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.

A person is working at a wooden desk with a laptop, surrounded by sticky notes and greenery. A notepad and a coffee cup add a calm, focused tone.

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

A line of six sleek black luxury sedans is parked under green canopies on a paved lot, with trees in the background under a clear sky.

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

Aerial view of a bustling cargo port with colorful shipping containers and cranes on a dock. Sunlit water surrounds the area, creating a dynamic, busy atmosphere.

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

Two women wearing Santa hats and festive sweaters sit on a cozy couch, smiling while looking at their phones. A decorated Christmas tree with gifts is beside them.

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

A modern shopping mall with a glass roof. People walk toward a store with a neon sign. Decorated Christmas trees and festive lights create a warm holiday atmosphere.

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

A child with curly hair, wearing a blue shirt, lies on a couch playing a video game on a smartphone. A lamp and speakers are in the background, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

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

Close-up of gamers' hands using a computer with a glowing red keyboard and mouse. A large headset is visible, creating an intense gaming atmosphere.

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

A person wearing a VR headset sits against a sunlit wall, immersed in virtual reality. Dappled light creates a serene, contemplative atmosphere.

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

A yellow basket filled with fresh vegetables on grass. Includes red tomatoes, a white squash, and green cucumbers. The scene evokes a natural, autumnal feel.

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

A person in a polka dot shirt points to a hair color sample in a salon book, showing a range of brown shades, conveying decision-making.

Community

Beauty Industry in 2026: Efficacy, Ecommerce, and Evolving Consumer Habits

In 2026, beauty retail is defined by ecommerce acceleration, income-driven spending patterns, and rising demand for effective, results-driven products.

, and Staff Report

January 7, 2026

Paid Members Public

Three brown eggs rest in a gray cardboard carton. The lighting is subdued, creating a rustic and natural tone. The eggs have speckled shells.

Marketing

2025 Was the Year of Protein

Retail Brew reports that protein became a dominant driver in 2025 retail trends, with widespread consumer demand reshaping product innovation and in‑store merchandising.

, and Staff Report

January 7, 2026

Paid Members Public

View of the city skyline at dusk through a chain-link fence. A bridge spans the river, and traffic moves along the road, creating a moody urban scene.

Community

NYC Congestion Pricing: One Year Later, Data Shows It’s Working

One year after launch, New York City’s congestion pricing program has reduced traffic, boosted transit ridership, and generated substantial revenue, even as air quality impacts remain mixed.

, and Staff Report

January 7, 2026

Paid Members Public

A woman in a white shirt and glasses takes a photo of a stylish, coral leather handbag. She holds a smartphone, capturing the bag’s elegant design.

Marketing

Walmart, Meta & Omnicom Forge Data‑Driven Influencer Matching Strategy

Walmart, Meta, and Omnicom are launching a data‑linked influencer matching initiative that uses purchase behavior and creator analytics to drive measurable retail media sales.

, and Staff Report

January 7, 2026

Paid Members Public

Aerial view of the Las Vegas Strip at night, illuminated with vibrant neon lights and colorful signs. Hotels and casinos line the bustling street.

CES 2026 Opens in Las Vegas Amid $565B Tech Spending Forecast

CES 2026 launches in Las Vegas as the CTA forecasts U.S. consumer tech spending will reach $565 billion, driven by AI, sustainability, and omnichannel retail innovations.

, and Staff Report

January 7, 2026

Paid Members Public

Two men are in a golf shop discussing golf clubs. The man on the left holds a club, listening intently, while the other gestures, explaining. Shelves with hats are in the background.

Marketing

Retail Experts: Curation, Retail Media, and Sustainability to Shape 2026

In 2026, sustainability, curated experiences, and hybrid retail media strategies will be essential for retailers navigating evolving shopper expectations.

, and Staff Report

January 7, 2026

Paid Members Public