From gut feel to ground truth: How AI is reshaping the in-store experience

by Leslie Walsh — Head of Strategy, RYA

In-store events represent one of retail's most significant investments and one of its least-interrogated planning processes. Most brands approach activation…

Smarter stores: How location intelligence is enhancing retail CX

by Anand Ramchandran — Marketing Strategy and Data Analytics, Mapsted

For retail leaders managing a growing store network, the focus is no longer just on driving footfall—it is about what that traffic actually delivers.

Movie theater phone policy change draws ire

June 18, 2026

Typically, in most movie theaters, the use of a smartphone device isn't welcome. Most theaters run promo before a movie begins that requests phones be put…

AI fatigue in retail Is a chatbot problem, not an AI problem

by Alessio Bonfietti — Chief Science Officer, Data, AI and Analytics, XTEL

What's often labeled as "AI fatigue" is actually something more specific — interface exhaustion. The issue isn't AI itself, but how it's been deployed.

Tractor Supply Company acquires veterinary services business VIP Petcare

June 12, 2026

Tractor Supply Company, a rural lifestyle retailer, has acquired the veterinary services business VIP Petcare from PetIQ, a Bansk Group company.

Martha Stewart prepping AI-powered home management site

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

The startup, due to launch the Hint site, has $10 million in seed funding from Slow Ventures, a venture capital fund.

How Independent Retailers Can Compete Like National Chains— Without a National Chain Budget

Independent retailers do not need massive budgets to compete effectively in today’s marketplace. With the right technology partner, small and mid-sized…

Presented by National Retail Solutions (NRS)

Gas fueling Costco growth, customer loyalty

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

Consumers wanting cheap gas are hitting Costco pumps and driving customer loyalty for the wholesaler.

Amazon Web Services debuts AI retail solution built on Alexa for Shopping

June 8, 2026

Amazon Web Services has launched an AI-powered solution to help retailers build AI-powered shopping experience.

The celebration season: Retail's second biggest gifting window is hiding in plain sight

by Colin Jeavons — CEO, Nomix Group

Commerce does not wait at a destination. It is present wherever the consumer is when the occasion enters their mind.

Publix buys out shopping center landlord

June 4, 2026

Publix Super Markets has purchased a shopping center where one of its Boynton Beach locations is housed for $78 million, according to a Connect CRE report.

Amazon melds Rufus, Alexa+ for ‘Alexa for Shopping’ feature

June 3, 2026

Amazon has combined its Rufus online site assistant and its Alexa+ service to create "Alexa for Shopping," for its app and website.

Target taps 3D, simulation tech for Houston Receive Center

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

Meeting consumer demand is the top priority for any retailer and for Target that means faster, more efficient product distribution.

How apparel brands are scaling quality without slowing speed to market

by Nicole Brackett — Senior Account Executive, North America and France, TradeBeyond

The brands best positioned for the next phase of retail competition are those treating quality as a continuous, data-driven capability rather than a reactive…

How self-service is now retail infrastructure

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Retailers are rapidly expanding self-service technology far beyond the traditional checkout lane as they look to improve customer experience, streamline store…

The new chapter of bookstores: From retail to experience

by Clare Jones — Outreach Manager, CUSTOM NEON PTY LTD

Retail as we know it is shifting. Across industries, stores are no longer just points of sale, they’re experiences.

German grocer deploys interactive touchscreen kiosk powered by eyefactive

May 26, 2026

Edeka Jensen, a grocery store located in Uetersen, Germany, near Hamburg, has partnered with eyefactive to deploy an interactive touchscreen kiosk solution at…

Let's Talk Retail Episode 7: Part 2: How a Mobile First Strategy Enhances the Retail Journey

Take a closer look at how a mobile-first strategy is reshaping the retail experience. This video explores how connected technologies, flexible service models…

Sam’s Club launches enhanced tier to Express delivery

May 25, 2026

Sam's Club has launched enhanced express delivery that offers delivery in an hour or even less.

How accessible packaging is changing the retail experience

by Andy Meadows — Vice President of Product, Loftware

Walk through any store and you’ll see QR codes on packaging, connecting shoppers to recipes, promotions and brand information. But for millions of consumers…