Retailers bet on AI for supply chain, ‘smart’ shopping

Retailers are using AI technologies to overhaul their customer experience, supply chain and personalized shopping offerings, according to Q2 earnings calls.

By Paige Gross • Sept. 9, 2026

Urban Outfitters’ Nuuly pursues more fulfillment center automation

The rental subscription service aims to launch an automated order sortation system and picking solution at its Kansas City-area facility.

By Max Garland • Sept. 8, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

How artificial intelligence is shaping retail

More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.

By Retail Dive staff

Preparing your platform for agentic commerce: How to authenticate AI buying agents vs. synthetic bots

Marketplaces spent a decade building systems to keep bots out. In agentic commerce, some of those bots are now your best customers — and the rest are harder to spot.

Sept. 8, 2026

Amazon Prime members now get free Alexa+ access

The new perk follows a quarter of double-digit growth in Prime membership as Amazon and rivals emphasize the importance of their paid membership programs.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 4, 2026

Ulta’s use of Flock technology causes upset online

The retailer drew attention on social media this week for its use of automated license plate readers at some locations as the technology has drawn widespread public criticism. 

By Dani James • Sept. 4, 2026

Dollar General deploys AI across distribution centers, stores

The retailer is using Relex Solutions’ supply chain platform to manage ordering schedules, lead times, supplier coordination and fulfillment methods.

By Kelly Stroh • Sept. 4, 2026

How AI is powering Target’s back-to-school push

The mass retailer is utilizing AI for wish lists and recommended actions on its e-commerce site, Target’s senior vice president of technology told Retail Dive.

By Dani James • Sept. 3, 2026

Kohl’s unites marketing, digital under new chief customer officer role

The position combines media, loyalty, digital commerce and other functions under one title. Chief Marketing Officer Christie Raymond will depart the company.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 2, 2026

Sephora to pilot TikTok Shop experience

The beauty retailer will debut exclusive monthly drops through the social media's e-commerce feature with content-led videos and a TikTok Live.

By Dani James • Sept. 2, 2026

Williams-Sonoma AI assistants drive customer engagement — and conversions

Customers who use Olive, Williams Sonoma’s AI agent, convert at three times a higher rate than those who do not.

By Kristen Doerer • Sept. 2, 2026

Boscov’s revamps e-commerce fulfillment operations

The company expects to reduce out-of-stocks and improve the omnichannel experience for customers through a unified inventory management system, CEO Jim Boscov said.

By Alejandra Carranza • Sept. 2, 2026

J. Peterman appears to have folded

The quirky catalog retailer, made famous by “Seinfeld,” has stopped taking orders and faces allegations of violating Ohio consumer laws.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 2, 2026

The Home Depot extends AI assistance in local stores

The retailer expanded its AI shopping assistant, Magic Apron, to include localized store knowledge to help customers quickly find items, ask product-specific questions and get project advice. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 1, 2026

Best Buy emphasizes expert support with AI shopping assistant

Ask Blue can answer shopping questions or guide users to customer support as needed.

By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 31, 2026

Walmart to build $1.3B fulfillment center in Georgia

The 1.5-million-square-foot automated facility is slated to break ground later this year.

By Kelly Stroh • Aug. 31, 2026

AI is not replacing EDI. It is fixing what was always wrong with it.

AI isn't replacing EDI. It's fixing the maintenance overhead that has always made it expensive.

By Erik Kiser • Aug. 31, 2026

Is your payment experience holding back your omnichannel strategy?

Omnichannel strategy is only as strong as its weakest checkout.

Aug. 31, 2026

Bath & Body Works e-commerce returns to growth

The retailer expects to see continued gains in the channel in the back half of the year through 2027.

By Kaarin Moore • Aug. 27, 2026

The Backroom: A sit-down with Ron Johnson

The retail veteran shares his journey with Apple, the infamous stint with J.C. Penney and more ahead of the release of his memoir, “Shop Different.”

By Retail Dive Staff • Aug. 27, 2026

The FTC is turning its sights on personalized pricing. What does it mean for customers?

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comments on the practice, giving businesses yet another reason to be wary of implementing personalized or surveillance pricing.

By Kristen Doerer • Aug. 26, 2026

Walmart to accept Apple Pay, Google Pay

The retailer will finally allow the tap-to-pay options at select Walmart and Sam’s Club stores, with plans to roll out to all locations by the end of the year.

By Lynne Marek , Kaarin Moore • Aug. 25, 2026

Stop guessing. Start knowing: why retailers need one pool of inventory.

Stop siloing your inventory. See how one pool reveals true demand and increases margins.

Aug. 24, 2026

Victoria’s Secret reshapes tech leadership

Former Foot Locker executive Adrian Butler will oversee technology and former Starbucks CTO Gerri Martin-Flickinger will sit on the board.

By Paige Gross • Aug. 21, 2026

Michaels launches 3D digital frame builder

The retailer is harnessing 3D and AR technology to help shoppers preview frames in their spaces.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 20, 2026

Amazon to expand drone delivery reach sixfold this year

The e-commerce giant will soon launch Prime Air deliveries in metro Atlanta, Chicago and Cleveland, giving customers another fast shipping option.

By Max Garland • Aug. 20, 2026