2026
9
US Shopping Key Sales Events Consumer Report 2026
2026-05-28T18:01:56+00:00
REP4635C7E1_0591_45FC_B5C7_E1059125FC1F
3695
193729
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Report
en_GB
Sales events are a cornerstone of the consumer shopping journey. With 75% of consumers stating it's more important than ever to shop during sales – a figure that reflects current…
US
Retail
simple

US Shopping Key Sales Events Consumer Report 2026

"Sales events are a retail staple for consumers across demographics. As the retail environment shifts, technology will enable more personalized, less urgent events that offer consumers perks beyond low prices."

Katie Hansen, Senior Analyst - Retail & eCommerce

Katie Hansen, Senior Analyst - Retail & eCommerce

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  1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • What you need to know
    • Outlook for sales events
    • Opportunities
    • Leverage price-transparency as a brand asset
    • Move sales from blanket deals to tailored experiences
    • Lean into loyalty programs to offer perks beyond discounts during events
  2. THE MARKET

    • Ongoing concerns around economic conditions and geopolitical issues drive cost-conscious shopping behaviors
    • Tech will advance personalization, tailored strategies during sales
  3. THE CONSUMER

    • The main event(s)
    • Consumers pride themselves in being smart shoppers by saving
    • Graph 1: attitudes toward sales events – general emotions and value, by generation, 2026
    • Sales events are part of the fabric of shopping
    • Graph 2: sales events typically shopped, by financial situation, 2026
    • Consumers across demographics look to sales events to get more for less as they shop
    • Creating worthwhile sales events for consumers
    • Sales events can influence where a consumer decides to shop
    • Graph 3: attitudes toward sales events – changing brands, 2026
    • Tap into consumers’ omnichannel behaviors to get the word out about sales events
    • Graph 4: sources used to find out about sales events, 2026
    • As more consumers become mobile-first shoppers, apps and social media are key to alerting consumers to sales events
    • Graph 5: sources used to find out about sales events – select sources, by generation, 2026
    • Dunkin’ drops freebie code for its social followers
    • Social commerce: a new way to sale
    • Show genuine savings to create buzz and excitement around events
    • Tapping into loyalty programs can bolster the value of sales events
    • Graph 6: attitudes toward key sales events – loyalty, 2026
    • The future of sales events
    • The future of sales events looks personal with access to more than discounts
    • Graph 7: attitudes toward key sales events – future innovation and opportunities, 2026
    • Slowing down sales events could be a future asset to brands and retailers
  4. SPOTLIGHT ON MAJOR SALES EVENTS

    • Amazon creates events around niche categories and time periods to offer savings outside traditional sales
    • Walmart ties sales events to its Walmart+ membership with exclusive benefits
    • Target leans on its store presence to give flair to its promotional events
    • Anniversaries can lead to year-long activations, like Nordstrom’s 125th Anniversary Event
    • Beauty retailers tap into rewards for added benefits during sales events
  5. APPENDIX

    • The consumer
    • Consumer research questions
    • Consumer research methodology
    • US generation groups
    • Integrate options that enhance the experience of a sales event to provide more value for shoppers
    • Graph 8: tools/features of interest to use during sales events, by generation, 2026
    • Abbreviations

Sales events are a cornerstone of the consumer shopping journey. With 75% of consumers stating it’s more important than ever to shop during sales – a figure that reflects current economic pressures – it’s clear that brands must do more than simply offer discounts. The future of retail lies in elevating these events beyond just low prices.

The rapid advancement of technology will empower brands to deliver highly personalized shopping experiences. Innovations like AI-powered cart builders and individualized deals will transform sales from a one-size-fits-all model into a more tailored experience. This shift will increase pressure on retailers to provide real-time, tailored offers at scale, allowing each consumer to enjoy promotions created just for them.

Trust around sales events and personalization remains a crucial aspect for consumers. To maintain trust, brands must be transparent about the actual savings, as consumers are wary of artificial markdowns. Additionally, brands must be transparent about how they collect, store and use personal data. To feel comfortable receiving a personalized experience, shoppers need to trust that their information is in safe hands.

Ultimately, sales events will continue to evolve, becoming more personal, tailored and even slower. Brands will move away from high-pressure urgency, giving consumers more time and space to explore products and enjoy a one-on-one shopping experience.

This Report Looks at the Following Areas:

  • Economic factors impacting consumer spending
  • Sales events shopped
  • How brands and retailers can create enticing sales events
  • What the future of sales events looks like
  • Activation strategies for sales events
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