AI will haggle for you, but smartly. Your AI agent might negotiate with ten stores simultaneously, snagging deals while you sleep, without burning bridges like an aggressive human negotiator would. And the internet will add more haggling. It won’t just be buy this or not.

Second-hand will become first choice. “New” won’t be the default filter anymore as sustainability becomes non-negotiable.

Niche stores will thrive in Amazon’s shadow. The more specific your product (left-handed fishbowls, anyone?), the better you’ll do against the giants.

Shopping will feel like gaming, but useful. You might earn points buying groceries that unlock real-world perks, making mundane purchases feel rewarding.

Customers will become co-creators. Like Lego Ideas but for everything, your power users will drive product development, ensuring built-in demand.

Voice commerce will become second nature. You’ll reorder household items as easily as asking Alexa to play a song.

Community will trump discounts. The best brands (the ones with the highest LTV/word of mouth/retention) will build loyal followings like CrossFit, where belonging matters more than saving a few bucks.

Every storefront will adapt to you. Like Spotify’s Discover Weekly, but for shopping - every visit will feel tailored just for you.