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How Rising Consent Awareness Is Reshaping Customer Experience, Data Quality, and Campaign Performance

Consent was often passive or overlooked entirely by shoppers eager to complete a purchase or browse quickly. However, that era is ending as consumers are no longer disengaged participants in the data economy.

March 27, 2026

📢 Hey, Retailist Roundup readers! A majority of 59% of consumers say they are uncomfortable with their data being used to train AI systems, not because they oppose AI itself, but because they do not feel informed about how their data is being used. At the same time, 46% now accept cookies less often, and 42% regularly read consent banners before sharing data.

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It also revealed that another 35% expect to deploy personalized AI recommendations in the next year, as AI moves from pilots into the heart of omnichannel journeys, search and merchandising.


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In the news: Top headlines this week

DoorDash rolls out emergency relief as surging pump prices hit US gig workers. DoorDash is launching an emergency relief program to support U.S. gig workers facing rising fuel costs. The initiative comes as gas prices have surged over 30% in the past month—nearing $4 per gallon—driven by higher crude oil prices linked to supply disruptions from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. [Reuters]

FedEx launches same-day delivery service amid US delivery race. FedEx has launched a same-day delivery service, FedEx SameDay Local, in partnership with OneRail to help retailers speed up fulfillment. The service offers tighter delivery windows, including two-hour and end-of-day options, and connects customers to a network of over 1,000 delivery providers by matching orders with the nearest available driver. [Reuters]

Gap says it will launch checkout within Google’s Gemini, in an AI first from a major fashion company. Gap Inc. will allow shoppers to purchase products directly within Google Gemini, becoming the first major fashion brand to enable instant checkout inside the platform. The partnership strengthens Gap’s use of customer-facing AI tools, giving it a competitive advantage in an increasingly challenging specialty retail market. [CNBC]

GLP-1 users are changing apparel trends. The growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is reshaping apparel trends, as more consumers change sizes and shopping habits. According to a Circana report, 23% of U.S. households were using these medications as of September, and the impact is already visible—80% expect to need new clothing, while 55% have already purchased apparel or footwear due to size changes. [Retail Dive]

NRF: Retail sales to grow 4.4% in 2026; outlook tops average growth of past 10 years. National Retail Federation expects consumer spending to remain strong in 2026, led by higher-income households. The group forecasts retail sales will rise 4.4% year over year to $5.6 trillion, based on its core retail definition excluding autos, gas, and restaurants. [CSA]

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