Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 02 NOVEMBER 2026

2026 Consumer Sentiment Index - Fashion

The AlixPartners Consumer Sentiment Index reveals how AI discovery, GLP-1 medications, and shifting quality expectations are reshaping retail priorities across nine sectors and 9,000+ U.S. consumers. From the decline of influencer marketing to the rise of retail as a 'third space,' this analysis tracks five critical pillars that determine where shoppers invest their loyalty and dollars.

United StatesStrategy

The AlixPartners Consumer Sentiment Index tracks what shoppers prioritize, across five pillars: access, experience, price, product, and service. 

Established in the 2000s and relaunched in 2024, it gives retailers a way to decide where to invest to stay ahead of a fast-moving consumer. This year, we polled 9,000+ U.S. consumers across 140 retailers and nine sectors: accessories, jewelry, luxury, footwear, outdoor & active, specialty, department stores, mass & club, and off-price. We split every finding by generation to pinpoint the cultural inflection points.

Jean waistlines may rise and fall, but today's consumer shifts run deeper than fashion cycles.

  • 81% of consumers made a social purchase in the past year, but only 6% start discovery there

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

See more popular content from