Why Store Design, Not Apps, Will Define Retail’s Future
Invisible friction in physical stores is costing retailers millions—fixing it requires fresh eyes, smarter design, and AI-enabled human touchpoints.
Staff Report
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.
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How to Thrive Amid 3,700+ U.S. Store Closures in 2025
As over 3,700 stores shutter nationwide, retailers and suppliers must act now to transform physical locations into omnichannel performance hubs.
Retail Feels Impact of Global and U.S. Policy Uncertainty
Geopolitical shifts and domestic policy turbulence are adding complexity to retail operations, supply chains, and consumer behavior.
2025 Holiday Sales to Exceed $1 Trillion, NRF Predicts
U.S. holiday retail sales are projected to cross $1 trillion for the first time, signaling steady consumer demand and a crucial test for omnichannel strategy execution.
Grocery Retail Media Becomes a Full-Funnel Growth Engine
Retail media in grocery is evolving fast—from ad sideline to core growth strategy—reshaping merchandising, loyalty, and in-store operations.
IKEA U.S. and Best Buy Launch In‑Store Kitchen & Laundry Centers
IKEA U.S. and Best Buy partner to introduce immersive in‑store kitchen and laundry planning centers, blending home‑furnishing design with big‑box electronics retail.
Aldi, AI, and TikTok Reshape 2025 Holiday Retail
From Aldi’s value-driven surge to AI-powered gifting and TikTok Shop’s impulse economy, 2025 holiday retail is rewriting the shopper playbook.
Coca‑Cola’s AI Holiday Ad Highlights Growing Tension Between Creativity and Technology
Coca‑Cola’s 2025 AI‑generated holiday ad draws praise for innovation but criticism for visual glitches — a cautionary tale for retail marketers using generative AI.
TikTok Shop Warns of AI‑Powered E‑Commerce Fraud Surge
TikTok Shop reveals generative‑AI fraud is rising fast—fake products, counterfeit brands and malware campaigns threaten marketplace trust and retail brand stability.
“Polycrisis”‑Era Shoppers Force Grocers to Adapt With Trust, Value & Digital Focus
Grocery shoppers in 2025 are savvy, skeptical and operating within a “polycrisis” mindset — forcing grocers to focus on value, trust and seamless digital‑in‑store experiences.
Grocers Must Meet Consumers in the Digital World
Grocery shoppers now begin their journeys online, and retail chains must build seamless digital‑to‑physical experiences to compete effectively.
Exiger Wins Multi‑Million Dollar AI Contract to Support CBP’s Trade Compliance Mission
Exiger’s AI platform will empower CBP to detect illicit transshipment in global trade flows, raising stakes for supply‑chain visibility, import compliance and retail sourcing practices.
Administration Appeals Judge’s SNAP Funding Mandate Amid Shutdown
The Trump administration appeals a judge’s order to fully fund SNAP in November, creating uncertainty for grocers and retailers serving benefit‑dependent shoppers.
Over 3,700 U.S. Retail Stores Scheduled to Close in 2025
More than 3,700 store closures have been announced in the U.S. by November 2025, highlighting major structural challenges across retail chains.
Dollar General Appoints AI SVP to Accelerate Operational Efficiency
Dollar General names Travis Nixon as SVP of AI Optimization, signaling a major push to embed AI across store operations, supply chain and merchandising.
Holiday 2025: Unlocking Incremental Growth in the Grocery Channel
As consumers plan value‑driven holiday spending, grocery retailers must activate guest‑first insights, closed‑loop metrics and omnichannel campaigns to unlock incremental growth in 2025.