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FREE PRODUCT INFORMATIONThe 4 Trends Shaping Retail in 2026, According to Faire Forecast
Lenise Willis// Editor in Chief//January 28, 2026
The 4 Trends Shaping Retail in 2026, According to Faire Forecast
The wholesale marketplace has combed through its data to determine the top trends that are drawing in customers.
Lenise Willis// Editor in Chief//January 28, 2026
At a Glance:
- Faire‘s 2026 Forecast highlights four key retail trends: Well Read, Fan Fare, More is More, and Witching Hour.
- Searches for literary products on Faire increased by over 100 percent, with book totes up 2,092 percent.
- Sports-related products and themed party supplies saw significant growth ahead of major events like the Winter Olympics and World Cup.
Drawing on millions of searches from hundreds of thousands of retailers, wholesale marketplace Faire has produced its 2026 Faire Forecast, revealing what shoppers will be most excited to buy in 2026.
At the core of this year’s forecast, the Faire edit team said, is self-expression: “Consumers are moving beyond algorithmic sameness toward more intentional choices, using shopping to shape homes, wardrobes, and rituals that reflect their identities and values.”
“In 2026, we’re seeing shoppers move beyond trend-chasing and toward choices that feel deeply personal,” said Jennifer Burke, chief revenue officer at Faire. “They’re using shopping as a way to express identity, build community, and create meaning in everyday moments. The Faire Forecast surfaces the trends behind that shift, giving independent retailers the insight they need to stock with confidence and connect with customers in more authentic ways.”
The top four trends that emerged from Faire’s sales and search data are: Well Read, Fan Fare, More is More, and Witching Hour.
Well-Read: Bookworm Gifts and Themes Explode
Books are becoming a powerful form of self-expression and connection. Consumers are building identities around what they read, turning fandom into community through book clubs and shared rituals, and extending literary escapes into the real world through styled home libraries and reading retreats.
On Faire, searches for literature are up 113 percent, with paperback books up 131 percent. Brands are leaning in with a 2,092 percent increase in book totes added to Faire’s catalog, while uploads of book club items are up 359 percent, and literary products have risen 465 percent.
Fan Fare: Sports Driving Purchases
With the Winter Olympics and World Cup ahead, sports are driving moments of connection as fans gather for watch parties and shared celebrations. Retailers are meeting the moment with team-inspired apparel, globally influenced snacks, and themed party supplies.
On Faire, searches for sports are up 94 percent and medals have climbed 154 percent. Uploads of rugby shirts are up 110 percent and athleisure is up 95 percent. Fans are broadening their taste horizons to explore the flavors of their favorite competitors — fusion food uploads have spiked 277 percent, while searches for spices and chilis are up 74 percent and 39 percent, respectively.
More is More: Patterns and Statement Pieces Rising
The design pendulum is swinging from minimal to monumental. In 2026, consumers are embracing curated chaos through bold prints, layered textures, and personality-first design, mixing patterns, materials, and eras across fashion and home.
Pattern play is in full effect, with searches on Faire for polka dots up 545 percent, plaid by 349 percent, and gingham by 302 percent. Statement accessories are also surging, as statement necklaces are up 86 percent and statement belts have jumped 1,547 percent.
Witching Hour: Modern Magic and Moments of Calm
Modern magic meets mindful living as consumers turn to spirituality, ritual, and earth-based aesthetics to slow down, regain control, and create moments of calm in their everyday lives. From candlelit homes and apothecary-inspired decor to celestial accessories and scent rituals, this new wave of modern magic blends ancient practices with intentional self-care.
On Faire, searches for magic-related products are up 113 percent, while uploads of witchy products have climbed 218 percent and spellbooks have surged 652 percent. Manifestation product uploads are up 163 percent, and astrology continues to rise, with zodiac uploads up 55 percent and horoscope-themed pieces up 448 percent.
