2025 was a defining year for digital, marketing and eCommerce and 2026 is shaping up to be no different.

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AI is reshaping discovery, social commerce is accelerating, product data is rising in importance, and new interfaces are rewriting how Australians choose and buy.

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We’ve distilled the biggest shifts into one report, with eight trends and predictions that will shape how brands show up, scale and stay competitive in the year ahead.

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In this report, you’ll find:

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• The eight forces shaping how Australians will discover, buy and experience brands in 2026

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• A clear view of where the market stands today, grounded in real shifts across AI, social, search, product data and consumer behaviour

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• A forward look at what’s next - the emerging signals, accelerating trends and early indicators leaders need to prepare for now