Post by RETHINK Retail

Live from CommerceNext and here are the 4 biggest retail shifts sticking with us so far: #AIinRetail: Retail is shifting from selling directly to humans to influencing the AI agents that shop for them. Instead of just chasing search keywords, brands must audit how AI recommends them and build custom knowledge systems to win those recommendations without losing customer trust. (Oscar Diaz, G-III Apparel Group) (Adnan Somani, Authentic Brands Group) (Elizabeth Garry, Pandora) (Brian Schiff, Flip) #OmnichannelTransformation Online shopping is easier than ever, but behind-the-scenes systems, like shipping, inventory, and returns, are struggling to keep up. Physical stores have become essential for profit, acting as neighborhood hubs for pickups, returns, and local ads that win over your best customers. (Amiee Bayer-Thomas, Ulta Beauty) (Kim Wagner Heidt, Tecovas) #EcommerceInnovations Successful companies aren't using AI to replace human judgment. Instead, they use it to handle data-heavy chores so employees can focus on customers. The challenge is actively guiding your team through the shift as their day-to-day roles change. (Rick Watson, RMW Commerce) (Vivian Chang, GNC) (Eric Miao, Attentive) #MediainRetail:  The main job of a physical store has shifted from closing sales to winning customers. Brands are turning storefronts into premium advertising and sensory stages, tracking new metrics like traffic quality and local digital growth to prove the brick-and-mortar footprint is a massive customer magnet. (Amiee Bayer-Thomas, Ulta Beauty) (Kim Wagner Heidt, Tecovas) #CN2026