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
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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
THE MARKET
Ongoing concerns around economic conditions and geopolitical issues drive cost-conscious shopping behaviors
Tech will advance personalization, tailored strategies during sales
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
Slowing down sales events could be a future asset to brands and retailers
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
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
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