How AI and Voice Tech Are Revolutionizing Retail Growth

Retail is undergoing a pivotal digital transformation with artificial intelligence (AI) and voice technologies emerging as key growth drivers. As consumer expectations evolve, retailers are seeking new ways to convert sales and personalize interactions beyond traditional channels.

This shift matters now more than ever as 2026 approaches, promising widespread AI adoption that moves beyond hype into everyday business solutions. This article examines the innovative use of phone engagement for e-commerce, the growing impact of AI across retail operations, and how these advancements are shaping the future omnichannel landscape.

Unlocking Phone Channels with AI for High-Value Sales

Consio AI recently raised $3.3 million in funding to develop a platform that automates phone-based engagements for e-commerce brands. Co-founded by veterans from customer support unicorn Gorgias, Consio targets high-value purchases by enabling real, timed conversations with shoppers via inbound and outbound calls.

Phone calls have historically been underutilized as a conversion lever in e-commerce. Consio’s approach ensures brands never miss a sale or make customers wait, positioning voice as a profitable channel for growth. RTP Global, a lead investor, highlighted voice’s untapped potential in commerce and underscored the founders’ sector expertise.

AI Embedding into Retail Processes

Beyond voice, AI is increasingly embedded in retail to enhance personalization, optimize inventory management, and improve operational insights. The Retail Technology Innovation Hub (RTIH) highlights how AI tools are reshaping omnichannel commerce by making insights more actionable and humanizing retailer-customer interactions.

Retailers like Loblaw Companies are integrating conversational AI to create new shopping experiences, while giants such as Unilever are partnering with cloud providers to deploy AI platforms at scale. Similarly, innovations in AI-driven delivery intelligence and agentic commerce solutions demonstrate a trend toward smarter, more efficient retail ecosystems.

Recognizing Innovation and Trends through Industry Events

RTIH’s launch of the AI in Retail Awards underscores a broader acknowledgement of AI’s growing operational role. These awards focus on solutions that transform AI from theoretical potential into daily, practical tools that increase efficiency and drive innovation.

The upcoming 2026 Retail Technology Show will further spotlight leading voices from major retailers and technology vendors, reflecting the sector’s rapid technological advancements.

Implications for Retailers and Industry Leaders

These developments signal that retailers and omnichannel leaders should prioritize:

Adopting voice and AI technologies to enhance customer engagement and capture high-value transactions.
Integrating AI-driven analytics for demand forecasting, personalized marketing, and operational efficiencies.
Engaging with innovation ecosystems through events and awards that recognize and catalyze transformative solutions.

The fusion of voice and AI technologies offers a concrete pathway for retailers to differentiate their offerings and secure new revenue streams in a broadly competitive market.

AI and voice technologies are ending their pilot phases, moving into essential tools that redefine retail experiences and operations. Consio AI’s recent funding and solution demonstrate the commercial value of bringing authentic conversations into high-ticket e-commerce sales.

As retail embraces AI-powered personalization, inventory management, and delivery intelligence, industry leaders must align strategy to leverage these innovations effectively.

To stay competitive in the fast-evolving omnichannel environment, retailers should explore voice and AI integration and participate actively in innovation forums like the Retail Technology Innovation Hub and its upcoming 2026 events.