Retail Reality Check

Ahold Delhaize USA completed migrating all five of its U.S. brands—Hannaford, Food Lion, The GIANT Company, Giant Food, and Stop & Shop—onto its proprietary cloud-based digital and e-commerce platform. Built by in-house teams, the platform enhances omnichannel experiences through faster performance, personalized promotions, and integrated online shopping.

Full Article ›

Albertsons Companies Inc. launched an agentic AI shopping assistant using OpenAI models to cut grocery shopping time to four minutes. Available on Albertsons banner websites, the tool builds on its Google Cloud Conversational Commerce agent to automate reorders, meal planning, list creation, and recipe integration, expanding to mobile apps in early 2026.

Full Article ›

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has extended its partnership with Aldi South to manage the retailer’s infrastructure and application services across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, the UK, Ireland, the US, and Australia. TCS will deploy its AI-enabled Cloud Operations Solution and digital services to stabilize, modernize, and optimize IT infrastructure, enhance cyber resilience, accelerate automation, and boost efficiency. The collaboration aims to drive Aldi South’s digital transformation for agile global retail response.

Full Article ›

Alibaba has launched Quark AI Glasses in six variants, featuring dual display and camera-first models, with integration into its AI model Qwen and the new Qwen App. Users can access AI functions through voice or touch, connect with Alibaba ecosystem apps like Alipay, Taobao, and more. The glasses are offered on Tmall, JD.com, Douyin, and 604 stores across China.

Full Article ›

Amazon has expanded its Amazon Connect customer service platform with new AI capabilities powered by Nova Sonic’s advanced speech models. The update enables natural, multilingual conversations, real-time sentiment analysis, and personalized recommendations while adding AI observability tools, workflow testing, and performance evaluation features for retailers and customer service teams.

Full Article ›

Amazon has launched its ultra-fast delivery service, Amazon Now, in parts of Seattle and Philadelphia after earlier rollouts in India and the UAE. Using small local fulfillment centers, Amazon delivers groceries and household essentials in 30 minutes or less, with fees starting at $3.99 for Prime members.

Full Article ›

Amazon unveiled its new Trainium3 AI chip, offering servers four times faster and more energy-efficient than previous versions, aiming to challenge Nvidia with lower-cost AI compute options. This move comes amid similar custom AI chip efforts by Google and Microsoft. Amazon’s chips promise 30-40% cost savings and are gaining traction with AI users like Anthropic. The company is also developing Trainium4 chips designed to be compatible with Nvidia’s NVLink networking technology.

Full Article ›

Amazon and Trane Technologies are using BrainBox AI to optimize HVAC systems at Amazon Grocery fulfillment centers, cutting energy use by nearly 15% versus baseline targets. Amazon will roll out the AI tools to 30+ U.S. grocery fulfillment and distribution sites and pilot the technology in grocery stores starting in 2026, supported by AWS data and generative AI

Full Article ›

American Express has partnered with Big Yellow Self Storage, enabling Amex Cardmembers to pay in-store and online at the UK storage company’s 111 locations, including Armadillo Self Storage sites. The deal includes upcoming exclusive offers for Amex users and extends Amex’s growing UK merchant network.

Full Article ›

Associated Supermarket Group (ASG), a grocery retailer co-op serving over 275 stores, has deployed Simplain’s StreamCollab platform to modernize vendor collaboration. Using modules for item maintenance, promotions, and cost management, ASG aims to improve data accuracy, operational efficiency, and digital transformation across its independent supermarket network.

Full Article ›

BJ’s Wholesale Club is rolling out AI to boost both operations and shopping, using tools for coding and testing, auto-generated employee to-do lists, in-store quality monitoring, and new customer-facing features like an AI shopping assistant and predictive shopping lists, while peers Kroger, Sprouts, Dollar General and Target pilot Instacart- and OpenAI-powered experiences.

Full Article ›

Brookhaven Market has partnered with Homesome to launch a new website and mobile app that extend its neighborhood grocery experience online. Using Homesome’s AI-powered platform, Brookhaven offers digital shopping, personalized recommendations, integrated Brookhaven Bucks rewards, and streamlined pickup and delivery from its four Chicago-area stores.

Full Article ›

SAP and automotive supplier Brose migrated Brose’s core SAP systems to SAP Cloud ERP Private on AWS in six months with no delivery disruption, creating a benchmark automotive reference that boosts manufacturing agility, scalability, resilience, and paves the way for future SAP cloud and business AI innovations.

Full Article ›

Conad Nord Ovest is extending its use of RELEX Solutions to all 587 stores to manage member pre-order promotions. Building on previous success in DC replenishment, the cooperative will implement RELEX’s promotion forecasting tools with Sopra Steria Next, improving efficiency, local responsiveness, and sustainability across its supply chain.

Full Article ›

Crew Clothing has expanded its deployment of Cegid Retail Store Excellence across its 124 stores and sister brands Ben Sherman (15) and Salt Rock (78). The platform digitizes task management, communications, and visual merchandising feedback, giving real-time estate-wide visibility and simplifying store operations. It replaced manual spreadsheets and emails, enabling consistent standards and freeing staff to focus on customers.

Full Article ›

David’s Bridal is rolling out Sezzle BNPL across 190+ stores, soon online, letting guests pay in full or four interest-free installments while using Sezzle budgeting tools. The fintech’s services plug into David’s AI-powered, Shopify-based planning ecosystem to support cost-conscious couples and holiday wedding demand.

Full Article ›

Debenhams Group, operator of brands such as PrettyLittleThing and boohoo, renewed its partnership with Mirakl to drive its marketplace and expand internationally. The introduction of Mirakl Ads enables 15,000+ brands to access self-service advertising, boosting retail media opportunities and a new revenue stream for the group.

Full Article ›

Dior has deployed Hardis Supply Chain's new warehouse management software (WMS) integrated with Scandit's AR-enabled data capture technology to enhance warehouse efficiency. Features include simultaneous barcode scanning, real-time AR feedback for order preparation, and item highlighting, reducing shipment verification times by 85%. The cloud-based solution automates tasks like goods receipt on existing handheld devices, reading damaged barcodes via AI.

Full Article ›

DoorDash is expanding its Canadian retail marketplace ahead of the holidays by adding Pet Valu, Miniso and Mastermind Toys for on‑demand delivery. This gives customers access to pet supplies, beauty, home and lifestyle items, and toys, plus participation in Pet Valu’s Your Rewards loyalty and DoorDash’s “12 Days of Deals” promotions.

Full Article ›

Destination XL Group launched FiTMAP® Scanning Technology in its DXL app and 80+ stores, allowing Big + Tall men to find precise fits across 25+ brands, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and Reebok. The tool scans 243 data points for personalized sizing, enhancing both in-store and online shopping experiences.

Full Article ›

Estée Lauder launches Scent Advisor, an AI-powered conversational tool on JoMalone.com for Jo Malone London, using Google’s Gemini and Vertex AI to match consumer-described preferences with olfactory data for personalized fragrance recommendations. CTO Brian Franz highlights its role in elevating digital experiences, alongside recent Scent Layering and TikTok tools. This aligns with industry AI trends, as noted by L'Oréal's CFO and McKinsey's finding that only 10% of beauty executives regularly use AI.

Full Article ›

foodora, owned by Delivery Hero, has launched a pilot robot delivery project in Prague’s District 8 in partnership with Starship Technologies and McDonald's Czech Republic. The initiative is testing autonomous hot food deliveries, marking a first in Czechia for robot delivery in real-world urban settings. This project leverages Starship’s global expertise and local municipal support.

Full Article ›

Gulf Oil partnered with digital marketplace Upside to offer cashback at over 350 locations, boosting new customer acquisition and repeat visits. The partnership generated a 1% fuel volume lift in 90 days. Upside’s platform drives incremental profits and currently partners with major fuel brands like Chevron, Circle K, and bp.

Full Article ›

Haffner's partnered with Liquid Barcodes to launch a unified mobile app and loyalty platform in early 2026. The new solution integrates Haffner’s 70 convenience stores, fuel stations, and car wash sites, combining loyalty, rewards, and subscriptions while keeping full control of customer data under one connected digital ecosystem.

Full Article ›

HelloFresh is using a new generative AI-powered tool suite to automate recipe card layout and visual design, cutting production time from weeks or months to just a few hours while chefs and food stylists retain creative control. The AI-driven workflow is rolling out first to U.S. customers in December, with a global rollout planned by the end of Q1 2026.

Full Article ›

J. Crew’s CIO Danielle Schmelkin has driven the retailer’s turnaround since its 2020 bankruptcy through technology innovation. Her team built AI-powered e-commerce tools, mobile apps, an employee chatbot, and predictive inventory models. J. Crew’s digital ecosystem now fuels over half its revenue and supports 660 stores under its J. Crew, Madewell, and Factory brands.

Full Article ›

IHL Group has launched JustAskGreg.ai, a subscription-based AI platform offering instant access to 30 years of retail technology research and analyst insights from over 300 global retail brands. The tool covers topics like POS systems, AI strategies, and technology ROI, providing data-backed, cited answers. It also includes access to IHL Sophia, an AI-driven lead generation tool, expanding expert knowledge access for retail professionals at affordable prices. Subscription starts at $29.95/month with full research library access and regular updates.

Full Article ›

Jysk, the Danish home furnishing retailer, partnered with WSO2 to centralize and standardize its API ecosystem using WSO2 API Manager. The platform improved visibility, governance, and scalability, enabling faster store rollouts, smoother e-commerce integration, and efficient handling of over two million API calls daily with sub-1ms latency.

Full Article ›

Liberty Sports Group and Front Row Hospitality have signed a multi-year deal making Shift4 the exclusive commerce technology partner across Liberty’s North American venues, replacing Cheq/Cantaloupe. The partnership deploys Shift4’s SkyTab Venue POS and payments platform to unify F&B, retail, and e-commerce, promising faster transactions, better data, and new revenue opportunities.

Full Article ›

Newegg is integrating its product listings into Perplexity’s AI-enabled search platform using PayPal’s agentic commerce tools, including Agent Ready and Store Sync, to enhance AI-driven product discoverability and payments. This partnership leverages PayPal’s fraud detection and buyer protection while expanding Newegg’s AI-powered shopping presence beyond its own site, complementing its recent Shein marketplace store launch and gamer community initiatives. Newegg’s 2025 online sales are projected to reach $1.16 billion.

Full Article ›

Little Caesars partnered with NowSignage to deploy digital menu boards across 16 countries in the U.K. within six months. The custom solution ensures accurate, real-time content, adapts to local needs, and supports multiple languages and currencies, enhancing efficiency for Little Caesars’ global operations.

Full Article ›

Optimera Svenska AB, a leading Nordic building materials distributor, is implementing RELEX Solutions’ AI-Assisted Diagnostics. Using AI agents and generative AI, the tool automatically identifies root causes of stockouts, recommends corrections, and accelerates decision-making to reduce lost sales, boost productivity, and enhance supply chain performance.

Full Article ›

Patina Hotels & Resorts launched a new digital platform built on Adobe Experience Cloud and Salesforce CRM to enhance guest engagement and support global expansion. The platform combines immersive storytelling, creative design, and personalization to showcase Patina’s art-driven identity across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Full Article ›

Gardner White is implementing SAP Business Suite for Retail to overcome legacy ERP limitations hindering growth and efficiency. Partnering with TRC Solutions, the phased rollout includes SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud for core operations, SAP Customer Checkout on 370 POS terminals, SAP Integrated Business Planning for supply chain, SAP Analytics Cloud for reporting, and SAP Business Technology Platform for integrations. This upgrade enables scalability, real-time data, and AI adaptability, avoiding past customizations that caused fragility.

Full Article ›

Rewe is trialing grocery deliveries in Bochum using a Level 4 autonomous Volkswagen ID Buzz, equipped with AI-driven digital driver software. The six-month pilot, partnered with Swiss tech firm LOXO and Bochum’s economic agency, aims to assess autonomy levels and enhance delivery capacity within Rewe’s existing systems. A safety driver is onboard during the trial.

Full Article ›

Riesbeck’s Food Markets, an employee-owned Ohio and West Virginia supermarket chain, has launched an eGrowcery-powered online shopping and fulfillment platform. The system supports pickup and delivery, aiming to enhance digital experiences and boost e-commerce sales, with early store feedback showing improved performance and customer convenience.

Full Article ›

Roche Pharmaceuticals is expanding its partnership with Veeva Systems, rolling out the AI-driven Vault CRM globally as part of its digital transformation. Vault CRM, powered by Veeva AI, will enable Roche teams to deliver more personalized healthcare professional interactions, with new AI agents launching December 2025.

Full Article ›

Safia Café & Bakery, operating over 150 stores in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, has chosen RELEX Solutions’ AI-powered forecasting and replenishment tools to enhance inventory management and support expansion. The partnership will optimize fresh food availability, cut waste, and reduce manual planning across its bakery and café operations.

Full Article ›

Estonian retailer Selver will implement RELEX Solutions’ AI-driven forecasting, replenishment, assortment, and promotion planning tools across 70+ stores. The platform will replace legacy systems, unify central planning with store operations, optimize fresh food inventory, cut spoilage, and improve collaboration and profitability.

Full Article ›

Staples Canada has opened a new store in Burlington, Ontario, featuring its first Seasonal department, hundreds of new products, and an enhanced print and shipping services experience. The store offers a simplified layout, expanded tech and educational toys, and partnerships with shipping carriers like FedEx and UPS. Staples supports the community with a $25,000 donation to MAP through its Even The Odds initiative. This location reflects Staples' commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric retailing.

Full Article ›

Tapestry unifies its data architecture to shift real-time signals upstream, enabling merchandising, planning, design, and supply chain teams to react in parallel, shorten lead times, and reduce inventory mismatches. Global Head of Data and Analytics Technology Fabio Luzzi highlights AI agents for instant answers to complex questions and machine learning for demand forecasting. This business-driven tech approach blends data with creative judgment to boost agility and sales outcomes.

Full Article ›

Tom Ford Fashion, part of Estee Lauder Corp., is launching a customized 3D augmented reality virtual try-on eyewear tool from Perfect Corp. in the U.S., Canada, and Europe by late 2025. The solution includes precise pupillary distance measurement to improve eyewear fit accuracy, reduce returns, and enhance online shopping experiences.

Full Article ›

Unilever is expanding AI across its Personal Care division to transform product development, factory operations, and marketing. Partnering with NIQ, it uses predictive and simulation tools to design formulations faster and cut waste. AI-driven systems boost factory efficiency, while digital twins and content automation accelerate creative production and campaign targeting.

Full Article ›

VERB Products has chosen Listrak as its unified, AI-powered cross-channel marketing partner to drive e-commerce growth through personalized email, SMS, and web experiences, including predictive product recommendations and on-site personalization. VERB reports a 300% year-over-year increase in automations and a 30% lift in SMS conversions, supported by Listrak’s beauty industry experts and benchmarks.

Full Article ›

Walmart Connect Mexico partnered with AppsFlyer to advance its omnichannel retail media strategy using AppsFlyer’s Data Collaboration Platform and clean room tools. The partnership enables secure two-way data collaboration, custom audience creation, offsite activation, and improved identity resolution through an ID5 integration, enhancing brand targeting and campaign measurement.

Full Article ›

Walmart is expanding drone-based delivery through Alphabet-owned Wing, launching ultra-fast five-minute deliveries from six Supercenter stores in metro Atlanta. Customers order via the Wing app for groceries, gifts, and household goods. Walmart plans drone service at 100 stores by 2026 across five states, including Texas and Florida.

Full Article ›

Weis Markets has deployed Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions’ ELERA Security Suite across self-checkout lanes in all 199 stores to boost loss prevention and enhance customer experience. The suite includes ELERA Loss Prevention and Produce Recognition, with plans to expand to dual-use and cashier lanes.

Full Article ›