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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Business
Caroline Garland

Shopping with AI and the key consumer changes defining fashion in 2026

Fashion is entering 2026 in the midst of its most significant reset since the pandemic, with the global industry, worth $1.7 trillion (£1.2tn), being reshaped by rising costs, changing consumer values and rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

All this is forcing brands to rethink not only what they sell, but how they operate, who they employ and how they earn customers' loyalty.

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