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title: The turning point for eCommerce, what manufacturers must plan for in 2026
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Stronger planning, rising acquisition costs, AI readiness and channel expansion will define 2026.

| View in browser Market insights: what manufacturers must prepare for in 2026 Recent IMRG and industry trends in 2025 show a clear pattern: steady growth early in the year, softer trading in the second half, and customers buying later and only when value is obvious. Black Friday has effectively become a month-long event, with shoppers waiting for early November deals before converting.   The result? A tougher, more competitive, discount-driven market where timing, planning and operational readiness matter more than ever. What this means for manufacturers in 2026   1. Earlier, stronger planning Digital projects need clear scope and early alignment to avoid delays and missed peak opportunities.   2. Acquisition is harder and more expensive Customers compare more, wait longer, and convert only when value is strong. Efficiency matters as much as traffic.   3. Returning customers drive profitable growth Retention, CRM and lifecycle experience will matter more than first-purchase volume.   4. Sustainability expectations keep rising Transparency, low-waste practices and ethical messaging are moving from differentiator to baseline.   5. Channel expansion becomes essential Multi-channel strategies,  D2C, marketplaces, retail partnerships, and international will be key to reaching new audiences and reducing risk.   6. AI readiness depends on integration AI is only as strong as the data beneath it. Clean, well-integrated systems (ERP, PIM, eCommerce, CRM, logistics) are the foundation for meaningful AI in forecasting, personalisation and operations.   7. Involving comsim early protects timelines and outcomes Bringing comsim in at the earliest stages of scoping or sales conversations helps manufacturers set realistic go-live dates, select the right platforms and partners, and avoid underperforming or delayed launches,  especially around peak.   2026 will favour manufacturers who plan early, involve the right partners, and build strong, integrated digital foundations, so AI, channels and growth sit on solid data, not chaos.    Book your 2026 plan review   Minimise costs. Maximise profits. If you're planning a new digital project in 2026, this review gives you an indicative view of timelines, key risks, integration needs, and commercial opportunities, so you invest in the right work, at the right time, for the highest return. Book your 2026 review Missed our previous newsletters? Catch up on our latest insights Building a brand with purpose, a practical look inside   Join us for a quick look at how technical excellence becomes clear, commercial storytelling. From invisible to unmissable: why great manufacturers stay unseen   Sam and Anett unpack why performance isn’t enough, and how clarity turns expertise into brand power. Your customers want to buy,  is your website letting them?   Comsim reveals what's truly costing you conversions and how to win them back.   Browse the full archive→ Newsletter Library Enjoying our newsletter? Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news, behind-the-scenes stories, and more inspiration. Warm regards, The comsim team Build something we can all be proud of  Comsim Ltd, 42 York St, Twickenham, TW1 3LJ, London, United Kingdom Tel: +44(0)333 004 0099   Unsubscribe       Manage preferences |
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