Your Customers Are Buying in 20 Different Places. Is Your Brand There?
Shopping in 2026 no longer follows a single, predictable funnel: discovery happens across dozens of scattered touchpoints, and AI helps now helps buyers narrow choices.
The way customers shop has drastically changed, and it's crucial for brands to adapt to this new reality. With discovery happening across multiple touchpoints, talent in the industry needs to understand that having a strong online presence is no longer enough. Brands must be present and engaging on various platforms, from social media to online marketplaces, to reach their target audience. This shift in consumer behavior requires talent to be skilled in omnichannel marketing, data analysis, and AI-driven strategies to stay ahead of the competition.
The rise of AI in the buying process also means that talent needs to be proficient in leveraging AI tools to personalize customer experiences and provide relevant product recommendations. As buyers are now using AI to narrow down their choices, brands must ensure that their products are visible and appealing across these various touchpoints. This requires a deep understanding of customer behavior, preferences, and pain points, as well as the ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions. Talent with expertise in AI, data analysis, and customer experience will be in high demand as companies strive to stay competitive in this new landscape.
As the shopping landscape continues to evolve, it's essential to watch how brands adapt to these changes and invest in talent with the necessary skills to thrive in this environment. We can expect to see a greater emphasis on AI-driven marketing, personalized customer experiences, and omnichannel engagement. Talent who can navigate this complex landscape and drive business growth through innovative strategies will be highly sought after. Companies that fail to adapt risk being left behind, making it crucial for them to prioritize talent acquisition and development in these key areas to remain competitive in the market.
Originally reported by entrepreneur.com. TalentNews adds analysis for business & startups readers.