It’s the beginning of the year, and for independent retailers, knowing what consumers are buying is half the battle. In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Crystal Vilkaitis sits down with Anjarae Hamilton, Head of Retailer Sales and Account Management at FAIRE. Together, they break down the highly anticipated 2026 Faire Forecast.

Anjarae reveals four major, data-backed trends shaping consumer behavior this year. Each trend centers on the theme of “self-expression.” From the rise of “Well-Read” retreats to the maximalism of “More is More,” the conversation offers a clear roadmap for what to stock to stay relevant. Anjarae also shares strategies for staying profitable during economic uncertainty. She emphasizes agility in buying and explains how FAIRE is using AI to simplify product discovery.