Nominations open for 2026 Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Awards

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

The organizers of the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation (ARKI) Show are accepting nominations for the 2026 ARKI Awards, recognizing the companies, products, deployments and technologies driving innovation across the automated retail, kiosk, vending and self-service industries.

Consumers wary about AI shopping assistants but Amazon is changing perceptions

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

As the retail landscape shifts to a more automated, hands-off marketplace, the industry continues to prioritize investing in AI-powered shopping tech but not all consumers are on board.

The invisible engine: Why the best AI is the one your customers never see

by Benjamin Spiegel — Chief Digital Officer, POLYWOOD

As the dust settles on the initial Generative AI gold rush, a truth is emerging: the most successful brands aren’t the ones forcing AI onto their customers; they are the ones using it as a silent, powerful engine in the background.

Costco expansion strategy delivering on more than one front

Costco, which saw Q3 2026 sales hit $71 billion, representing a 12% spike year over year, is reaping rewards on a few fronts due to its $250 billion strategy.

From Noise to Clarity: Reimagining Employee Communication Through In-Store Screens

Retailers often struggle to deliver timely, consistent communication to deskless employees. This webinar explores how in-store digital communication helps unify messaging, improve training and engagement, streamline safety and operational updates, and ensure frontline teams receive the information they need when they need it.

Consumer Behavior / Consumer Psychology

Shopping is about more than just buying things. It's a complex relationship between buyer and seller, one that impacts the shopper on a psychological level. Understanding the mental processes behind customer behavior will give you a better chance of successfully reaching those customers.