Retailers and brand manufacturers continue to adapt to market conditions and consumer expectations that the pandemic continues to shape. In 2022, we predict that those consumer expectations will make the circular economy a must-have (and investment-fueled) offering — and get retailers to significantly up their returns capabilities as a competitive differentiator. Retailers will also find themselves vetting, courting, and implementing a raft of new partners — from media firms and fellow retailers to newer companies in China — to diversify everything from revenue sources to customers and channels. This report outlines how these predictions will impact the retail industry in 2022.