Global Scans · Consumer · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Technology will become the new sales assistant, always on, always friendly, always delivering. Consumers will co-create and create products to their exact needs. Brands will have to focus on seizing mobile moments on apps that already have consumer's attention. Instantly explore below how lifestyles, buying behaviors and attitudes are changing and where you fall short in the battle to win consumers hearts and minds.

• [New] Hybrid semi-solid versions could appear in the premium residential niche around 2029-2030, but their advantage over optimised LFP (such as Leapton with integrated heating + safety) will be marginal for stationary storage, where energy density is not critical, unlike in mobility. Wattuneed
• [New] By 2028, the oldest members of Gen Z will be in their early 30s, entering peak consumer spending years, buying homes, starting families, and making major purchasing decisions. ChatMaxima Blog - Navigating Conversations: Insights fr
• [New] OpenAI is developing consumer devices alongside models - a move that could fold large-language / vision tools into AR interfaces. Glass Almanac
• [New] US consumer spending on video games is expected to rise 3% to $62.8 billion in 2026. GamesIndustry.biz
• [New] The FTC is expected to become more active in examining sustainability-related representations, potentially triggering parallel consumer class actions. Morrison Foerster
• [New] 2026 is the year experience is product - if a consumer good does not offer emotional resonance, sensory delight, or lifestyle integration, it risks being seen as just another commodity. Viva Magazine
• [New] In 2026, brands are using AI to design packaging more efficiently, predict consumer demand, and reduce waste. Packpaa
• [New] From mobility services in Jammu & Kashmir to government-backed initiatives supporting women in agriculture and entrepreneurship in Gujarat, women-led ventures are creating opportunities, uplifting families, and strengthening communities. KOMO
• [New] If completed, the robotaxi service will change a portion of the revenue mix at Tesla from one-time sales of vehicles to ongoing monetization of mobility. Tradingkey
• [New] International outlook and collaboration are increasingly reflected in major global ranking frameworks, while mobility opportunities can influence prospective (international) students' choice of university. Universities UK
• [New] By leveraging new investments in EV production, consumer incentives and charging infrastructure, we will work towards achieving the equivalent of a 90% EV adoption rate by 2040. Prime Minister of Canada
• [New] Asian brands are well placed for future growth, with advances in data and technology expected to improve speed, anticipation of consumer needs and competitiveness across regional and global markets. BMI
• [New] Rather than chase screen-heavy headsets, Apple is reportedly building AI-driven smart glasses designed around context, not displays, with production timelines pointing toward late 2026 and a 2027 consumer launch. Next Reality
• [New] Consumer credit lending growth of 5.7% (net) is forecast in 2027, slowing slightly to 5.3% in 2028. / UK EY
• [New] Total bank lending (across mortgages, consumer credit and business borrowing) is forecast to slow from 4.1% (net growth) in 2025 to 3.1% in 2026. EY
• [New] All consumer credit providers will be expected to operate under CCD2 by late 2026. Powens
• [New] Defaults on UK consumer loans are expected to stay low over the next few years, remaining at 0.8% in 2026 (unchanged from 2025), rising marginally to 0.9% in 2027 and 2028. EY
• [New] Social commerce revenue is projected to hit $6.2 trillion by 2030, growing at 32% annually between 2023 and 2030, reflecting the rapid expansion of social media retail and its increasing role in consumer behaviour. Los Angeles Times
• [New] S&P predicts headline inflation to stay elevated through 2026 and possibly 2027 before easing by 2028-2029, supported by tight monetary policy, narrower deficits, and slower consumer lending growth. The Astana Times
• [New] For 2026, the US economy is expected to maintain steady growth, driven by resilient consumer spending, supported by potential tax adjustments that are expected to lead to higher consumer income, combined with potential monetary easing. Polymerupdate

Last updated: 05 March 2026