Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Retail has always been about conversation. Long before artificial intelligence, the best store associates knew the real sale happened in the exchange — the “what are you looking for today?” that turned a browser into a buyer. Yet somehow, as the industry raced to digitize everything, that conversational instinct got lost and replaced with menus,…

Artificial intelligence-driven traffic to U.S. retail websites increased 4,700 percent in 2025. Retailers that have developed an agentic AI digital commerce space, or are exploring that possibility, are facing new challenges and risks as consumer use explodes. What is Agentic AI? Retailers have to meet current customer expectations by providing an omnichannel shopping experience that…

Allbirds, known for its eco-friendly shoes before losing its valuation and closing all full-priced stores, announced this week it was pivoting to become an AI infrastructure business. The company announced Wednesday it had entered into an agreement with an unnamed institutional investor for $50 million and will change its name to NewBird AI, the Associated…

David's Bridal has launched Shopify's Agentic Storefronts across ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, further cementing its reputation as the leading artificial intelligence-powered marketplace, media network, and planning ecosystem for life's most meaningful celebrations. The move unlocks a new, high-growth commerce channel where products are discovered, recommended, and purchased through AI conversations. David's is among the first…

Retail technology teams face a paradox: artificial intelligence is transforming how software gets built, yet the very tools that accelerate delivery are outpacing the security processes designed to protect it. For retailers competing on digital experience, faster development is essential. However, as the use of generative AI to create code and automate features becomes standard…

At Shoptalk in Las Vegas last month, Total Retail Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan spoke with Elina Vilk, president and chief business officer, and Lisa Horton, chief communications and creative officer at David's Bridal, the wedding technology company, media powerhouse, and marketplace platform. They discuss the bridal company's "Aisle to Algorithm" strategy, balancing the risks and rewards…

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping retail payments in practical ways. The impact is not theoretical. It is visible in how transactions are approved, how devices operate, and how customers move through the buying journey. The biggest structural change is in real-time decisioning. Retailers rely on fast, consistent payment flows, and friction at checkout directly affects…

Retail and consumer packaged goods (RCPG) companies have entered a definitive phase where operational precision is no longer a competitive advantage but the baseline for survival. In 2026, the industry is grappling with a stark consumer polarization. On one side, a value-seeking segment is trading down and scrutinizing every penny; on the other, a premium…

At Shoptalk in Las Vegas last month, Total Retail Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan spoke with Paul Toms, chief marketing officer at Wayfair, one of the world's largest destinations for the home. They delve into Wayfair's multifaceted growth strategy, including the opening of physical retail stores in Chicago and Atlanta (with more locations to come), as well…

Joe Keenan interviews experts from OLLY and Contentsquare on the rise of AI-driven search.