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Why Training Alone Won’t Cut It in 2025

Sales and revenue teams aren’t struggling because they don’t have enough training manuals or process documentation. They’re struggling because content alone doesn’t drive performance when it matters most.

At Learning Technologies 2025, one thing became clear: the old playbook isn’t keeping up. Execution is the real difference-maker now and some teams are already proving it with serious revenue gains.

Curious what it looks like when you shift from traditional learning to performance-first strategies and how it’s changing the game for teams like Fospha’s?

👉Read the full story

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INDUSTRY NEWS 🌐

Shopify, Klarna, and Tesco Drive Major Advances in Retail Technology

Shopify and OpenAI are positioned to significantly disrupt the eCommerce experience, with ChatGPT’s new integration allowing seamless in-chat purchases and streamlined shipping via Shopify’s platform. This development marks a step toward AI-powered commerce, where conversational shopping, product discovery, and transaction completion converge within a single environment—likely altering advertising patterns and customer engagement strategies across the industry.

Elsewhere, retail technology continues its rapid evolution. Tesco’s pilot of GS1-powered QR codes advances supply chain traceability and transparency, while InPost and Vinted extend their logistics partnership across eight European countries, boosting secondhand commerce efficiency. eBay’s expanded partnership with Klarna brings “buy now, pay later” to US shoppers, enhancing payment flexibility. These pivotal advancements demonstrate the industry’s commitment to embracing innovation and meeting changing consumer expectations.

Sweaty Betty Harnesses AI To Personalize Shopping And Improve Customer Experience

Sweaty Betty provides a compelling blueprint for how AI can revolutionize retail by enhancing both sales and customer experience. By leveraging advanced AI to analyze customer care interactions, social media, and product reviews, the brand is capable of hyper-personalizing offers and creating data-driven consumer segments, such as identifying customers who run in the mornings. The use of tools like Dynamic Yield and computer vision enables precise tracking of behavioral trends, allowing for more effective recommendations, in-depth analysis of marketing content, and experimentation with in-store layouts through heat maps and walk-in rates.

Of particular note is Sweaty Betty’s commitment to fostering a culture of AI-enabled innovation across all functions by appointing “AI Champions” and prioritizing internal education, which reduces skepticism and supports responsible adoption. The company is realistic about potential pitfalls—such as overreliance on a single AI platform—but positions these as challenges to navigate rather than obstacles. Ultimately, Sweaty Betty’s approach demonstrates that integrating AI strategically in both digital and physical channels enhances business intelligence, accelerates experimentation, and supports sustainable growth for modern retailers willing to invest in ongoing adaptation.

Top Retail Tech Updates Include Aldi UK Milestone ChatGPT-Shopify Tie Tesco QR Codes

Retail technology continues to accelerate, with significant advancements highlighted this week. Aldi UK’s journey from modest beginnings to surpassing 1,050 stores underscores how sustained investment in operational technology—such as transitioning from handwritten price cards to electronic shelf labels—enables growth while maintaining core values. Meanwhile, Shopify and OpenAI’s retail partnership illustrates the rising integration of AI, promising to make conversational commerce more seamless by embedding native shopping flows directly within ChatGPT, indicating the platform's potential to disrupt traditional eCommerce search and fulfillment models.

Brands Compete To Boost Visibility In AI Chatbot Search Results

Brands are rapidly adapting their strategies to ensure visibility in AI-powered search platforms, just as they previously did with traditional search engines like Google. With tools from companies such as Profound and Brandtech, organizations can now monitor and optimize their standing in AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google’s AI Overviews. This marks a pivotal shift in digital marketing, as brands focus on influencing AI-driven recommendations, recognizing large language models as significant gatekeepers for online exposure.

Data underscores this transformation—80% of consumers now rely on AI-generated results for a significant portion of their searches, causing notable drops in organic web traffic and changing the landscape of eCommerce and media. While Meta and Google race to create self-serve ad solutions, agencies are stepping in with analytics and consulting services, helping brands navigate this evolving marketplace. Adaptation is essential, as traditional SEO techniques face new challenges from AI’s nuanced evaluation methods.

H&M Deploys Honeywell Automation to Boost Store Efficiency and Energy Savings

H&M’s partnership with Honeywell marks a significant move toward automated, energy-efficient store management across Europe. By implementing centralized digital building management powered by the Honeywell Forge IoT platform, H&M aims to systematically track, analyze, and optimize energy consumption, supporting its ambitious goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This integration of remote monitoring, analytics, and machine learning not only improves resiliency and reduces unplanned maintenance, but also contributes to measurable cost savings at more than 90 stores.

Such automation initiatives underscore the broader retail sector's drive for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. Retailers investing in advanced technology platforms are better positioned to react to evolving demands while delivering both sustainability and commercial value. The strategic alignment of automation with H&M’s energy and emission goals demonstrates a best-practice model for others aiming to balance profitability with environmental stewardship.

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