Technology

Over the last two decades, the channels where commerce occurs have expanded and blurred as consumer expectations have soared. Along the way, retailers that once only needed to build and maintain software for manufacturing and inventory management have found themselves responsible for building consumer-facing technologies to support e-commerce, marketing, mobile, loyalty, fulfillment, real-time inventory tracking,…

The retail industry is undergoing a major shift. As consumers return to physical stores, they bring expectations shaped by e-commerce’s speed and convenience. Brick-and-mortar stores are no longer just for transactions; they’re now key spaces for brand loyalty, customer engagement, and personalized experiences. However, one pain point remains: waiting in line. A 2023 PwC study…

In episode 475 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kostas Georgakopoulos, chief technology officer and chief information security officer at Mondelēz International, one of the largest snack companies in the world offering iconic global and local brands in over 150 countries. Listen in as Georgakopoulos describes the Mondelēz organization and his role (1:40),…

The retail landscape is undergoing a monumental transformation, driven by rapid advancements in technology and shifting consumer expectations. At the center of this change lies the integration of omnichannel strategies and the explosive influence of social media in driving sales. To stay relevant and thrive, retailers must embrace these shifts and deliver seamless, personalized and…

New York Yankees’ superstar Alex Rodriguez was one of over 450 speakers to take the stage at NRF 2025 last week in New York City. From legacy brands such as Tommy Hilfiger to technology innovators like Nvidia, the Big Show was packed with content and attendees. In fact, over 40,000 people from over 100 countries,…

Over the past five years, the retail industry has undergone a significant digital transformation, fueled by the rise of online shopping. While this shift has driven progress, retailers still face challenges, such as inflation, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. To address these hurdles, the industry is turning to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence…

January is a crucial time for retailers as crowds flock to stores for discounts, demanding not just attractive deals but the shopping experience to match. In this busy period, mobile connectivity becomes the linchpin for both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The days when a good deal alone could satisfy customers are long gone. Today’s…

Despite the rise of e-commerce, in-store shopping remains a vital part of the retail landscape. An analysis of omnichannel shoppers at Kroger stores shows this cohort still makes 83 percent of their visits in-store. Additionally, approximately 75 percent of omnichannel shoppers claim that they prefer to head to a store to purchase fresh produce, bakery…

Retailers of all sizes, whether small boutique shops or national chains, face numerous challenges when it comes to fulfilling their tax obligations to local governments. While much attention is often given to the financial burden of taxes themselves, the administrative processes involved in paying these taxes can be equally daunting and time consuming for retailers.…

As we look ahead to the rest of the holiday shopping season, customer retention is front of mind. As retail has become an increasingly competitive sector with evolving customer expectations and abundant shopping options, retailers must find innovative ways to keep customers engaged and drive brand loyalty. In-store technology — notably digital signage, touchpoints, kiosks,…