Insider Spotlight
At a recent business seminar for Araneta City tenants, entrepreneur and content strategist Amrei Dizon said businesses that fail to differentiate risk fading as shoppers increasingly prioritize experience, authenticity, and AI-driven discovery.
The Feb. 20 session at Gateway Mall 2 gathered retailers to explore emerging consumer trends, including “treatonomics,” Generation Z values-based spending, and the growing role of generative AI platforms in influencing purchase decisions.
Why it matters
Traditional retail models centered on price competition are becoming less effective as consumers seek meaningful interactions and curated experiences when they shop.
“If you have a unique value, you are differentiated,” Dizon said in a press statement on March 10, 2026, adding that businesses offering little distinction beyond price are most vulnerable to decline.
Retailers are now expected to design experiences that extend beyond products. That includes staff training, store layouts, and brand storytelling that reinforce a cohesive identity at every customer touchpoint.
The big picture
Consumers are increasingly drawn to small indulgences—a trend known as “treatonomics,” where shoppers spend on affordable luxuries for emotional uplift.
Retailers can respond by offering accessible feel-good items or experiences that deliver instant gratification without requiring large spending commitments.
At the same time, Generation Z consumers are influencing product development and marketing strategies. Younger buyers tend to favor authenticity, transparency, and brands that reflect their social values.
AI changes the discovery game
Another major shift is the role of generative AI tools in shaping how consumers discover businesses.
“One thing that’s clear to me is you are now optimizing for AI, not people. How are you going to show up in search engines or AI engines?” Dizon said.
Businesses are increasingly considering how their content, brand information, and digital presence appear in AI-generated recommendations.
By the numbers
AI is also becoming a practical operational tool for retailers, particularly in inventory management.
“Opportunity losses are massive when you run out of stock. Every empty shelf slot is a missed sale. Automation closes the gap,” Dizon said.
By analyzing purchasing patterns and alerting store owners when best-selling items run low, AI tools can help retailers avoid missed sales and improve efficiency.
The seminar was organized by Araneta City with support from the J. Amado Araneta Foundation and the Department of Trade and Industry as part of quarterly learning sessions for its business tenants. —Vanessa Hidalgo |Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
