Retailers’ State of Mind: Cautious and Resilient

In an annual survey of 300-plus operators working in retail, Toast concludes that the best description of their outlook is both cautious and resilient.

“The last year has seen persistent hikes in inflation and macroeconomic volatility, but America’s convenience stores, bottle shops and grocery stores (CBGs) remained largely confident,” the company said in a news release summarizing the survey’s findings. “Operators remain positive but are tightening control amid an uncertain landscape.”

Key takeaways from the 2026 Voice of the Retail Industry Survey include:

• Operators are feeling positive: 94% rated their business health good or excellent.
• Expansion is on the table: Two-thirds (66%) say they’re likely to open a new location in the next year.
• Nearly a third (31%) say they’re looking to simplify their operations in their top three business goals, up 12 points year-over-year.
• Inflation remains a concern, but inventory management (up 6 points year-over-year) is the biggest pain point.
• It’s an AI world: Nine in 10 operators are experimenting with the technology.

Click here for more from the results of Toast’s blind survey (respondents did not know it was being done by that company).