AI Assistants Are the New Checkout Lane in 2026
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.
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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Creativity, Nostalgia & Self‑Care Led E‑Commerce Trends in 2025 Holiday Season
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 Turn to Influencers to Cut Through Digital Overload
Retail brands are leaning on influencer and community‑centered marketing to break through consumer digital overload and build authentic engagement.
Macy’s to Shut Tulsa/Owasso Fulfillment Center in Spring 2026
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. Productivity Grows at Fastest Pace in Two Years, BLS Reports
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, Wing to Scale Drone Delivery to 270 Stores Nationwide
Walmart and Wing plan to expand drone delivery to 150 more stores in 2026, aiming for over 270 locations by 2027.
2026 Hiring Outlook Improves, But Skills & AI Pose Key Challenges
Employers enter 2026 with stronger hiring intentions, but skills gaps and AI challenges continue to shape workforce strategies.
Trump Administration Clarifies Tariff Refund Scope Ahead of Supreme Court Ruling
The DOJ’s filing clarifies that all tariffs imposed under IEEPA could be eligible for refund if the Supreme Court rules them unlawful.
Aldi to Open 180+ New Stores Across 31 States in 2026
Aldi will open over 180 stores in 2026 across 31 states, targeting 3,200 total U.S. locations by 2028.
Aldi’s 2026 Expansion Could Reshape Grocery Competition Nationwide
Aldi’s plan to open more than 180 new U.S. stores in 2026 marks a major expansion strategy aimed at boosting accessibility, challenging rivals, and meeting value‑focused consumer demand.
Retail Real Estate in 2026: Cautious Expansion, Experiential Growth & Strategic Rebalancing
Retail real estate in 2026 is marked by cautious expansion, experiential formats, and strategic rebalancing as retailers adapt physical spaces to evolving consumer demand.
Retail Giants Double Down on Wellness as Consumer Health Becomes a Strategic Battleground
Walmart and Target are intensifying investments in wellness products and services to meet evolving consumer health priorities and create differentiated retail experiences across price, assortment and engagement.
Everyday Essentials Still Bite Into Budgets as Prices Rise 2.4% in December
Everyday goods inflation remained elevated in December 2025, with prices up 2.4 % year‑over‑year, reflecting ongoing cost pressures on essential consumer purchases.
Legacy Business Models Break: Make Way for 2026’s Competitive Frontier
Legacy business models are breaking in 2026 as AI‑enabled agents and intelligence‑driven enterprise strategies reassign economic opportunity across markets.
Why Women Are Still Missing From the Corporate Ladder
Despite decades of effort, real workplace gender equity remains elusive as progress stalls and critical support systems for women are scaled back.
Heineken CEO Exit Highlights a Broader Surge in Corporate Leadership Turnover
Heineken’s CEO departure underscores a broader trend of rising CEO turnover as boards seek fresh leadership amid performance pressures and strategic uncertainty.