68% of US adults consider returns policies when choosing where to shop, according to a December survey from FedEx and Morning Consult.
Meta’s test underscores a fight to own high-intent discovery and loyalty.
Capital One gains network power but may cost users perks from Mastercard.
The network duopoly’s endorsement of stablecoins can help spur crypto adoption.
Payment players can only get rewarded in agentic commerce if they’re visible to agents.
Beauty, wellness, and grocery investments anchor a push to reverse traffic and sales declines.
Store revamps and experiential tech anchor a broader push beyond upgrades.
44% of retail executives worldwide expect gen AI to weaken brand loyalty by shifting consumer choice toward value and fit over brand recognition by 2026, according to a January report from Deloitte.
Banks must better address consumers’ financial wellness needs.
Retail media has reached a point where measurement is table stakes. But what table stakes actually look like is changing fast. With the launch of its latest measurement tool, Kroger Precision Marketing (KPM) is signaling its priorities for retail media measurement: Speed, incrementality, and clearer decision-making.
While Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, and Google Assistant dominated the 2010s, AI-native voice interfaces like ChatGPT's Voice Mode now set the standard for conversational fluency.
Meta is targeting retail media budgets with product set optimization and insights to bring SKU precision and challenge onsite networks.
Higher gas and delivery costs add fresh volatility to an already fragile retail outlook.
While categories like payments, back-end infrastructure, and in-store systems remain relevant, AI has emerged as a defining force in retail tech for 2026.
Restaurant reservations become measurable media, as OpenTable’s pay-per-seated-guest model links ad spend directly to confirmed dining occasions.
Research shows it builds demand first, then converts—rewarding longer flights and post-campaign tracking.
Dye-free cereals and other better-for-you brands aim to capture rising healthy spend.
Legal pressure on Prime and pricing could nudge sellers to diversify.
Bilt sweetens its rewards with a deeper bench of luxury hotels and an AI agent to help redeem points.