Technology

Explore how emerging technologies—from AI and big data to fintech and smart retail tools—are redefining global commerce. Doing Business in Bentonville delivers expert insights into innovations like electronic shelf labels, conversational AI, 3D printing, and dynamic personalization that are reshaping how retailers connect with consumers, optimize operations, and stay competitive in a digital-first economy.

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Leadership

Returns as a Revenue Engine: Turning Reverse Logistics Into Margin Recovery

Retailers are transforming returns management from a cost center into a margin recovery engine through structured reverse logistics and value‑preserving pathways.

, and Staff Report

January 9, 2026

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Technology

Walmart to Launch Better Care Services Digital Health Platform

Walmart rolls out Better Care Services, a digital health hub connecting customers with telehealth providers and offering a limited‑time $15 discount.

, and Staff Report

January 9, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Investors

The Retail CEO Exodus Continues: A Leadership Crisis in an Era of Uncertainty

CEO exits in retail surged 116% in 2025 as economic stress, AI disruption, and post-pandemic burnout reshape leadership across the industry.

, and Staff Report

January 9, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Leadership

The Retail CEO Exodus Continues Amid Fierce Industry Pressures

A growing wave of CEO exits in the retail sector—up 116% year-over-year—is reshaping leadership amid economic pressures and the rise of AI.

, and Staff Report

January 9, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Investors

GM to Lose Another $6 Billion as It Backs Away From EVs

General Motors will take an additional $6 billion charge as it retreats from EV production, citing canceled supplier contracts and shifting U.S. policies.

, and Staff Report

January 9, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Technology

4 Immediate Priorities for Digital Shelf Excellence in 2026

Retailers and brands must prioritize digital shelf audits, AI tools, and PDP optimization to win in today’s omnichannel marketplace.

, and Staff Report

January 9, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Marketing

Amazon ‘Buy for Me’ AI Faces Vendor Backlash Over Unauthorized Sales

Independent vendors say Amazon’s AI “Buy for Me” shopping tool lists and sells products without consent, leading to stock errors and reputational risk.

, and Staff Report

January 8, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Investors

Cox Automotive Predicts Slower U.S. Car Sales in 2026

Cox Automotive forecasts a 2.4% dip in U.S. new vehicle sales in 2026, signaling a cooler but still steady auto market.

, and Staff Report

January 8, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Supply Chain

Transpacific Ocean Freight Rates Surge as 2026 Begins

Transpacific ocean freight rates jumped early in 2026 as Lunar New Year demand and carrier rate increases lift prices, even amid broader market volatility in global shipping.

, and Staff Report

January 8, 2026

Paid Members Public

Street corner with a FedEx Office store featuring blue awnings on a cloudy day. A woman in a dress walks on the sidewalk, trees lining the path.

Technology

FedEx Easy Returns Streamlines Reverse Logistics for E‑Commerce

FedEx Easy Returns launches box‑free, label‑free returns at 3,000 locations, helping retailers cut costs and improve post‑purchase experiences through consolidated reverse logistics.

, and Staff Report

January 8, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Agentic Commerce

Holiday 2025: AI Tools Boost Sales, Tariffs Impact Prices

Generative AI fueled smarter shopping while tariffs drove price caution in a 2025 holiday retail season marked by innovation, inflation, and early buying trends.

, and Staff Report

January 8, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Agentic Commerce

Holiday 2025: How AI, Tariffs & Consumer Behavior Defined Retail

From AI‑driven discovery to tariff‑induced price sensitivity, the 2025 holiday retail season revealed how technology and economic headwinds reshaped consumer behavior and retail strategies.

, and Staff Report

January 8, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Community

e.l.f. Beauty’s Roblox Game Targets Gen Z Shoppers

e.l.f. Beauty’s Glow Up! on Roblox fuses virtual makeup, self-expression, and retail innovation to reach digital-first Gen Z audiences.

, and Staff Report

January 8, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Marketing

e.l.f. Beauty Launches 'Glow Up!' Makeup Game on Roblox

e.l.f. Beauty debuts Glow Up! on Roblox, an immersive virtual makeup experience targeting Gen Z with creativity, self-expression, and commerce.

, and Staff Report

January 8, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Technology

Metaverse in 2026: Elevating Customer Engagement Through Immersive Innovation

The metaverse revolutionizes customer engagement by blending immersive experiences with real-world interactions. As AR and VR adoption soar, businesses must adapt strategies to harness new digital opportunities.

, and Staff Report

January 7, 2026

Paid Members Public

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Supply Chain

Walmart’s Grocery Strength Hinges on Value Proposition and Omnichannel Growth

Walmart’s grocery resilience in 2026 stems from its value pricing and strong omnichannel presence, keeping the segment central to overall retail momentum.

, and Staff Report

January 7, 2026

Paid Members Public