Advantage Solutions Releases Two Proprietary Studies Revealing What Will Shape Retail in 2027

Margin pressure is expected to persist as shoppers prioritize experience over price in 2027.

What the company is saying

Advantage Solutions (NASDAQ:ADV) is positioning itself as a data-driven partner for brands and retailers by releasing two proprietary studies, the Advantage360™ 2026 Outlook Survey and the 2026 Shopper Study. The company emphasizes its role at the intersection of manufacturers, retailers, and shoppers, using research to anticipate industry shifts rather than react to them. CEO Dave Peacock frames the findings as essential intelligence for clients navigating ongoing economic and pricing pressures. The announcement highlights that no surveyed manufacturers or retailers believe margin pressure has peaked, and most expect it to continue through at least 2027. The company underscores the divergence between retailer and manufacturer perspectives on shopper priorities, especially regarding the importance of ease of shopping versus price. The tone is analytical and forward-looking, with a focus on surfacing actionable trends for clients. The upcoming webinar is presented as a platform to further discuss these insights and their implications for retail strategy.

What the data suggests

The Outlook Survey, based on 138 responses from manufacturers and retailers collected between August 7 and September 15, 2026, finds that 69% of manufacturers and 66% of retailers expect margin pressure to persist through 2027 or longer. Nearly half (47%) of manufacturers plan to cut trade spending, while 70% of retailers require trade support in response to supplier price increases, indicating a potential conflict over promotional funding. Affordability is a top concern, with 79% of manufacturers and retailers agreeing that shoppers are seeking lower prices. However, 50% of retailers cite an easier shopping experience as a key shopper demand, compared to only 26% of manufacturers. The Shopper Study, with 8,675 valid responses collected between April 13 and May 1, 2026, shows that 62% of shoppers prioritize ease of shopping and navigation when choosing a grocery retailer, ahead of everyday low price at 57%. Single-store loyalty is low, with just 23% of shoppers using the same store nearly all the time and 66% splitting trips between a couple of preferred stores. Additionally, 70% of shoppers report eating more meals at home than a year ago. These figures suggest persistent industry cost pressures, shifting consumer priorities, and increased fragmentation in shopper loyalty.

Analysis

The announcement is a factual disclosure of survey results and upcoming webinar details, with no exaggerated claims or promotional language. Nearly all key claims are realised and supported by specific survey data, such as sample sizes, collection dates, and percentages. The only forward-looking statements are expectations from survey respondents about future margin pressure and a scheduled webinar, both of which are clearly identified as survey sentiment or event logistics, not company projections. There is no discussion of financial performance, operational milestones, or capital outlays by Advantage Solutions itself. The tone is measured and descriptive, with no evidence of narrative inflation or overstatement. The data supports the claims made, and there is no gap between narrative and evidence.

Risk flags

• ●Persistent margin pressure is a major risk, as 69% of manufacturers and 66% of retailers expect it to continue through 2027 or longer, suggesting ongoing profitability challenges for both groups.
• ●The divergence between manufacturers planning to cut trade spending (47%) and retailers requiring more trade support (70%) could lead to increased tension and reduced promotional effectiveness, potentially impacting sales and retailer-manufacturer relationships.
• ●Low single-store loyalty, with only 23% of shoppers consistently using the same store and 66% splitting trips, increases competitive pressure and makes it harder for retailers to retain market share, raising the risk of customer churn.

Bottom line

Advantage Solutions' research points to a retail environment where margin pressure is expected to persist well into 2027, with both manufacturers and retailers bracing for continued economic strain. The data highlights a growing disconnect between manufacturers' intent to reduce trade spending and retailers' need for increased support, setting the stage for potential conflict over promotional funding. Shoppers are increasingly prioritizing ease of experience over price, with 62% citing store navigation as a key factor and only 23% demonstrating strong single-store loyalty. These trends suggest that retailers and brands will need to adapt quickly to shifting consumer expectations and heightened competition. The announcement provides valuable industry intelligence but does not disclose any financial or operational performance metrics for Advantage Solutions itself. Investors should focus on how the company leverages these insights to drive client engagement and revenue, as well as monitor for future disclosures that link research findings to tangible business outcomes.

Announcement summary

(NASDAQ:ADV) Advantage Solutions released two proprietary studies, the Advantage360™ 2026 Outlook Survey and the 2026 Shopper Study, examining industry pressures and consumer behaviors expected to define retail in 2027. The Advantage360™ 2026 Outlook Survey is based on 138 valid responses from manufacturers and retailers collected between August 7 and September 15, 2026, via two connected online surveys. The survey found that none of the manufacturers and retailers surveyed believe margin pressure has peaked, with 69% of manufacturers and 66% of retailers expecting margin pressure to continue through 2027 or longer. 47% of manufacturers are planning to cut trade spending, while 70% of retailers require trade support in response to supplier price increases. 79% of manufacturers and retailers agree that shoppers are seeking affordability. 50% of retailers say shoppers want an easier shopping experience, compared with 26% of manufacturers. The Advantage360™ 2026 Shopper Study is based on 8,675 valid responses collected between April 13 and May 1, 2026, from a nationally representative sample of primary shoppers. 62% of shoppers say a store being easy to shop and navigate is a reason they choose their grocery retailer, ranking ahead of everyday low price at 57%. Single-store loyalty is at an eight-year low, with only 23% of shoppers using the same store for groceries nearly all the time, while 66% now split their trips between a couple of preferred stores. 70% of shoppers report eating more meals at home than a year ago. Advantage Solutions will present highlights from these studies in a live webinar titled “How to Win the Trip in 2027” on Thursday, October 29 at 1 p.m. ET, with select insights from the Outlook Survey providing additional industry context. Dave Peacock, CEO of Advantage Solutions, stated that understanding the drivers for brands, retailers, and shoppers is core to how the company serves its clients and that the research helps surface trends and pressures shaping retail heading into 2027.

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