In-store technologies expected to shape retail in 2026
Retailing’s age of artificial intelligence is driven by in-store technologies that help retailers bridge physical and digital worlds to solve problems, boost productivity, and train employees.
AI
From AI to accountability: Key takeaways from LINK2026
Through main-stage discussions and peer exchanges, participants emphasized that while innovation is critical, strong fundamentals are the foundation of performance.
Uber launches AI-powered ‘Cart Assistant’ to streamline Uber Eats grocery shopping
The beta tool simplifies online grocery shopping by letting customers build a cart from typed lists or uploaded images, including handwritten notes or recipe screenshots.
What Tuesday’s $300B software selloff means long-term — and what it means for Iterate.ai
This selloff wasn’t a rejection of AI. It was a repricing of where value actually lives in the emerging software stack.
Q1 becomes a key loyalty moment as AI transforms shopping habits
Brands have a significant chance in Q1 to enhance loyalty and retention as AI transforms the buyer journey, according to new Attentive surveys.
Consumers know AI is everywhere — but many still aren’t buying in
“Innovators must establish key functionalities and trust for AI to become a prominent component of consumers’ ecosystems.”
AI, mobile loyalty and subscriptions to be key 2026 C-store growth drivers
Tim Ridgely, Paytronix VP of engineering, says advances in lightweight AI and affordable hardware enable businesses to adopt advanced tools without major infrastructure costs.
Iterate.ai names Mike Edwards executive chairman of Advisory board
Mike Edwards has been appointed executive chairman of the company’s Advisory Board and Corporate Development Committee.
Kroger expands generative AI efforts with Google Cloud to boost personalization
Retailer will use Google Cloud new agentic platform, Gemini Enterprise for customer experience, to simplify and transform how customers shop and eat
Walmart and Google announce an agentic AI e-commerce integration at NRF's "Big Show"
“For us, agentic AI is an exciting unlock," Walmart's Furner said. "This is really significant just as search was for e-commerce a few years ago.”
Zebra Technologies boosts retail frontlines with AI solutions at NRF 2026
At NRF 2026, Zebra will demonstrate how it is empowering retailers with new solutions that incorporate AI, automation, and real-time data capture.
Circana introduces AI-driven liquid testing tool to speed in-store decisions
The Liquid Testing solution provides faster, more accurate measurements of pricing, promotions, product launches, and shelf changes, delivering insights in days instead of months.
AI takes center stage at FMI Supplier Development Committee retreat
The meeting concentrated on how AI integration is transforming supplier development.
AI sets a new standard for holiday engagement
SAP Emarsys on what the 2025 season signals for retailers in 2026.
Instacart launches first instant checkout app for ChatGPT
Consumers can now shop from more than 1,800 retailers directly within ChatGPT via a fully integrated Instacart app commerce experience.
Report: Marketers, consumers differ on AI’s benefits
Most marketers think consumers like AI; few consumers agree.