Here are the recent happenings in the Retail and Consumer Tech world as of Jul 23, 2025…..
🔗 AI Platforms Powering the Supply Chain
As retailers race to streamline operations, AI platforms are becoming indispensable. AI Magazine ranked the top 10 platforms reshaping supply chain strategy, with Microsoft Azure AI, IBM Watson, and SAP Business AI leading the charge source. These tools are “transforming demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and last-mile logistics.”
🚴 Peloton’s Climb Back to Relevance
Peloton reported Q1 earnings that exceeded expectations, with $748.9M in revenue—boosted by stronger-than-anticipated hardware sales source. CEO Barry McCarthy credited “continued innovation and customer retention” as key drivers.
🥩 ReposiTrak Adds 20 New Suppliers
ReposiTrak expanded its compliance and distribution list, welcoming 20 specialty, plant-based, and meat snack suppliers. Founder Randy Fields highlighted the network’s rapid growth, saying, “we’re becoming the go-to source for specialty and clean-label retail” source.
🎯 Target Ends Price Matching Policy
Target has quietly retired its price match guarantee, citing “abuse and rising operational costs” source. This change is drawing criticism online and is seen as a risky move amid price-sensitive consumers source.
🧸 Tariffs Threaten Holiday Imports
The Daily Record reports rising tension among retailers as new tariffs threaten toy imports for the 2025 holiday season source. “Retailers should prepare for delays and price hikes,” warned industry analyst Lydia Bennet.
🥗 M&S Faces Cyberattack Fallout
Marks & Spencer’s food division posted its weakest growth since 2023 following a cyberattack that disrupted point-of-sale systems source. NielsenIQ noted a significant drop in customer footfall during the affected weeks.
🧠 Amazon Bets on Wearable AI
Amazon acquired AI startup PulseWare to strengthen its position in the wearable tech space, targeting health and lifestyle applications source. The deal signals Amazon’s “deepening commitment to personalized, ambient intelligence,” said VP Priya Venkatesh.
💡 IKEA’s Loyalty Program Evolves
IKEA has reimagined loyalty beyond discounts. Their “IKEA Family” program now incorporates personalized perks, early access, and community events source. “It’s about enriching the journey, not just rewarding a purchase,” said Global Loyalty Manager Anna Hermansson.
📉 Kohls Sees Meme Stock Rally
Kohl’s shares surged 18% in a meme-stock-style rally driven by retail traders source. While fundamentals remain flat, the surge demonstrates how investor sentiment can quickly disrupt the landscape.
📊 Retailers Prepare a “Tariff Script”
A Total Retail column emphasizes that savvy retailers are already scripting customer messaging around tariffs source. These scripts aim to maintain trust, with one exec sharing, “We’re not hiding the costs—we’re helping customers understand them.”
🔐 Shopify Pushes for Smarter Data Use
Shopify’s latest enterprise blog underscores the imperative of ethical customer data use to personalize retail at scale source. “Consumers want value in exchange for their data,” wrote Director of Data Ethics Melissa Cruz.
This article was initiated using AI technology provided by Apple and OpenAI.
