CONSUMERS are increasingly reluctant to shop at retailers after cyber incidents, with the article noting that the retail sector must adapt as cybersecurity awareness grows.
It cites a new SOTI report in which eighty-eight percent of consumers say they “think twice before shopping at retailers that have experienced a cyber attack,” and twenty-two percent would avoid a retailer altogether after a breach, while the rest would take precautions such as steering clear of the merchant’s website or social media channels or withholding personal information.
The piece also points to rising threat activity targeting the sector, and highlights that high‑profile cyberattacks have heightened consumer concerns about data security. Industry voices emphasise that security breaches erode trust and that consumers are increasingly factoring cybersecurity into their shopping decisions. The article advocates for greater transparency and timely communication after incidents as a means to reclaim customer trust. Arielle Waldman’s report, published on 28 January 2026, frames security as part of the overall customer experience and a company responsibility.