Retail, AI Reality & Gen Z Trends for 2026 | Five Things Friday UK

Host Alex is joined by Simone Oloman, Co-Founder & CEO of Need It For Tonight (NIFT) — often described as Deliveroo for quality fashion — for an honest discussion on what retailers are really prioritising right now.

In this episode, we cover:

Why Middle East retail (Abu Dhabi & Saudi Arabia) is being built for a new generation

Simone’s role speaking at ShopTalk Abu Dhabi

Why influencer collaborations work best when they feel obvious, using Molly-Mae Hague x Adidas as an example

The shift from AI promises to AI proof and real-world impact

Why retailers want to know what AI is doing today, not what it could do tomorrow

Workforce efficiency without layoffs and what “human + AI” actually means

Career progression from shop floor to leadership, including female leadership paths

Why Tommy Hilfiger x Liverpool Football Club is about cultural relevance, not football

A rapid-fire breakdown of Pinterest 2026 trends

Why Gen Z, raised digital, is craving physical experiences again

This episode is grounded, practical, and culture-led — cutting through hype to focus on what retailers should pay attention to now.

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💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Which trend discussed today do you think will impact the industry most? Let us know in the comments below!

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