Global insights on omnichannel retail and commerce from the Doing Business in Bentonville Staff Report Team—expert analysis and trends shaping Bentonville’s role in the future of business.
Amazon’s proposed 225,000+ sq ft big‑box store near Chicago marks a major strategic push into physical retail, directly challenging Walmart’s supercenter model with groceries and general merchandise under one roof.
The 2026 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index reveals Coca‑Cola, McDonald’s, Tito’s, Michelob Ultra, and Cheetos as top loyalty leaders, showing how consumer expectations are reshaping brand attachment in food and beverage.
Wayfair partners with Google to co‑develop the Universal Commerce Protocol, enabling seamless AI‑powered shopping and checkout experiences across platforms.
Saks Global, parent of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after heavy debt and declining sales strained its finances, securing financing to keep stores open during restructuring.
Amazon’s Alexa+ upgrade uses generative AI and memory to make Alexa more personalized, proactive, and conversational, putting it in stronger competition with advanced AI assistants like ChatGPT.
Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) is an open standard that simplifies AI‑driven commerce, giving small businesses easier integration, broader visibility, and better customer experiences across digital channels.
Thousands of NWA small businesses face closure without succession plans—buyer-operators like Doug and Anne offer a roadmap to preserve legacies and local economies.
Meta begins significant layoffs in its metaverse‑focused Reality Labs unit as it pivots strategic investment toward AI and wearable tech.
In a new Walmart Connect webinar, leaders from AdFury.ai and Walmart share how AI and creative best practices drive performance across retail media campaigns.
Zero‑click buying, powered by agentic AI, is set to redefine e‑commerce in 2026 as consumers increasingly complete purchases through AI assistants without traditional clicks.
Shopify’s 2025 holiday data shows DIY kits, nostalgic toys like yo‑yos, and self‑care gifts led e‑commerce trends as shoppers sought creative, personalized holiday presents.
Retail brands are leaning on influencer and community‑centered marketing to break through consumer digital overload and build authentic engagement.
Macy’s will close its Tulsa/Owasso fulfillment center in spring 2026 as part of supply chain modernization and cost‑saving initiatives under its “Bold New Chapter” strategy.
U.S. labor productivity surged 4.9% in Q3 2025, marking the fastest growth in two years and signaling improved efficiency that could ease wage pressures and inflation.
Walmart and Wing plan to expand drone delivery to 150 more stores in 2026, aiming for over 270 locations by 2027.
Employers enter 2026 with stronger hiring intentions, but skills gaps and AI challenges continue to shape workforce strategies.