Who are the experts in Global Consumer Retail?

Analysts from Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and other firms identify a structural shift in consumer behavior as the central force shaping global retail. Deloitte research finds that **50% of global consumers** are now "value seekers" who prioritize cost-conscious, deal-driven purchases [1, 2, 3, 22]. This trend extends even to affluent demographics, with 35% of high-income consumers also classified as value seekers [1, 4, 5, 23]. However, experts caution against defining value solely by price; Deloitte also finds that up to 40% of consumers perceive value from non-price factors like quality, service, and experience [6, 10, 14]. This has led to what Ethan of Placer_ai calls a market bifurcation, where high-end and value-oriented retailers outperform a struggling mid-tier . David Silverman confirms this, noting that discounters like Five Below and Walmart are benefiting from a consumer base grappling with inflation [11, 29]. The significance of this shift is underscored by a Deloitte survey in which nearly 70% of retail executives stated they believe this value-seeking behavior is a permanent structural change, not a temporary reaction to economic pressures .

In response to this new consumer landscape, corporate strategy is coalescing around portfolio focus and specialization. According to Deloitte, consumer product companies are actively divesting underperforming assets to concentrate investment in high-demand product lines [1, 27]. This move away from broad, conglomerate-style approaches is supported by a strong industry consensus; **85% of executives** believe a specialized, "category killer" business model will outperform more diversified strategies . This strategic pivot towards focus is reshaping the traditional relationship between CPG companies and retailers, creating both tension and new opportunities for deeper collaboration through data sharing and joint planning . Lou Frankfort warns, however, that as companies use technology to accelerate learning from consumer data, they face a growing risk of brand homogenization .

Looking ahead, experts are tracking disruptive technological and health trends poised to reshape the industry. Daniel Newman of Futurum Group predicts that 2026 will be a key year for widespread **AI monetization**, moving the technology from a cost center to a revenue driver [16, 17]. Dulie Rodrigo of KPMG envisions a future where consumer AI agents communicate directly with retailer AI agents , a trend already taking shape as Google partners with Walmart and Target to deploy Gemini-powered chatbots . Separately, Ali Furman of PwC forecasts an exponential increase in the adoption of GLP-1 drugs, which will create significant demand headwinds for traditional food and beverage companies [13, 15]. This aligns with a broader consumer focus on "healthspan" and wellness, a global phenomenon noted by Gemma Dauria of McKinsey, which compels brands to build trust through transparency and ingredient integrity [8, 18, 25].