Lynn Petrak

Even in a price-conscious era, shoppers are willing to buy elevated produce they deem intriguing, flavorful, healthier and convenient.

What’s to come hinges on balancing the traditional elements of food with innovations poised to make operations more efficient and tailored

As enthusiasm grows for global football/soccer matches, brands and retailers can seize the moment to connect with millions of fans tuning in and shopping for team gear, food, and more. From TikTok marketing opportunities to watch party trends, discover the winning strategies to score big during this month-long tournament.

It’s shaping up to be a real fireworks show this year, as the Fourth of July lands on a Saturday, celebrates America's 250th birthday, and shares the spotlight with a major soccer competition in North America. See what shoppers are stocking up on for celebrations and how they like to show their Independence Day spirit.

The definition of play is expanding, and so is its audience: teens and young adults aged 15+ have driven sales up 111% since 2020, Gen Alpha is reshaping purchasing behavior, and developing nations are emerging as fast-growing frontiers.

From denim and sneakers to computers, lunchbox staples, and college essentials, the back-to-school season spans several categories and stretches over a longer window than in the past. As they prepare for a new term, consumers are balancing tight budgets with students' needs and preferences.

Low-rise denim is back. Lip liners are up 34%. Retro restaurant promotions outperform value deals. Circana maps how nostalgia is pulling consumers — Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z alike — toward the past across six retail categories in 2026.

More than half (58%) of shoppers have purchased a dupe, and price is no longer the whole story. Quality, convenience, and social media discovery are reshaping how consumers buy across apparel, footwear, and beauty, turning dupes from a budget compromise into a deliberate choice that brands can no longer afford to ignore

Circana's latest Eating Patterns in America report highlights a growing trend toward solo dining. Half of all at-home main meals are now eaten alone, with solo breakfasts, lunches, and snacks also increasing. Solo dining is rising in restaurants as well, especially at breakfast and full-service establishments. Circana attributes the shift to workplace mobility, convenience, smaller households, and affluent older consumers, creating opportunities for retailers and restaurants to offer flexible po