Retail 2025/26: The role of store fixtures in an era of transformation

The retail market is at a turning point. According to the report ‘Global Retail: 2025 Trends & 2026 Outlook’ by Colliers International, the industry is facing a convergence of factors, including cost pressure, geopolitical uncertainty, and the growing influence of Generation Z. At Ergo Store, drawing on more than 15 years of experience in producing commercial interiors for brands such as Reserved, Levi’s, and Sinsay, we analyze how these global shifts are redefining the role of the retail furniture manufacturer.

2025: Resilience and digital symbiosis

Retail in 2025 has been defined by the concept of “resilience.” Consumers, confronted with higher living costs, have become more selective, forcing brands to create spaces with clear added value. A key trend remains the deeper integration of digital and physical channels – omnichannel retail.

For the production of retail furniture, this means moving away from static shelving toward intelligent “touchpoints.” The contemporary checkout counter is no longer just a surface; it has become a technological hub with built-in terminals, click-and-collect systems, and fast-service zones.

2026: Flexibility as a Competitive Advantage

Forecasts for 2026 indicate that brands capable of rapid adaptation to local market needs will gain a competitive edge. Changing trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions require shorter supply chains and mobile store fixtures.

The response to these challenges is the development of advanced modular systems. Click-and-lock solutions and intelligent magnetic connectors enable store staff to fully reconfigure displays within minutes, without the use of tools. These solutions are particularly valuable for pop-up store formats, which in 2026 may become an even more widely used method for testing new markets.

Manufacturing in the Service of Experience: Multisensory Design and AI

The Colliers International report highlights the growing importance of experiential retail. Furniture is no longer a background element; it becomes a communication tool. Store fixtures engage the senses:

• Touch: The use of diverse textures—from natural wood to innovative recycled composites.
• Sound and scent: Audio systems and scent diffusers integrated directly into furniture structures.

In addition, the use of AI and Big Data during the design phase makes it possible to optimize furniture layouts for specific customer traffic patterns. As a result, retail furniture manufacturing becomes a predictive process—we can anticipate which elements will experience the highest wear and design them to be both durable and easy to refresh.

Conclusion: Investing in the Future

At Ergo Store, we understand that in 2026 the brick-and-mortar store must function as a “living organism.” Our role as a manufacturer is evolving – we no longer produce retail furniture alone, but comprehensive solutions that help brands build customer loyalty in a volatile environment. Flexibility, sustainability, and technology are the pillars on which modern retail interiors are built today.