2026 will be a year of rapid technological advancement

by Ben Johnston — Chief Operating Officer, Kapitus

For small business retailers, 2025 was a year consumed by the promise of change and the fear of what that change would bring.

What 2025 really taught us about AI, CX and what 2026 holds for the future

by Mike Gadsby — Chief Innovation Officer, O3 World

In 2025, AI's biggest hurdle wasn't technological, it was organizational capacity and readiness.

Why CX outcomes, not price cuts, will drive retail growth in 2026

by Banwari Agarwal — CEO Retail & CG and Digital Business, Sutherland Global

Staying competitive shouldn’t start with slashing prices. While discounts may deliver a short-term lift in revenue, they steadily erode margins and train…

The endless aisle gets smarter: 5 predictions that will shape retail in 2026

by Bennett Carroccio — SVP, Rokt Catalog, Rokt, Rokt Catalog

The endless aisle isn’t disappearing but it is getting smarter, more intentional, and more aligned with how people actually shop.

What main street can teach Silicon Valley about building loyalty

by Andrew Helms — CEO – USA, SumUp

If Silicon Valley spent half as much time studying Main Street as Main Street spends studying its customers, we’d build technology that feels a lot more like a…

Americans maintain steady payment routines amid economic pressure

by Lilah Raynor — CEO, Logica Research

The latest Logica Future of Money Study shows payment behavior remains stable across methods and brands, even as many households reduce spending and manage…

From destination to signal: How AI is rewiring the role of brand websites in retail

by Joseph Perello — Founder and CEO, Props

In a world where shopping starts with a prompt, the question is no longer “How do I get traffic to my site?” It’s “What does my content teach the machine about…

Smart inventory strategy in uncertain times: Why panic buying could be hurting your business

by Warren Wilbee — CTO, ToolsGroup

Tariff policy will continue evolving, but retailers who respond with strategic discipline rather than reactive stockpiling will be better positioned through…

Why data partnerships are the future of retail

by Ali Moosani — CEO, GoSpotCheck by FORM

Learn how real-time visibility into shelf conditions can help retailers and suppliers improve execution, boost sales and deliver a better in-store experience.

The loyalty trend you’re not watching but should be

by Jennifer Farmer — Director of Merchant Development, Valuedynamx

Retailers looking to drive more year-round sales and eliminate off-peak season lulls should look to their reward and loyalty programs to proactively engage…

How data analytics can drive retail customer engagement

by Raman Awal — SVP & Global Practice Head, Mastek

Customer engagement research reveals some telling facts — organizations focused on customer engagement saw cross-sell revenue surge by 22% and upsell revenue…

What's coming in retail: 4 consumer insights to watch for

by Joanna Clark-Simpson — Head of Consumer Research and Marketing, PissedConsumer.com

Consumers are cautious as they watch for impacts from economic conditions, but consumers remain willing to spend their money with retailers who offer…

Retailers and consumers are out of sync. Why? In a word, it’s words

by Purva Gupta — Co-Founder & CEO, Lily AI

Retailers and brands that embrace AI can significantly impact performance across ads, search results, and customer experiences, making online shopping the…

AI in omnichannel retail: How technology is shaping consumer behavior

by Divya Valsala Saratchandran

The role of AI is not only to act as a tool but also to mark a complete revolution in the omnichannel space. Streamlining the processes and amplifying…

AI crafts custom retail experiences

by Retail Customer Experience

In retail, AI is revolutionizing the way brands engage with customers, making interactions more seamless, personalized and intelligent.

Celebrating inspirational women founders winning customer loyalty this International Women’s Day

by Fiona Stevens — Director of Marketing, LoyaltyLion

Customers don’t just want good products; they want to connect with brands that share their values. Founder-led engagement — whether through education…

The soundtrack to sales: How to select in-store music to boost customer satisfaction

by Anton Timashev — Co-Founder and CEO, Wayvee Analytics

Selecting the right in-store music is both an art and science, as it plays a critical role in shaping customer emotions, behaviors, and ultimately, sales.

Why emotions matter in retail customer journeys

by Renee Ellis — Senior Consultant, Cella by Randstad Digital

By understanding consumers' emotional triggers, retailers can better design customer journeys that address concerns, ultimately fostering stronger, more…

Delivering on holiday shipping expectations: How to win over millennials, Gen Z

by Dan Spitale — Vice President, UPS Capital

As the holiday shopping season kicks off, retailers must understand the unique preferences of millennials and Gen Z to capture their business. Both generations…

Holiday surge: 3 reasons why maps bills might double for retailers

Retailers can expect nearly a 20% increase in online traffic during the holiday season. While increases like this can lead to more revenue, financial gains can…