From cashierless stores to demand forecasting, AI is reshaping physical and digital retail alike.
75 articles
AWS has launched the Agentic Shopping Assistant, allowing external retailers to integrate the same AI shopping technology used by Amazon. This tool aims to replicate the success of Alexa for Shopping, which contributed significantly to Amazon's incremental sales.
GeekWire · 115d ago
Amazon has integrated a new AI-powered shopping assistant, Alexa for Shopping, into its website and app. It features intelligent recommendations, price tracking, and automated reordering capabilities, replacing the previous Rufus assistant.
IT之家 · 129d ago
Nine Chinese government departments have jointly issued a 20-point policy to modernize the retail sector by 2030, focusing on digital-physical integration and algorithmic transparency. The policy aims to redefine the roles of online and offline retail to foster a more equitable competitive environment.
虎嗅 · 66d ago
Bunnings is scaling the capabilities of its 'Buddy' technology, focusing on agentic AI workflows to assist trade and commercial customers. This expansion aims to streamline complex procurement and project management tasks.
iTNews Australia · 86d ago
Upside CEO Alex Kinnier discusses how AI is transforming retail by providing hyper-personalized discounts. This approach helps retailers increase profits while offering consumers meaningful savings amidst economic pressure.
Bloomberg Technology · 89d ago
Taobao Flash Sale plans to scale its retail business by opening 3,000 'Taobao Convenience Stores' and integrating Hema front-end warehouses. The company aims to achieve unit economic profitability in the 2027 fiscal year.
IT之家 · 104d ago
Tmall's 618 shopping festival has officially launched with its deepest discounts in five years. The event marks the debut of the 'Taobao AI Shopping Assistant', which offers features like AI virtual try-ons and automated cost-saving plans.
36氪 · 121d ago
Alibaba is integrating its Qwen AI assistant into its e-commerce platforms to shift the shopping experience from keyword-based searching to conversational, curated interactions. This move aims to simplify the complex, manual process of product comparison for Chinese consumers.
SCMP Technology · 127d ago
Dmall is shifting its focus from a standard retail OS to a comprehensive full-link AI retail ecosystem. This $36 million investment underscores a strategic pivot toward AI-driven retail intelligence.
钛媒体 · 127d ago
Amazon has consolidated its Rufus e-commerce chatbot and Alexa+ into a single service called Alexa for Shopping. This move aims to streamline the user experience and compete more effectively against general-purpose AI assistants like ChatGPT.
GeekWire · 129d ago
Meta has introduced a new application called Seller designed to professionalize the Facebook Marketplace experience. This platform aims to provide businesses with more robust tools for managing their storefronts.
Engadget · 57d ago
Apple is experimenting with AI-powered recording tools for Genius Bar support sessions to streamline customer service. This move signals Apple's ongoing integration of AI into its physical retail and support infrastructure.
Bloomberg Technology · 62d ago
Fast-fashion retailer Shein has received approval from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to proceed with its IPO. The company is expected to release its prospectus on the 27th, with a market debut planned for August.
cnBeta (Full RSS) · 63d ago
Hema has achieved a 100 billion RMB scale, marking a significant milestone in its retail evolution. However, the company continues to rely heavily on Alibaba's ecosystem for infrastructure and strategic support.
钛媒体 · 64d ago
New regulations prohibit platforms from forcing merchants into low-price competition, while government policies aim to modernize physical retail through digital and supply chain innovation.
虎嗅 · 66d ago
The 2026 retail market shows a K-shaped polarization where high-end luxury and discount retail are thriving, while the middle-market is collapsing. Instant retail is emerging as a major growth engine.
虎嗅 · 67d ago
Seven-Eleven Japan plans to install Tesla Superchargers at approximately 10 locations by the end of fiscal year 2026. The rollout will prioritize stores with large parking facilities, starting with a pilot location in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
ITmedia AI+ (日本) · 67d ago
Sports retailer Himalaya has implemented an 'AI Deputy Manager' named 'Aida Tsunagu' across all 99 of its stores. The AI is trained on company philosophy and specific customer service know-how to assist store operations.
ITmedia AI+ (日本) · 72d ago
Facing significant store closures, Juewei is diversifying into a 'fresh snack' model that combines traditional卤味 (braised food) with bakery, nuts, and drinks. The company is leveraging its existing cold-chain supply chain to test this new, larger-format retail model.
虎嗅 · 75d ago
New government guidelines in China are pushing cinemas to diversify revenue by integrating AI concierge agents, karaoke booths, and coffee shops. This shift aims to transform traditional movie theaters into multi-functional entertainment hubs.
The Next Web (TNW) · 77d ago
As snack retail chains scale, they are bypassing traditional distributors in favor of direct-to-manufacturer sourcing and data-driven supply chain management, fundamentally changing the industry landscape.
虎嗅 · 77d ago
New Chinese government guidelines encourage cinema operators to diversify their offerings by incorporating AI agents, karaoke, and coffee shops. This initiative aims to transform traditional movie theaters into multi-functional entertainment hubs.
Bloomberg Technology · 77d ago
This article analyzes how Yum China maintains market dominance through a complex, heavy-asset operational model supported by robust supply chain management and digital transformation. It highlights the company's ability to navigate economic cycles and maintain high profitability compared to industry peers.
虎嗅 · 79d ago
The retail industry is shifting its AI focus from customer-facing gimmicks to operational efficiency. Key improvements are occurring in search ranking, supply chain logistics, and software development workflows.
MIT Technology Review · 86d ago
Instacart is rolling out its Caper Carts, which utilize onboard cameras and AI to enable automated checkout and personalized shopping experiences. While offering convenience, the integration of location tracking and in-aisle advertising raises significant data privacy concerns.
Digital Trends · 91d ago
Alibaba, JD.com, and ByteDance have integrated AI assistants, digital hosts, and smart logistics into the 618 shopping festival. These technologies are being used to optimize the e-commerce experience at scale.
Pandaily · 95d ago
Alibaba Group has reportedly offered $1.5 billion to acquire Pupu Supermarket. This strategic move aims to strengthen Alibaba's position in the instant retail sector against competitor Meituan.
Pandaily · 98d ago
Kmart Group is scaling its RFID tagging infrastructure to cover more product lines and integrating the technology into Target stores. The company has successfully completed its first RFID-enabled stocktake for apparel.
iTNews Australia · 101d ago
Walmart and Ribbit Capital have launched OnePay, a financial app designed to compete directly with Apple Pay. The service aims to expand beyond the retailer's existing customer base to challenge traditional banking institutions.
Bloomberg Technology · 109d ago
Rakuten has integrated an AI concierge into its Super SALE event. Users can search for products and get shopping strategy advice via text or voice input.
ITmedia AI+ (日本) · 110d ago