Artificial intelligence could increasingly handle routine grocery shopping while physical stores evolve into destinations focused on entertainment and discovery over the next decade, according to new research released by Mars.
Mars, on behalf of its snacking business, partnered with consumer research firms Kantar and Synthesis to examine more than 180,000 global data signals across four continents. The research included stakeholder and expert interviews, industry publications, podcasts and global news.
The company said the findings point to a future in which automated technology increasingly handles routine purchases, freeing consumers from some everyday shopping tasks. At the same time, Mars predicts physical stores and digital shopping platforms will become more immersive and focused on discovery, entertainment and community.
“We’re standing on the brink of a retail revolution — one where people may never have to manually shop for household staples again. For a category like snacking, this is both an opportunity and a strategic challenge,” said Neil Reynolds, Global Chief Customer Officer, Mars Snacking. “We’ve invested in significant research to understand how the shopper journey will evolve, and this research gives us a clear roadmap. But here’s what’s equally clear: No single company can solve this alone. The only path forward is to work hand-in-hand with retail customers and all partners who are ready to lead this transformation to drive consumer satisfaction and long-term growth across the entire ecosystem.”
Mars identified three major consumer demands it expects to influence the future of shopping: effortless, personal and experiential.
Under the “effortless” model, Mars predicts AI-powered systems will increasingly make purchasing and restocking recommendations based on consumers’ preferences and household inventory, with shoppers primarily responsible for confirming the purchases.
Mars cited BrightEdge data showing AI referrals to e-commerce brands increased 752% year over year during the 2025 holiday season. AI-driven commerce is projected to grow to $788 billion by 2035, according to the research cited by Mars.
The second trend, “personal,” centers on increasingly individualized shopping experiences. Mars said consumers could receive highly curated product recommendations based on their preferences and, increasingly, their health and wellness goals.
The company cited TransUnion research showing 39% of consumers expect personalized online experiences. Mars said mobile health and wellness apps are projected to grow 15% annually through 2030.
The company said future e-commerce technology could recommend protein-rich products before a workout, assemble selections of treats for a party or suggest products for other occasions. Mars said protecting consumers’ privacy will be an important consideration as those capabilities develop.
The third trend, “experiential,” envisions shopping becoming more focused on entertainment, culture and emerging trends as consumers spend less time handling routine purchases.
Mars said immersive brand spaces are experiencing 15.3% year-over-year growth and cited eMarketer data showing 22% of U.S. digital buyers already shop through livestreams.
The company predicts stores could increasingly showcase products tied to viral trends while shopping opportunities become more integrated into social media, gaming and streaming platforms.
Mars said the changes represent a broader generational shift in retail and that the company plans to continue investing in new approaches to snacking, shopping and partnerships with retailers as consumer habits evolve.
