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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Marketing

Global Brand VEVOR Debuts First U.S. Store in Houston

VEVOR transitions from e-commerce to physical retail with a 32,000-square-foot flagship store in Houston, focusing on a BOPIS-driven omnichannel experience for DIY enthusiasts.

, and Staff Report

March 12, 2026

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Supply Chain

U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows Amid 2026 Global Economic Shifts

Recent Commerce Department data shows a narrowing U.S. trade deficit as export resilience balances shifting import demands for omnichannel retail and logistics leaders.

, and Staff Report

March 12, 2026

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Leadership

Iran War Triggers Massive Supply Chain Disruption for Omnichannel Retail

The escalating conflict in Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing unprecedented logistics delays and rising fuel costs for global retail and manufacturing sectors.

, and Staff Report

March 12, 2026

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Supply Chain

Logistics Strategy Shifts Amid Middle East Conflict 2026

Global supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs force omnichannel retailers to adapt corporate strategies as Middle East tensions impact logistics and consumer prices.

, and Staff Report

March 12, 2026

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OpenAI Scaling Back ChatGPT Shopping Plan Favors Walmart Strategy

OpenAI’s shift away from direct in-app shopping within ChatGPT reinforces Walmart’s digital ecosystem, driving traffic back to retailer-owned platforms like "Sparky."

, and Staff Report

March 11, 2026

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Technology

BNPL Market Shifts to Cards and Wallets for Growth

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) providers are pivoting toward provider-branded cards and digital wallets to counteract slowing adoption among Gen Z and Millennial shoppers.

, and Staff Report

March 11, 2026

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Leadership

Walmart Among Top Retailers Leading Dynamic Pricing Shift

Recent data identifies Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger as the most frequent price adjusters, utilizing dynamic pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness in the 2026 retail landscape.

, and Staff Report

March 11, 2026

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Marketing

Shopping Center Foot Traffic Continues Upward Trend in February

New data from Placer.ai reveals a consistent rise in shopping center visits during February, signaling resilient consumer demand and effective omnichannel retail strategies.

, and Staff Report

March 11, 2026

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Technology

Solving the Execution Gap with Retail Veteran Michael Graen

Retail expert Michael Graen explores how RFID, AI, and sensor technology can eliminate the execution gap and restore the ten-foot rule in modern omnichannel retail.

, and Staff Report

March 11, 2026

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Meta Acquires AI-Focused Social Network Moltbook to Expand Ecosystem

Mark Zuckerberg's Meta acquires Moltbook, a social media platform designed specifically for artificial intelligence interactions, signaling a major shift in digital community engagement.

, and Staff Report

March 11, 2026

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A large Planet Fitness billboard with "Fntacular" is lit up in a bustling urban setting. Tall buildings and colorful ads create a lively atmosphere.

Leadership

Fitness Anchors: The New Power Players in Retail Centers

Fitness chains like Planet Fitness and Crunch are increasingly replacing traditional retail anchors, driving significant foot traffic and longer dwell times for neighboring businesses.

, and Staff Report

March 10, 2026

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Physical Readiness: The Unseen Barrier to AI Integration

Expert Asad Afzal warns that physical facility limitations, not just software, pose the biggest challenge to scaling AI and automation in supply chain operations.

, and Staff Report

March 10, 2026

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Marketing

Permission-Based Intimacy: Scaling Personalization While Maintaining Consumer Trust

Retailers are shifting from invasive surveillance to transparent value exchanges to deliver personalized shopping experiences without compromising customer privacy.

, and Staff Report

March 10, 2026

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Marketing

Eliminating Waste: Maximizing ROI in Modern Retail Media Strategies

New research reveals 44 percent of retail media traffic lands on unoptimized product pages, causing significant budget waste and lost conversions for brands.

, and Staff Report

March 10, 2026

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Leadership

Neiman Marcus Emerges as Lead Brand in Saks Global Restructuring

Saks Global prioritizes Neiman Marcus storefronts over Saks Fifth Avenue as bankruptcy restructuring reshapes the luxury omnichannel retail landscape.

, and Staff Report

March 10, 2026

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Startups

Orbital Mirror Startup Proposes Global On-Demand Sunlight Network

California startup Reflect Orbital seeks to revolutionize renewable energy by beaming orbital sunlight to ground-based solar farms at night.

, and Staff Report

March 10, 2026

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