AI is ‘reshaping’ Walmart and Sparky is leading the charge

Advancements in AI are helping Walmart save money, which it is, in turn, reinvesting in customer experience improvements, according to U.S. CEO David Guggina.  

By Nicole Silberstein • Oct. 8, 2026

ThredUp CEO on AI costs: ‘I was both surprised and didn’t care’

James Reinhart said nothing should be done to slow employees’ use of AI because the benefits will outweigh those initial costs eventually.

By Dani James • Oct. 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

TikTok to add AI-powered discovery and one-click checkout

The social media platform is hoping to capitalize on its role as a product discovery engine by adding a conversational AI agent and simpler checkout.

By Bryan Wassel • Oct. 7, 2026

Walmart defends pricing practices, again

The retailer says it won't renew a key patent that could leverage scan-and-go tech to personalize prices. It's one of several that has drawn the attention of activists.

By Dani James • Oct. 6, 2026

Where do associates fit in an AI world?

Customers are arriving at stores more educated than ever, but associates still need to support or build on what those shoppers learned from AI, experts say.

By Bryan Wassel • Oct. 6, 2026

Target’s digital holiday catalog features toys — and a way to incorporate handwritten wish lists

The retailer’s kids catalog is focused on interactive experiences, including demonstrations and video reviews. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 5, 2026

Gap unveils AI-assisted shopping, three decades after its first website

Customers can now get recommendations from the Alta Daily and Daydream platforms. Banana Republic and Old Navy are also launching conversational shopping agents.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 5, 2026

Keeping the lines open: How to power retail’s busiest moments

Consumers are tired of nonstop spam calls, suspicious of unknown numbers and frustrated by poor connections and dropped calls during important service discussions.

Oct. 5, 2026

Meta debuts AI agent for small businesses

After introducing Muse for personal users, the tech giant is offering its AI agent to small businesses seeking help with everyday tasks.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 1, 2026

Consumer AI use a boon for the holidays as AI traffic doubles

Consumers using AI engage with brands’ offers at a higher rate than non-AI traffic and generate more revenue per visit, a survey from Adobe found.

By Matt Vartabedian • Oct. 1, 2026

KnitWell Group names chief digital and customer data officer

Angelica Munson was appointed to the newly created role for the Ann Taylor and Chico’s parent company. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 1, 2026

Best Buy to launch on TikTok Shop

Customers will be able to purchase products directly through the social commerce platform, with orders fulfilled by the retailer. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 29, 2026

Walmart CEO addresses dynamic pricing concerns

John Furner issued a letter attempting to dispel pricing concerns about digital shelf labels and Sparky, but some say a Walmart patent leaves the door open.

By Dani James • Sept. 28, 2026

David’s Bridal wants to make it easy for vendors to engage with couples

The retailer’s AI-powered platform, Pearl Connect, gives vendors leads based on couples who are actively planning their weddings.

By Kaarin Moore • Sept. 28, 2026

Consumers aren’t just buying gifts this holiday season. They’re stocking up on essentials.

Total online spend in the U.S. will top $275 billion, according to Adobe, but many will use seasonal deals to stockpile necessities. 

By Lara Ewen • Sept. 28, 2026

Surf, don’t drown: How retailers can ride the AI wave successfully

The AI revolution in retail is transforming opportunity into profit and sustainable growth.

Sept. 28, 2026

AI in grocery retail: 5 tips for better customer experiences

Discover five tips to help you make AI work more effectively across your grocery operations.

By Sigurdur Ari Sigurjonsson, VP Strategic Accounts at LS Retail • Sept. 28, 2026

Tapestry to sell via Google’s Gemini app, AI Mode

Coach and Kate Spade items are now available for purchase in Google’s AI shopping ecosystem. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 24, 2026

Retailers tamp down shadow AI but struggle to oversee agentic sprawl

The use of AI agents is soaring in the retail sector, but visibility remains a major challenge, with regulated data at risk.

By Eric Geller • Sept. 24, 2026

Lowe’s debuts drone delivery pilot with Wing, DoorDash

The initial rollout at a North Carolina store involves over 100 SKUs and could later expand to other locations.

By Max Garland • Sept. 24, 2026

Consumers trust AI to advise, but don’t consent to it purchasing for them

Consumers are turning to AI to find deals, but won’t allow it to delegate purchase decisions, an ACI Worldwide survey found.

By Matt Vartabedian • Sept. 23, 2026

Shoppers burned by bad AI recommendations

As more consumers turn to AI to suggest purchases, some regret following the technology’s advice, a new survey finds.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 23, 2026

Amazon asks Meta to remove it from the Muse AI agent experience

The e-commerce giant — which is no stranger to the opt-out approach of agentic purchases — said it was not given advance notice Muse would access its shop.

By Dani James • Sept. 22, 2026

Macy’s rolls out AI inventory replenishment tool

The forecasting capability is moving from pilot to broader implementation as the retailer targets improved in-stock levels and operational efficiencies.

By Kelly Stroh • Sept. 18, 2026

How Carter’s is refreshing its brand to reach Gen Z, millennial parents

An identity overhaul, including a new logo and revamped social media strategy, is showcased in a campaign that is rooted in self-expression.

By Jessica Hammers • Sept. 16, 2026