H&M Group is enhancing its inventory management by implementing the GreyOrange AI-based gStore platform across its global retail locations. This technology utilizes RFID readers and AI to track inventory in real-time, helping to optimize product placement and improve operational efficiency. The system, which builds on H&M's existing use of GreyOrange robotic fulfillment technology, aims to streamline store operations and enhance the customer experience.

David's Bridal has introduced Forter's AI-based ecommerce platform to enhance its online fraud detection capabilities, achieving a 99.78% approval rate shortly after launch. This initiative addresses the unique challenges of bridal purchasing behaviors, which often resemble fraudulent activity. The deployment is part of David's broader Aisle to Algorithm strategy, which aims to transform its business model with AI-driven solutions, including a digital wedding planning assistant.

Batteries Plus is enhancing its franchise development and customer service with the launch of three AI tools: Savannah, Edison and Wattson. Savannah is an AI voice agent designed to assist potential franchisees by providing information and scheduling discovery calls. Edison, developed with SynthFlow AI, handles customer inquiries and intercepts spam calls in both English and Spanish. Wattson, integrated with the POS system, streamlines product searches for store associates and customers.

Best Buy has begun rolling out an AI-powered shopping assistant called Ask Blue that uses product specs, customer reviews and pricing information to help shoppers make informed decisions, and it can connect them with live support. The company also has been installing Meta Labs spaces in its stores to showcase Meta products.

Behr is addressing the challenge of "paint paralysis," which is the difficulty consumers face in choosing paint colors, through digital marketing and innovations such as the AI-powered ChatHue agent, developed in partnership with Google Cloud. ChatHue offers personalized color recommendations and visualization capabilities, boosting customer satisfaction. Behr also collaborates closely with The Home Depot to reach a diverse audience, including millennials, Generation Z and Hispanic consumers.

A campaign introduced by Suno, an AI generator, that created the appearance of an online feud between parents regarding whether the presence of Oreos in their kids' lunches should be restricted caught widespread social media attention recently. "While this conversation was unexpected, we're celebrating the overwhelming response by surprising some of our loyal fans with Oreo cookies," said Oreo Marketing Director Sally Barton, who confirmed that Oreo had not had any involvement with the Suno campaign.

The Smart Hygiene Intelligence Project at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK is leveraging AI and behavioral science to enhance food hygiene practices in both workplaces and homes. By co-designing AI-powered tools with end users, the project seeks to identify unsafe behaviors in real time, encourage safer food handling and support better decision-making. The multidisciplinary team is exploring innovations like AI-driven hand hygiene monitoring to proactively reduce foodborne risks and foster stronger food safety cultures.

Consumer trust in AI for snack and beverage shopping has surged in 2026, with 50% of weekly AI users trusting AI agents' recommendations and 74% expressing more confidence in AI than their best friends, according to Accenture. The research highlights that as decision-making complexity increases, consumers rely on AI not just for suggestions but also to discover products that align with their personal goals, such as wellness and quality. This growing trust is reshaping how shoppers interact with brands and make purchase decisions.

Retailers face challenges in distinguishing between genuine AI innovations and rebranded legacy technologies, as many tools labeled as AI are simply enhancements of traditional automation, writes Tara Buchler of JBF Consulting. To ensure investments yield real value, companies must scrutinize the underlying technology, demand evidence of fundamentally new approaches and establish measurable criteria for AI success, as well as understand what drives decisions, Buchler writes.

Halloween is arriving earlier in stores because consumers are planning and shopping sooner than ever before. Nearly half of shoppers began purchasing Halloween items before October last year, up from 34% a decade ago, and one-quarter had already bought decorations, costumes, candy or cards by early August. Consumers increasingly view Halloween as a full season of celebration tied to fall activities, parties and home decor. Cooler weather is also a key shopping trigger, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. Despite concerns about inflation and tariffs, retailers are meeting demand by stocking Halloween merchandise earlier to match evolving consumer behavior. Discover more.

Wellness is emerging as a key growth driver among NRF's 2026 Hot 25 Retailers. Increasingly tied to identity, self-care, healthy aging and lifestyle aspirations, wellness now influences consumer choices across health care, beauty, grocery and sporting goods. Retailers such as CVS, Sprouts Farmers Market, Ulta Beauty and Dick’s Sporting Goods are capitalizing on this trend by expanding wellness-focused products, services and experiences. According to Kantar, today's consumers are seeking ways to live healthier, more productive lives, creating opportunities for retailers that deliver value, convenience and personalized wellness solutions. Learn more.