start small, create visibility, and talk to customers about what they like. Sample products with them

For brands:

➡️ Help simplify the category and support trial (e.g. multi-buy formats)

7. Get the Basics Right First

One of the most practical sessions focused on a simple but often overlooked principle: “Core before more.”

Retailers were reminded to:

• Prioritise core lines
• Use data to make ranging decisions regularly (not annually)
• Optimise shelf space and layout with that data
• Make decisions easy for shoppers by making core lines visible

With 6 in 10 purchase decisions made in-store, clarity and simplicity are critical.

Price-marked packs (PMPs) remain a balancing act, but continue to play a key role in:

• Building trust
• Reinforcing value perception
• Driving volume

8. The Future of Convenience Is Already Here

From food-to-go and “meal for tonight” solutions, to sustainability and community integration, the convenience store is evolving quickly.

Retailers who are succeeding are those who:

• Stay close to trends
• Adapt formats and ranges
• Think beyond traditional retail

The future isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things better.

9. Collaboration Is the Thread That Ties It All Together

If there was one message that cut across every session, it was this: Retail works best when it works together.

• Retailers supporting each other
• Brands working more closely with stores
• Suppliers acting as true partners
• The industry speaking with a collective voice

Because in a landscape full of challenges, collaboration is what unlocks growth.

Final Thought

Talking Retail Live 2026 reinforced something we see every day at *shopt by working closely with both retailers and brands: The independent retail sector is resilient, adaptive and full of opportunity.

For brands, the message is clear:

➡️ Be faster to support

➡️ Be closer to store-level needs

➡️ Deliver value that goes beyond the product

And for retailers:

➡️ Stay focused, stay relevant, and keep your community at the centre

Because that’s where real growth happens.

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