Retail’s Reality Check

7‑Eleven Philippines is deploying the NCR Voyix POS solution on the Voyix Commerce Platform to modernize operations across 4,500 stores. The upgrade aims to streamline workflows, improve customer experiences, and support loyalty, mobile, and payment integrations, with a pilot in late 2026 and full rollout in 2027.

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Amazon introduced a new AI-powered visualization “canvas” for third-party sellers on its Seller Central platform. Integrated with the Seller Assistant tool built on Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Nova, and Anthropic Claude AI, the canvas creates adaptive, real-time visual workspaces that help sellers analyze performance and optimize business decisions.

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Amazon is expanding its partnership with OpenAI to nearly $140 billion over eight years, investing $50 billion more to jointly develop AI innovations. OpenAI will use Amazon Web Services’ Trainium3 and Trainium4 chips and launch a Stateful Runtime Environment via the Amazon Bedrock platform for developers and enterprise applications.

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Apex Order Pickup Solutions expanded into the casino market with its smart food locker systems at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in California. Using ApexIQ™ technology, the 23-compartment lockers streamline mobile order pickup, handle over 80,000 orders, provide operational insights, and enhance guest convenience and satisfaction.

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Co-op Live in Manchester has launched Europe’s first fully frictionless, autonomous self-serve market using AiFi’s spatial intelligence and Boxbar Tech’s automated beverage systems. Developed with Oak View Group, the venue enables tap-in access, self-serve food and drinks, and a seamless checkout-free experience to speed service during events.

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Best Buy reported a 0.8% sales decline amid cautious consumer spending but is ramping up digital innovation. The retailer partnered with OpenAI to integrate its catalog into ChatGPT and with Google on agentic shopping via Gemini and Search, while expanding its Mirakl-powered marketplace and Best Buy Ads network.

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Restaurant Brands International is expanding its OpenAI-powered voice assistant “Patty” to all U.S. Burger King restaurants by year-end and to Canada in late 2026. Patty listens through staff headsets to improve service, guide upselling, and track operations. RBI also plans 300–400 new North American restaurants annually through 2028.

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Loblaw Companies has saved over $295 million and diverted 105 million pounds of food from landfills through its seven-year partnership with the Flashfood waste reduction app. In 2025 alone, the program saved customers $58 million on groceries and expanded to 900 stores, supporting Loblaw’s zero-food-waste-by-2030 goal.

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Sensor Tower data shows U.S. ChatGPT app uninstalls surged 295% on Feb. 28 after news of OpenAI’s Department of Defense partnership, while Anthropic’s Claude downloads jumped 51% as it declined a defense deal. Appfigures and Similarweb reported similar trends, with Claude reaching No. 1 on the U.S. App Store.

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Catalan retailer CONDIS Supermercats has chosen RELEX Solutions to enhance forecasting and automated replenishment for its fresh products. Using RELEX’s machine learning–driven tools, CONDIS aims to improve product availability, reduce waste, and optimize operations across its 170 stores by ensuring precise, efficient fresh inventory management.

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Unilever-owned Dermalogica has implemented Corvus Robotics’ AI- and computer vision-powered drone system at its Carson, California headquarters to automate inventory scans. The autonomous drones perform 52 scans per year—boosting imaging by 600%—saving 120 labor hours monthly and improving accuracy, forecasting, and warehouse efficiency without requiring downtime or infrastructure changes.

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DoorDash is expanding its AI partnerships with a new beta integration in Google’s Gemini agentic AI app for Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 phones, enabling seamless food ordering by voice. Following its ChatGPT-based grocery and recipe tools launched in December 2025, this move deepens DoorDash’s AI-driven convenience strategy.

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DoorDash and Uber are piloting “true agentic ordering” through Google’s Gemini AI, which automates multi-step tasks like reordering meals or booking rides. The beta runs on Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S26 phones in the U.S. and Korea, enabling users to complete orders hands-free via voice commands.

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Dunelm has launched a new AI-powered mobile app for iOS and Android that enhances online and in-store shopping with personalized search, product scanning, Click & Collect check-ins, and local stock checks. Developed with Google Cloud, the app also offers incentives like free café drinks and 10% off first purchases.

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Gringo’s Tex-Mex and Jimmy Changas have deployed Ziosk’s Drop & Pay handheld tablets across 21 Texas locations to streamline checkout, boost loyalty enrollment, and enhance service. The Ziosk technology enables secure pay-at-table transactions, lifting loyalty participation by 23% and satisfaction survey engagement by 45%.

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Guardforce AI (NASDAQ: GFAI) extended its partnership to provide smart retail solutions for the Thailand branch of a global sportswear brand. Using its AI-driven surveillance analytics and RFID inventory systems, Guardforce AI will deploy technology at five more stores in 2026 and one in 2027 to boost efficiency, security, and sales performance.

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Home Depot launched real-time delivery tracking for bulky products like appliances and lumber, supported by drivers’ handheld devices. The feature enhances visibility and customer communication. Part of broader supply chain improvements, it builds on Home Depot’s expanded network of nearly 200 facilities and its “ship from best location” algorithm.

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Jack’s Family Restaurants is modernizing its 280-unit quick-serve chain through a best-of-breed digital overhaul led by CTO Chris Incorvati. The brand is integrating Olo for online ordering, Punchh for loyalty, and PAR for POS to unify data, improve operations, and personalize offers that “defend the breakfast habit” driving customer loyalty.

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Jet’s Pizza has surpassed 10 million AI-enabled orders using OrderAI by HungerRush for automated SMS reordering and ConverseNow for voice AI. CIO Aaron Nilsson says “Magic Messages” and “Re-Pizza” text features drive loyalty and efficiency, boosting sales while improving employee experience and setting a new QSR AI standard.

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Lowe’s partnered with Zebra Technologies to modernize its paint-buying process using Zebra KC50 kiosks, TC53 mobile computers, DS8108 scanners, and ZD411 printers. The solution improved customer experience, reduced wait times and paint waste, streamlined workflows, and enhanced associate efficiency through real-time order visibility and digital integration.

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Ikea China, working with a local supplier, has deployed self-driving vehicles in Anhui Province to transport goods between a warehouse and the Ikea Hefei store. The rollout, following a 75,600 km pilot, cut self-pick-up wait times from six to two hours and halved transport costs. Ingka Group will expand the initiative.

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JD Sports Fashion has signed a multi‑year global agreement with Checkpoint Systems to deploy its ItemOptix RFID inventory management software. Following a 2024 pilot in the UK, France, and Spain, the SaaS rollout will cover 400 UK and Ireland stores in 2026, expanding to 1,000 across Europe, supported by Checkpoint’s DC tunnel solutions.

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L.L.Bean is partnering with Amperity’s Customer Data Cloud to unify customer data and power predictive analytics for hyper-personalized journeys across email, direct mail, web, loyalty marketing and catalogs. The new platform replaces siloed legacy systems so teams can act in real time and deepen loyalty and brand affinity.

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Lane Bryant is using Metrical’s online personalization technology to deliver dynamic, real-time content and targeted incentives based on shopper behavior and intent. The solution adjusts messaging and offers across key site touchpoints without engineering changes, helping the retailer reduce unnecessary discounting, enhance relevance, and protect margins.

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Lowe’s reported fourth-quarter growth in its Pro, online, and Home Services businesses, while DIY sales stayed weak. The retailer relaunched MyLowe’s Pro Rewards, introduced an AI-powered Pro Companion tool, and expanded its Pro Extended Aisle supplier access. Online sales rose 10.5%, and Home Services achieved high-single-digit gains.

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Rights & Brands, the licensing agency behind Moomin, The Smurfs, The Beatles, and Pippi Longstocking, has partnered with TrusTrace to enhance global supply chain transparency. Using TrusTrace’s compliance platform, the firm will centralize documentation, monitor suppliers, and prepare for new EU transparency and circularity regulations through a phased 2026 rollout.

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Nespresso opened a 13,900-sq.-ft. experiential concept store in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, featuring interactive zones like an Aroma Bar, Coffee Theatre, RFID-enabled self-checkout, and an LED “Crema Wall.” The flagship showcases the Swiss brand’s reimagined retail strategy emphasizing sensory engagement, personalization, and local artistry.

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Nestlé is transforming its marketing operations through a unified IT backbone built on an updated SAP S/4 HANA ERP system. The “marketing of the future” initiative consolidates brands, expands shared services, and enhances analytics-driven upskilling, achieving faster delivery, 75% cost savings, and improved global marketing consistency and collaboration.

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Optimum Retailing (OR) announced partnerships with Compass Group, Lindt, Knix, and Diageo to support self-optimizing stores. Using OR’s Realgram AI and execution-tracking tools, these retailers automate planograms, localize merchandising, and link store-level execution to sales outcomes, streamlining operations and improving consistency across locations.

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Prince Resorts Hawaii, led by IT Director Dr. Aiman ZouZou, is launching a 2026 digital transformation featuring AI-powered cybersecurity, a multilingual AI concierge, biometric mobile check-in, Wi-Fi-based guest feedback, and digital tipping. These tools enhance real-time service recovery, data security, and personalized guest experiences across its three Hawaii properties.

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Philippine grocer Prince Retail is expanding its partnership with RELEX Solutions to deploy RELEX Diagnostics and AI-assisted tools across 80 stores. The rollout will enhance forecast accuracy, supply chain visibility, and localized pricing, consolidating planning on a single RELEX platform to better serve underserved provincial communities.

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Roy Rogers Restaurants selected Qu’s unified commerce platform to overhaul its ordering and kitchen systems. The edge-powered technology integrates drive-thru, kiosk, and kitchen operations, enhances speed and uptime, and adds Qu Notify for communication and Qu Flex for kiosks—boosting efficiency, scalability, and data-driven decision-making across all locations.

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Samsung and DoorDash unveiled a new Gemini feature that lets users order food on DoorDash using voice commands on Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S26 devices. Launching March 3 in beta, Gemini automates multi-step ordering in a secure virtual window, ensuring privacy, control, and transparency.

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SandStar has launched the SandStar VRK, an AI-powered vending kiosk using computer vision and a self-learning engine to improve unattended retail accuracy. The VRK includes four-camera theft protection, an illuminating handle alert system, and a proprietary 4G solution delivering constant connectivity and real-time oversight.

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Schlotzsky’s, part of GoTo Foods, is rebranding to its original “Schlotzsky’s Deli” name and launching a modern, smaller restaurant prototype featuring self-order kiosks, digital pickup zones, grab-and-go options, and optimized kitchen design. The 2,100-sq.-ft. format aims to boost efficiency, flexibility, and cut operating costs by up to 25%.

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Castore streamlined pricing across 35 Shopify stores using Patchworks’ iPaaS, reducing update times from five hours to two minutes and slashing error rates from 30–35% to 1–2%. The solution eliminated overnight manual uploads, stabilized API performance, and shifted teams from reactive pricing management to strategic oversight.

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SportsShoes opened its first store in 14 years—a flagship “House of SportsShoes” in Shoreditch, London—partnering with Visualsoft to integrate BigCommerce and Shopify PoS. The digital-first space offers gait analysis, community events, and a “no bags” delivery model, ensuring seamless online and in-store experiences for runners.

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Burger King is deploying its new AI-driven BK Assistant platform, featuring a voice AI called Patty powered by an OpenAI base model and in-house tech. The system monitors inventory, cleanliness, and customer interactions while generating “friendliness scores.” It’s live in 500 stores and will expand to 7,000 by year’s end.

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A ZDNET article, “The secret to AI job security? Stop stressing and pivot at work now—here’s how,” argues that career resilience in the age of AI means embracing change and using AI tools personally and practically. The writer cites using Anthropic’s Claude for daily briefings as proof that integrating AI purposefully builds advantage and confidence.

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Topshop, in partnership with PayPal, Google Cloud, and THG Studios, hosted the world’s first AI-driven, shoppable catwalk in Manchester. Using the “Front Row AI” app, attendees virtually tried on and purchased looks via AI stylists powered by Noonah, creating an immersive retail experience certified by the World Record Certification Agency.

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Ecuador’s Grupo El Rosado enhanced in-store efficiency using Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions’ ELERA® Security Suite and ELERA® Produce Recognition. Leveraging AI, computer vision, and edge computing, the pilot across 27 stores boosted self-checkout transactions up to 70%, cut staff interventions to 10–20%, and improved customer satisfaction. COMPUHELP and 33° Sur supported installation and integration.

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True Beauty Lashes partnered with Perfect Corp. to launch LashLovr, an AI- and AR-powered lash-matching and virtual try-on tool. Using Perfect Corp.’s Virtual Try-On and Face Analyzer APIs, LashLovr offers personalized lash recommendations based on eye shape, allowing shoppers to preview styles in real time before purchase.

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Walmart’s AI agent Sparky is driving stronger engagement and higher spending, with about half of app users interacting with it and average order values 35% higher. Executives John Furner and David Guggina said Sparky boosts speed, personalization, and trust while improving operations and powering express delivery growth.

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Decodo’s analysis of over 1 million data points from 120 e-commerce retailers found that about half of all price changes are decreases. Amazon, Walmart, and Kroger lead in dynamic pricing activity, with Decodo reporting average drops of 35.3%, 10.6%, and 9.1%, respectively, using tools that adjust prices by demand and inventory.

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Wegmans quietly revised its facial recognition statement, removing references to “communities that exhibit an elevated risk” and the word “biometric,” adding a denial of other data uses, and clarifying third-party access. Critics note the update avoids real transparency—no disclosure of retention times, store locations, or oversight of its surveillance system.

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Wickes has launched Wickes Connected Retail Media, a retail media network with onsite and offsite capabilities developed with Epsilon and powered by its COREid identity graph. The platform enables brands to connect with UK home improvement shoppers across channels, enhancing personalized engagement and long-term customer relationships.

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Office Depot implemented Zebra Technologies’ Workcloud Workforce Optimization Suite to replace legacy workforce and task systems for over 13,000 associates. The platform increased task compliance to 97%, boosted on-time completions by 42%, and delivered $1.4 million in annual savings through reduced overtime, improved reporting, and avoided headcount costs.

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