66% of stores see rising costs as one of the biggest challenges of 2026 — 79% of stores that cited costs as their top concern are doubling down on whiskeys and high-margin bottles to boost profits.

58% of stores believe liquor sales will improve this year and are open to riding new waves — 66% that see RTD cocktails as the biggest industry shift are backing it with shelf space.

81% of stores already carry NA products, and have done so for years — 18% of stores see craft beer decline and high-quality curation as major trends.