Your Weekly Retail Rev Up Newsletter | Volume 15

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TODAY’S PICK 🎯

How to Choose the Right Sales AI Without Wasting 6 Months

AI isn’t optional anymore. But most sales teams are buying insight tools when what they really need is execution.

In this week’s post, we break down:

• Why most GenAI tools stall at surface-level signals

• What real sales AI looks like in the field

• The RIGHT framework to evaluate tools that actually drive deals forward

If your sales AI can flag risk but can’t tell reps what to do about it, it’s not helping.

👉 Use this guide to cut through the noise and choose a sales operating system that moves the needle.

📣LEADING VOICES 

INDUSTRY NEWS 🌐

Retail Industry Accelerates Generative AI Investments, Enhancing Operations And Customer Experience

Generative AI is rapidly becoming a cornerstone in the retail sector, with over half of retail organizations increasing their investment in this technology. Positioned among the top industries for AI agent adoption, retail is exploring multiple facets of AI to enhance both customer interaction and backend operations. Companies such as Walmart and Amazon are demonstrating the practical applications of generative AI through tools like Walmart's shopping assistant Sparky, which aids in purchase planning, and Amazon's advanced AI initiatives.

The retail shift towards AI is not just on the front-end; it's equally transformative behind the scenes. For instance, H&M's deployment of an AI-powered HR agent significantly reduced hiring times and decreased employee attrition. However, while AI promises efficiency and transformation, a KPMG report notes consumer apprehension regarding data privacy and AI's growing role in shopping. As AI continues to redefine retail, companies must balance technological advancement with consumer trust to ensure long-term success.

Luxury Shoppers Rely on TikTok for Product Discovery

TikTok has emerged as a pivotal platform for luxury brand discovery, especially among high-end shoppers. The TikTok-commissioned study revealed that 70% of luxury shoppers have splurged over $1,355 on a single fashion item after engaging with peer-led content. This trend signifies a shift towards authenticity, with users valuing genuine reviews and insights from peers over brand messaging. In fact, nearly one-third of these shoppers wait for creator endorsements before making purchases.

Despite this enthusiastic engagement, immediate luxury purchases on TikTok are uncommon, with only 15% of users buying immediately after viewing items. Instead, many rely on saved content for future purchases, emphasizing TikTok's role as a generator of buying intent rather than an immediate sales platform. This discovery method aligns with economic apprehensions; as luxury consumers anticipate economic slowdowns, their expenditure on high-ticket items is expected to waver, though interest in ultra-luxury remains robust.

Physical Stores Prevail as Digital AI Shopping Rises

Physical retail continues to dominate the shopping landscape despite the rise of digital and AI-driven shopping tools, as underscored by EY's research. With 77% of retail sales in 2025 occurring in-store and a slight projected decline to 73% by 2028, the importance of brick-and-mortar remains clear. Key product categories such as fresh food and beverages persist in attracting consumers in person, highlighting the essential role these stores play in purchase decisions and product discovery.

As retailers navigate the evolving commerce environment, it's crucial to reconsider the role of physical stores. They offer invaluable experiences beyond what AI curation provides, facilitating discovery and enhancing promotions. Examples such as Dicks Sporting Goods demonstrate the potential of innovative in-store experiences. Offering services like rentals and repairs not only broaden revenue streams but also cement customer loyalty. In sum, integrating digital advancements with the tactile nature of in-store shopping can create a robust, future-ready retail strategy.

AI and Immersive Tech Shape Future at London's Retail Summit

The Future of Retail Summit returns to London, centering on AI and immersive technologies. This event, set for October 7, gathers key European retail players to discuss transformative trends, integration of immersive technologies, and the role of data and AI. These elements are vital in tailoring shopping experiences and improving efficiency, indicating the significant shift in retail strategies. The summit delves into the potential of environmental and social responsibility in fostering brand loyalty.

Bold Vision for Future of Retail as Hyper-Connected Tech Drives Transformation

In the rapidly evolving landscape of retail, physical stores are being transformed into hyper-connected ecosystems that seamlessly integrate technology to enhance operations and customer experience. Gonen Gershuni from Xpand highlights that by 2029, physical stores will dominate 94% of the $9.6 trillion grocery market, underscoring the importance of enhancing in-store digitization. These stores, envisioned as data engines and media networks, utilize real-time data to optimize inventory management, enhance customer interactions, and empower staff with AI-driven tools. This shift towards a unified commerce approach leads to notable gains, with omnichannel strategies doubling shopper engagement and spending.