Ep. 137: Trends That Matter: Planning for What’s Next in 2026

Ep. 137: Trends That Matter: Planning for What’s Next in 2026

From So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast by Mall of America®

February 25, 2026 · 28 min · Episode 155

About this episode

The episode discusses future trends in retail and entertainment, featuring insights from Ginger Consulting's partners.

Today’s episode is all about what’s next. From how we shop and spend, to how entertainment, technology, and AI are reshaping the retail experience...and defining the future. We’re joined by Mary Van Note and Beth Perro-Jarvis from Ginger, a strategic partner to Mall of America. They share insights on evolving consumer expectations, trends in physical retail and entertainment, the influence of AI on decision-making, and how brands can stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. We also look ahead at which trends may have the biggest long-term impact. 1:30 The background of Ginger and how this agency is rooted in retail 2:30 Mary and Beth first major partnership with MOA helped us create our vision 5:00 How Love Moments show up every day at Mall of America 13:30 Trends in the retail arena – the mashup of brand and experience 15:00 The cultural currency of concerts and other amazing events 18:20 The world of A.I. and how it’s changing the way we live 21:40 Emerging trends that everyone should know from coziness to international travel to K-Pop Visit: https://gingerminneapolis.com Guests: Mary Van Note and Beth Perro-Jarvis, Founding Partners of Ginger Consulting LLC Hosts: Jill…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper

Guests: Mary Van Note, Beth Perro-Jarvis

Topics covered

  • retail trends
  • consumer expectations
  • AI in retail
  • entertainment
  • future planning
  • brand relevance

Keywords

  • retail experience
  • consumer trends
  • AI influence
  • physical retail
  • entertainment events
  • K-Pop
  • international travel

Sponsors

Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ginger Consulting LLC, Mall of America

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