FuturistU > Retail > Omnichannel Retail > Module 5 / 5

Artificial Intelligence in Retail

Instructor: Ady Floyd
Shopping Habits
Download the Shopping Habits Trend Report
In this module, rooted in Trend Hunter's Megatrend Artificial Intelligence, Ady explores the larger technological retail trends that are shaping this space. While technology can be vast and complicated to implement, there are three core pillars that work in curating an authentic omnichannel experience. As such, this section focuses on voice-activated shopping, cryptocurrency, and blockchain. Many consumers use these platforms daily, but it's more challenging for brands to seamlessly integrate them into the shopping journey.

This module will look at specific technological retail trends that are currently being embraced by brands and consumers alike. These trends are applicable to all retailers from large corporations to smaller start-up companies. With consumers today being more connected than ever, technology is simply an essential part of the omnichannel shopping journey.
Related Trend Report: Shopping Habits
Workshop Questions:
1. How can you ensure your company isn't displaced by new technologies?
2. How do you plan to use AI to disrupt your industry?
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Featured Insights

Traceable Transparency
Emerging blockchain platforms offer increased transparency for consumers
Implications - Platforms that allow consumers to trace their goods through to the path of purchase shine a light on one of the most anticipated uses of blockchain technology. From concert tickets to poultry supply chains, these platforms help to increase transparency at various stages of the transaction in question. By using blockchain to allow consumers to see more of how products reach their hands, brands are able to establish a more authentic connection with their consumers, thus adding brand equity.
Workshop Question - Where in your business might you add an increased level of transparency to help develop a more authentic connection with your consumer?
3.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Coffee-Tracing QR Codes
Coffee-Tracing QR Codes
The Meet the Farmer QR Code Gives Coffee Drinkers Transparency
Coffee lovers who are passionate about supporting transparency, traceability, and equality across the coffee supply chain will appreciate TRC Specialty Coffee and iFinca’s use of CoffeeChain... MORE
Blockchain Olive Oil Bottles
Blockchain Olive Oil Bottles
The Blockchain-Powered IBM Food Trust Helps to Fight Fake Olive Oil
IBM’s Food Trust division is teaming up with olive oil producer Terra Delyssa to fight fake olive oil, as the market is full of not just low-quality options but some that are even diluted with... MORE
NFC-Enabled Gin Bottles
NFC-Enabled Gin Bottles
The Stin's Limited-Edition Gin Can Be Authenticated by an NFC Chip
Those who purchase bottles of premium, limited-edition gin from The Stin will be able to verify the authenticity of a bottle thanks to NFC-enabled packaging, the blockchain and a mobile device.... MORE
Traceable Packaging Designs
Traceable Packaging Designs
Digimarc Co-Developed a Hybrid Printing Method for Digimarc Barcode
Digimarc Corporation is serializing product packaging and labels with Digimarc Barcode to support food safety and traceability initiatives. In partnership with Multi-Color Corporation (MCC),... MORE
Voice-Activated Retail
Retailers leverage voice assistive technology in the purchase journey
Implications - Brands are taking inspiration from Amazon’s Alexa by offering their own platforms and voice activated technologies that allow consumers to shop by speaking to their phones, or home control devices. From a consumer perspective, this distinct purchase journey offers an amalgamation of the personalization offered in in-person shopping experiences, coupled with the convenience of shopping online.
Workshop Question - How can your brand take inspiration from brands in its space that may be changing the game?
3.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Voice Shopping Platforms
Voice Shopping Platforms
Alpine.AI by Voicelabs Builds Voice-Enabled Apps for Retail Purposes
Voice computing company Voicelabs (of digital assistant ads) is pivoting their business to build voice-enabled apps for retail. According to TechCrunch, Alpine.AI “builds voice shopping apps... MORE
Voice Shopping Services
Voice Shopping Services
Walmart is Set to Offer Voice Shopping in Partnership with Google
In partnership with Google, Walmart is set to offer a voice shopping service to those who own a Google Home or a mobile device with the Google Express app. With this new partnership between... MORE
play_circle_filledAI Beauty Advisors
AI Beauty Advisors
The Revieve Beauty Advisor on Amazon Alexa Makes Tailored Recommendations
Revieve is a beauty technology company that is helping consumers to receive personalized product recommendations better suited to their specific needs through artificial intelligence. Revieve’... MORE
Voice Assistant Stylists
Voice Assistant Stylists
Poshmark's 'Stylist Match' Leverages Amazon Alexa for Recommendations
Poshmark recently introduced a new feature called ‘Stylist Match’ that enables browsers and buyers to get real-time assistance from Amazon Alexa. After opening Poshmark on one’s... MORE
Vocal Shopping Platforms
Vocal Shopping Platforms
The Voysis Platform Can Turn Any E-Commerce Site into a Smart Experience
Most businesses recognize the importance of e-commerce in the modern retail environment, and the Voysis platform offers even small businesses the ability to capitalize on the most advanced modern... MORE
Cashless Retail
Retail stores go entirely cashless in order to streamline processes
Implications - With more consumers opting to pay for things digitally rather than with cash, retailers are removing the option of cash transactions entirely – with Amazon going so far as to remove in-person payments altogether. This shift speaks to the adaptation, and enhancement, of already-established consumer purchase habits, while creating a shopping experience that prioritizes convenience.
Workshop Question - How can your brand better incorporate consumer purchase habits into its products/services?
4.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Offline Fashion Shops
Offline Fashion Shops
The First-Ever Brick-and-Mortar Everlane Store is Now Open in NYC
Everlane is an online clothing retailer that prides itself on making modern wardrobe basics—but now consumers will also be able to visit the first-ever physical Everlane store in NYC’s SoHo... MORE
Connected Convenience Stores
Connected Convenience Stores
The Amazon Go Store is Open and Aims to Change the Way we Shop
The Amazon Go store is finally open and is sure to innovate the way people shop. When Amazon Go was first announced, the idea of a futuristic grab-and-go store enticed shoppers and sent the tech... MORE
Streamlined Checkout Services
Streamlined Checkout Services
Sainsbury's 'SmartShop' Enables Checkout Via a Mobile or Handset
In an effort to cut costs and better compete with other discount retailers, Sainsbury’s is introducing a new ‘SmartShop’ service that will introduce a more streamlined checkout... MORE
Cash-Free Cryptocurrency Cafes
Cash-Free Cryptocurrency Cafes
The Ducatus Cafe Accepts Payments Via Its In-House Cryptocurrency
You’ve probably heard of cash-only cafes, but one Singaporean establishment is taking the complete opposite approach by going completely cash-free and rejecting debit and credit cards as well... MORE
Cashless Resort Concepts
Cashless Resort Concepts
Walt Disney World is Testing a Cash-Free Animal Kingdom Lodge
Many retail businesses are experimenting with concept stores that accept only plastic cards and apps, and Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the latest that will be testing out... MORE

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Agentic Shopping
Current capabilities of AI allow shoppers to offload decision making
Trend - As AI shifts from simply generative to agentic, shoppers are able to offload the mental labor of decision making to the technology. This goes beyond simply automating the transaction and into allowing artificial intelligence to make decisions.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage AI's agentic capabilities to balance convenience and autonomy in the consumer decision-making process?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Conversational Shopping Apps
Conversational Shopping Apps
The Klarna Shopping Search App in ChatGPT Streamlines Discovery
Shoppers are turning to AI for purchasing guidance and to solve frustratingly fragmented experiences, the Klarna Shopping Search app in ChatGPT launched to weave product discovery straight into the... MORE
AI-Powered Shoppable Experiences
AI-Powered Shoppable Experiences
ASOS Launches Thire ASOS Stylist With ChatGPT Integration
ASOS launched ASOS Stylist, an AI-powered shopping experience that brings the retailer’s product catalogue and video content directly into ChatGPT. Built with Bambuser’s Intelligence Layer, the... MORE
AI-Powered Shopping Ecosystems
AI-Powered Shopping Ecosystems
Wayfair Partnered With Google on AI Commerce Infrastructure
Wayfair’s partnership with Google highlights how AI-powered shopping is becoming more integrated into the consumer search journey. By helping develop Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol,... MORE
Home Furnishing Shopping Assistants
Home Furnishing Shopping Assistants
Ask Cleo Recommends Products Based on Shopper Descriptions
Lightopia, a leading online destination for luxury lighting and home décor, announced a new way for shoppers to find the right solutions for their needs with Ask Cleo, an AI-powered conversational... MORE
Conversational Shopping
Retail Platforms Use Natural‑language AI Models to Guide Shoppers
Trend - Retailers are introducing conversational AI assistants that help customers find the right products through natural‑language dialogue. These systems interpret intent, ask clarifying questions and provide tailored recommendations, making digital shopping feel more intuitive and human‑guided.
Workshop Question - How might we leverage natural-language AI to enhance and personalize the shopping experience for our customers?
6.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Conversational Shopping Apps
Conversational Shopping Apps
The Klarna Shopping Search App in ChatGPT Streamlines Discovery
Shoppers are turning to AI for purchasing guidance and to solve frustratingly fragmented experiences, the Klarna Shopping Search app in ChatGPT launched to weave product discovery straight into the... MORE
AI Shopping Assistants
AI Shopping Assistants
Amazon Alexa Uses AI to Personalize Product Search and Purchases
AI shopping assistants are transforming ecommerce through conversational tools that personalize product discovery, automate purchasing tasks and streamline digital retail experiences. Amazon... MORE
Conversational Product Summaries
Conversational Product Summaries
Amazon Launches Its Join the Chat AI Product Summaries
Amazon introduced a shopping feature called Join the Chat that lets customers ask real-time questions while engaging with AI-generated product summaries. The capability combines spoken or displayed... MORE
Home Furnishing Shopping Assistants
Home Furnishing Shopping Assistants
Ask Cleo Recommends Products Based on Shopper Descriptions
Lightopia, a leading online destination for luxury lighting and home décor, announced a new way for shoppers to find the right solutions for their needs with Ask Cleo, an AI-powered conversational... MORE
Conscious Continuity
Fashion retail is shifting toward traceable and circular ownership
Trend - Fashion and textile brands are merging product traceability with circular retail models—allowing consumers to track sourcing, materials, or ownership histories while participating in conscious ecosystems; systems in which extend product lifecycles to reduce textile waste and overproduction.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create more sustainable experiences that encourage longer product lifecycles and deeper consumer trust?
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Circular Jewelry Marketplaces
Circular Jewelry Marketplaces
The Alloy Market Resells Estate Jewelry Instead of Melting It
The Alloy Market launched a new marketplace centered on circular jewelry marketplaces that allow estate and fine jewelry pieces to be resold instead of melted for scrap value. Through the... MORE
Circular Fashion Creator Programs
Circular Fashion Creator Programs
Visa and GFA Support Emerging Regenerative Designers
Circular fashion creator programs are helping emerging designers build businesses centered on resale, repair and regenerative fashion practices. The Visa Young Creators: Recycle the Runway... MORE
Circular Textile Materials
Circular Textile Materials
Syre and Target Expanded Their Textile Recycling Partnership
Syre and Target expanded their collaboration to integrate textile-to-textile recycled polyester into Target’s apparel and home categories, with meaningful product integration expected by 2030.... MORE
Fiber-to-Retail Traceability Pilots
Fiber-to-Retail Traceability Pilots
Recover and TextileGenesis Launch a Traceable Textile Pilot
Recover™ and TextileGenesis™ are set to pilot a new digital traceability program. Using Fibercoin™ technology, the initiative will track Recover’s recycled cotton and polycotton from fiber... MORE
AI Intimacy
Retail brands are using AI to create deeper emotional connections with customers
Trend - Retail companies are deploying AI systems that go beyond transactional interactions to build genuine emotional relationships with customers. These technologies learn individual preferences, remember personal details, and anticipate needs in ways that make customers feel truly understood. AI is being used so every interaction feels like a continuation of an ongoing relationship.
Workshop Question - How could your brand use AI to remember and celebrate the small details that make each customer feel uniquely valued?
7.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore Launched the Luna Kiosk
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore have announced a new partnership that will see the performance footwear brand and the creative agency offering access to the Luna kiosk. The artificial... MORE
Optician-Focused AI Retail Solutions
Optician-Focused AI Retail Solutions
KITS Eyecare Ltd. Has Introduced OpticianAI™
KITS Eyecare presents an advanced artificial intelligence platform designed to modernize the eyewear shopping experience — OpticianAI™. This system combines facial recognition, prescription... MORE
AI-Powered Retail Advisors
AI-Powered Retail Advisors
Lowe's Mylow Companion Enhances Service & Associate Onboarding
Lowe's Mylow Companion is a new AI tool for associate sales floor devices and it's poised to enhance the in-store customer experience and the associate onboarding process. The app quickly provides... MORE
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs
The Ubacart Loyalty Program is Targeted Towards Convenience Stores
The Ubacart loyalty program has been created by the brand as a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered discount solution for shoppers to help them enjoy exclusive discounts and wards for their... MORE
Hyperlocal Evolution
Brands strengthen community connections through enhanced physical experiences
Trend - As consumers flock to physical retail spaces, both established and emerging brands are reimagining their local presence through enhanced experiential offerings. This shift extends beyond traditional retail to include direct-to-consumer brands creating innovative physical touchpoints.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create meaningful local connections with or without a permanent retail space?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Exclusive Upscale Holiday-Edition Pop-Ups
Exclusive Upscale Holiday-Edition Pop-Ups
The Magical House of Chanel Opens its Doors at Harrods
Chanel Beauté has launched its exclusive pop-up, ‘The Magical House of Chanel,’ at Harrods, which will be open until October 24. This pop-up features a range of experiences, including... MORE
Immersive Fragrance Retail Locations
Immersive Fragrance Retail Locations
The Perfume Shop Experiential Store is Located in Stockport
The Perfume Shop experiential store has been launched by the brand in the UK in Stockport to provide shoppers with an immersive new experience to check out this year. The location is slated to open... MORE
Tranquil Retail Environments
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
NEOM Wellbeing’s storefront in New York’s West Village marks an important step in its global expansion. The store spans 481 square feet and is designed as a tranquil retreat from the... MORE
In-Store Dating Experiences
In-Store Dating Experiences
IKEA and Breeze Partnered for Valentine's Day Date Experiences
IKEA and Breeze have announced a new partnership in the UK that will provide consumers with a chance to get romantic with a special someone this Valentine's Day. The partnership will see nine... MORE
Omnichannel Acceleration
Brands diversify retail presence across digital & physical channels
Trend - As traditional DTC models face growing challenges from supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer preferences, brands are rapidly expanding their presence across multiple retail channels. This expansion includes leveraging retail media networks, exploring social commerce, maintaining brick-and-mortar locations, and creating seamless experiences between digital and physical touchpoints.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create more seamless connections between its various retail channels?
5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
Hugo Boss Launches a New AI-Powered Product Content Feature
Hugo Boss is enhancing its online customer experience by incorporating artificial intelligence technologies that streamline product discovery and interaction. Launching globally, the brand hopes... MORE
Efficient Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers
Efficient Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers
National Logistics Services is Building in Caledon
National Logistics Services has announced the construction of a new, highly automated omnichannel fulfillment center in Caledon, Ontario. This 624,000 square foot facility, which will feature state-... MORE
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Automotive Mastermind has adopted an omnichannel approach to automotive sales to address the evolving consumer patterns in the industry. This strategy integrates various channels, including online... MORE
Omnichannel Messaging Platforms
Omnichannel Messaging Platforms
DIDWW Aims to Streamline Global Business Communications
With global business communications on the rise, leading telecom operator DIDWW recently announced the launch of its omnichannel Messaging Platform to streamline international communication.... MORE
Employee-Free Retailer
Brick and mortar stores are turning to AI to mitigate labor costs
Trend - Retailers and grocers are testing fully automated locations to lower costs. By saving on the many complications associated with labor, these retailers are able to offer reduced prices for the benefit of the consumer. These often begin as solo test locations before expanding based on demand.
Workshop Question - How could your brand alter its operations to reduce costs of its products or services for consumers?
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Lotus Launched a 'Pick & Go' Location in Thailand
Lotus’s Pick & Go employee-free store in Thailand represents a significant step forward in retail innovation. The store, which operates without any staff on the premises, leverages... MORE
Employee-Free Smart Stores
Employee-Free Smart Stores
The 'Teo' Employee-Free Store in Germany is a Success Story
The Teo unmanned smart store concept in Germany, developed by the German supermarket chain tegut showcases a unique direction of retail. Initially launched in Fulda in November 2020, this store has... MORE
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
ZeroQs Raised Over €457 Thousand to Invest in Smart Shopping Carts
Warsaw-based retail startup ZeroQs has successfully raised €457,000 in funding from Freya Capital to further develop and expand its smart shopping cart technology. The company’s innovative... MORE
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Aisle 24 Continues to Expand in Canada Amid Success
Aisle 24, a cashierless grocery retailer, continues its expansion across Canada with the launch of a new, larger store concept. Founded in 2016, Aisle 24 operates 24/7, fully automated stores that... MORE
Retail Lounge
Retailers are launching experiential events to enhance connections to consumers
Trend - Retailers in various industries, such as department stores, luxury brands, and more, are launching in-store lounges and experiential events. These events are designed to enhance the comfort of shoppers while deepening the connection between the shoppers and the brand.
Workshop Question - How can we create experiential in-store events that enhance consumer engagement and strengthen their connection to our brand?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Knix is elevating the intimate apparel shopping experience with its new 1,800-square-foot pop-up at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The Canadian brand’s fifteenth North American... MORE
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
One Golden Thread Opens Its Innovative Space
One Golden Thread, the regenerative apparel brand based in LA, has announced the grand opening of its Flagship Experiential Retail Concept on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach. The innovative space... MORE
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Gelato Pique Has Inaugurated Its Standalone Store in South Korea
Gelato Pique’s latest retail activation is strategically located in the vibrant Hannam-dong area of Seoul. This significant launch introduces a unique lifestyle space encompassing a garden... MORE
Tranquil Retail Environments
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
NEOM Wellbeing’s storefront in New York’s West Village marks an important step in its global expansion. The store spans 481 square feet and is designed as a tranquil retreat from the... MORE
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Château D'ivoire Renovated Its Downtown Montreal Location & It's Stunning
Château D’Ivoire, a longstanding luxury jeweler in Montreal, has reopened its downtown location following a significant renovation. The revamped store offers over 20,000 square feet of space... MORE