The Big Shift 2026: Key Trends Transforming the Retail Industry
The Big Shift Report 2026 explores the key trends reshaping frontline work in Australia based on analysis of more than 60 million shifts worked across key shift-based industries.
Explore how consumer demand, workforce shifts, and economic pressures are reshaping retail. From generational workforce change to evolving spending behaviour, uncover the trends shaping hiring, wages, and the future of retail operations.
TRUSTED BY 390,000+ WORKPLACES ACROSS THE GLOBE
Get the report
TRUSTED BY 390,000+ WORKPLACES ACROSS THE GLOBE
This Report covers:
Retail employment is up 36% vs. pre-COVID levels, reflecting sustained consumer demand despite economic pressure
Gen Z now represents 59% of the workforce, continuing to reshape frontline retail roles and expectations
Hiring has slowed from ~0.15% to 0.05–0.08%, signalling a shift from rapid growth to workforce stability and optimisation
Report sneak peek
Retail continues to grow, but beneath the surface, the workforce is evolving fast. Employment is now 36% above pre-COVID levels, driven by resilient consumer demand, while a younger workforce and shorter, more flexible shifts are reshaping how work gets done. At the same time, hiring is slowing as businesses shift focus from rapid expansion to optimising and retaining their teams.
Join over 390,000 workplaces scheduling on Deputy.
756+ glowing reviews on Capterra
TRUSTED BY 390,000+ WORKPLACES ACROSS THE GLOBE
