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Retailers’ State of Mind: Cautious and Resilient

Survey looks at how store operators feel about inflation, expansion, AI and more.

Published

12 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Despite ongoing challenges, most retailers are upbeat in their outlooks for their businesses, a recent survey concludes. Photo illustration: iStock by Getty Images

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).

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Shop! Association

The Shop! Association is a global trade association dedicated to advancing the retail environment and experience industry. Its purpose is to empower members to innovate at retail by connecting them with education, insights, and events that support collaboration and forward-thinking solutions. From ideation through implementation, Shop! engages its diverse membership to co-create innovations that help shape the future of retail worldwide. Central to its mission is fostering an inclusive culture that embraces diverse voices and upholds high standards of ethics and transparency. Since 1956, Shop! has empowered its members to innovate at retail through education, insights and events. Learn more by visiting shopassociation.org. Interested in joining the Shop! Association? Reach out to Dina Meindl, Membership Services, for more information today! dina@shopassociation.org.