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Tech News
Experts predict that by 2026, commerce will be transformed through the rise of shopping agents, drone deliveries for essential goods, and enhanced in-store intelligence systems. These innovations aim to streamline transactions and improve operational insights for retailers. The focus is on integrating AI and autonomous delivery to create more efficient and responsive shopping experiences.
A recent survey reveals that only 36% of retail operators plan to invest in self-checkout technology this year, a decline from previous years. Retailers are increasingly shifting away from self-checkout due to its failure to deliver time savings and its association with higher theft and error rates. Other technological upgrades, like electronic shelf labels and automated invoicing, remain more popular among retailers.
T.J. Maxx, owned by TJX Companies, is closing a small number of longtime store locations, including two notable ones already shuttered this year. The closures come even as the parent company continues to pursue overall growth and open new stores elsewhere.
An Entrepreneur contributor article lays out a framework for retailers selecting wholesale products, urging them to start by defining their target customer before researching demand through search trends, competitor stocking and seasonality checks. It also recommends calculating profit margins, vetting suppliers, testing products at small scale, and considering inventory and storage needs before committing to bulk purchases.
A wave of new brands and established retail chains are targeting 11-year-old girls, rebuilding a category of stores, products and media once dominated by names like Claire's, Limited Too and Delia's. Industry figures cited in the report describe the tween segment as worth roughly $100 billion, with one retailer saying there is significant market share still up for grabs.
Cato Fashions, a women's apparel chain competing with TJ Maxx and Ross, announced it will close 120 stores this year, more than it had previously planned. The company said it does not expect these underperforming locations to improve.
Research on retail sales interactions finds that customers often appreciate it when a store manager steps in to assist during a purchase decision, even though sales staff may resent close oversight. The findings suggest occasional manager involvement can improve the customer experience rather than undermine it.
A franchise disclosure document from Jamba Juice reveals that 130 franchise agreements have ended over the last three years, contributing to a shrinking store count nationally. The private equity-backed smoothie chain disclosed the terminations as part of standard franchise filing requirements.
Ron Johnson, who led Apple's retail division from 2000 to 2011, has published a new book titled 'Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius,' co-written with Zander Nethercutt. The book details his collaboration with Steve Jobs to design the Apple Store concept and grow it into one of the most profitable retail operations globally. Johnson also recently appeared on 9to5Mac's Overtime podcast to discuss the book and the store's early history.
Since taking over Net-a-Porter in April 2025, CEO Heather Kaminetsky has systematically solicited customer feedback and turned it into operational changes, including simplified return labels, standardized delivery driver uniforms, and expanded same-day delivery to the Jersey Shore. The approach has coincided with improved financial results for the luxury e-commerce retailer, which had been struggling before her arrival.
A wave of new regulations covering customs duties, AI disclosure, packaging, deforestation and privacy is hitting consumer markets this year, each with firm compliance deadlines. Though the rules appear unconnected, they share a common requirement: companies must be able to document and prove what they know about their prices, products and systems.
Toys 'R' Us and Go! Retail Group are rolling out 120 new standalone stores across the United States, timed to be ready for the holiday shopping season. Some locations will feature studio spaces designed for creators and toy influencers to debut products and host live events.