The Evolution of Commerce, the "Slow Rise" of AI, and Hyper-Personalization: Supply Chain and Retail Predictions for 2026

Author: Gerridt Woesmann, Senior Sales Executive at Manhattan Associates

Technological advancements remain rapid, global dynamics are changing almost daily, and consumer expectations are changing faster than at any time in retail history. Against this backdrop, Manhattan Associates is looking ahead to 2026 – with the ambition not only to accompany the change, but to actively shape it.

By the end of 2026, traditional POS systems will be replaced by mobile POS platforms that serve as omnichannel hubs rather than transactional terminals – that's one of Manhattan Associates' predictions for retail. Photo (©Getty Images, licensed to Manhattan Associates)

The following predictions are based on in-depth, data-driven insights, decades of industry experience, and observations and feedback from working with customers over the past twelve months. Among other things, the focus is on the increasing spread of artificial intelligence in all areas of the economy, the further transformation of trade and the impact of trends such as "hyper-personalization" on supply chains that are already under severe strain.

1.In 2026, AI tools will be used on a larger scale to reduce the cost of labor-intensive tasks and significantly speed up project implementation. These AI tools will evolve to automatically detect and address disruptions or issues, making processes self-correcting and overall supply chains more robust and resilient.

2.Professional services organizations will accelerate the adoption of AI-driven automation to optimize their performance. This enables faster onboarding of new hires, smarter resource allocation, and support models that improve operational service delivery. As customers increasingly expect transparency and demonstrable value, professional services teams will increasingly focus on solution-oriented collaboration with clearly measurable benefits. They use real-time data and collaborative platforms to co-build solutions for faster ROI.

3.While more companies are expected to adopt new AI capabilities next year, growth is likely to slow compared to the rapid pace of the last 24 months. In 2026, organizations will quickly realize that they need data cleansing and digital modernization if they want to leverage new AI capabilities effectively. This gives them the speed, accuracy and real value they are looking for.

4.Im B2B space, intelligent decision-making at the exact time of purchase decision is increasingly becoming the norm as companies look to maximize customer service and profitability. Smart procurement, order distribution relative to supply, and continuous reallocation will be a recurring theme, bringing ERP systems into focus with a view to meeting customer expectations in 2026.

5.The consumer is now omnipresent: they want to transact from anywhere, have orders fulfilled according to their wishes, and return items at their convenience. As a result, the supply chain must focus on customer orders in real-time, regardless of the channel through which the order is received. Unified commerce adoption is expected to accelerate as retailers grapple with the increasing demands of hyper-personalization.

6.By the end of 2026, traditional POS systems will be replaced by mobile POS platforms that serve more as omnichannel hubs and less as transaction terminals. These platforms are connected to real-time inventory and fulfillment systems, providing employees with dynamic options such as shipping from the store, later pickup, or same-day delivery at the point of decision. They also provide extensive information for employees, including customer history, loyalty status, recent browsing activity, and open shopping carts, allowing employees to serve customers faster, more accurately, and more individually.

7.Retailers like Walmart have already announced huge investments in conversational commerce. We can expect this to fundamentally change the way we shop online, away from traditional search and towards shopping with AI interaction.

8.Social commerce will continue to grow rapidly. TikTok Shop has just had a record year, with an average of 6,000 live shopping sessions per day taking place on the platform. According to Nielsen IQ, the market in Germany is growing fastest in Europe.

ABOUT MANHATTAN ASSOCIATES

Manhattan Associates is a technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce. We bring together information across the enterprise to ensure front-end sales and back-end supply chains align exactly. Our software, platform technology and deep experience help customers achieve optimal growth without sacrificing revenue and earnings targets.

Manhattan Associates designs, builds, and delivers next-generation cloud solutions to enable users to benefit from the omnichannel marketplace in-store, across their network, or from their fulfillment center. Further information: https://www.manh.com/de-de

MEDIA CONTACTS

Stefanie Haase

Manhattan Associates

Phone: +49 (0)1520 1024491

sthaase@manh.com

Ina Schmaloske

STROOMER Communications

Phone: +49 (0) 40 85313324

ina.schmaloske@stroomer.de