Partners blog

The grocery store isn’t going away. Here are 5 trends every brand needs to understand about how shoppers make decisions in 2026.

At first glance, snacks might seem like impulse purchases—items shoppers toss into their baskets at the last minute. 

But the data tells a different story.

Convenience store trips may be fast, but they’re far from random. New receipt-validated insights from Shopkick across leading national and regional chains reveal that nearly half of C-store baskets include three or more items, with shoppers often purchasing multiple units per trip. Beverage-led missions drive roughly 40% higher basket value, while snack and candy occasions build the deepest baskets through strong cross-category stacking.

The takeaway for brands: C-store is a high-intent, influence-ready environment. When brands activate at the right moment, especially around beverage anchors and snack occasions they can expand baskets, reinforce choice at the shelf, and turn quick trips into measurable growth.

The holidays may bring joy and cheer, but this year’s shopping season is arriving early — and with a twist. As consumers navigate rising prices, tariff concerns, and limited stock, nearly 70% are kicking off their gift hunts ahead of time. Our latest Shopkick survey reveals how these early birds are reshaping the retail landscape, from tighter budgets to smarter spending. For brands, it’s time to think fast, act early, and meet shoppers where value meets convenience.

Halloween 2025 brings a new kind of fright: shrinking candy baskets. Inflation and changing shopper habits are rewriting the rules of the season. Our latest data shows consumers are spending less but thinking more—seeking value, convenience, and healthier indulgences. For brands and retailers, success now lies in visibility, agility, and authenticity. Because when you know what’s really happening in the aisle, even spooky trends can turn into sweet wins.

In a competitive marketplace, frozen food brands often struggle to stand out. Enter Shopkick, a platform designed to empower these brands and enhance visibility. By leveraging innovative strategies, Shopkick helps frozen food products capture attention and drive sales. Discover how this approach fosters deeper connections with consumers and transforms the frozen food aisle into a vibrant showcase. Explore the future of frozen food marketing!

Find out how brands can strengthen customer engagement and drive sales in the current market with various data-based tactics from Trax

Summer is here, but rising tariffs are reshaping how Americans travel, shop, and celebrate. From scaled-back vacations to budget-friendly BBQs, discover how consumers are adapting their summer plans—and how brands can stay ahead with smart insights and solutions.