New credit scoring models, which lenders are not accustomed to using, may make their credit scoring costs higher in the near term.
Buying moments are surfacing everywhere; in search results, social media, streaming platforms, and the AI tools guiding consumer choices. For retailers, that means rethinking how conversion happens and reshaping commerce operations for a world where any touchpoint can become a point of sale.
A Santander-Mastercard pilot shows AI can transact—forcing brands to rethink the funnel.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss why Gap is introducing a Chief Entertainment Officer, whether this is a bold, transformational move or a distraction from retail fundamentals, and how success should be measured 12 months from now. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Sky Canaves, and Senior Analyst Blake Droesch.
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.