Here are the recent happenings in the Retail and Consumer Tech world as of Sep 23, 2025…

As the holiday season approaches, retailers are racing to integrate next-gen AI tools to personalize shopping experiences. Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart are leading the charge, offering features like voice-assisted lists and personalized product suggestions. According to Retail Dive, Walmart’s platform will include AI-generated search enhancements, while Instacart is using ChatGPT to recommend gifts. “Brands are trying to get ahead of the curve,” notes Jason Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis Groupe (source).

Meanwhile, Lowe’s and Walmart are doubling down on digital twin technology, replicating store layouts digitally to test planograms, traffic flow, and operations before implementation. “It helps us bring ideas to life faster,” said Seemantini Godbole, Lowe’s EVP and CIO (source).

In the battle of value retail, Costco continues to outshine rivals like TJX Companies by relying on its robust membership base and private label offerings. According to Yahoo Finance, “Costco’s renewal rate of 90% is unparalleled,” with investors bullish on its long-term growth strategy (source).

Not all players are thriving. Lululemon faces an innovation crisis after over-indexing on basics. “[They’ve] lost their edge,” says Jessica Ramírez, senior analyst at Jane Hali & Associates, as sales and mindshare decline in a hypercompetitive athleisure market (source).

In legal news, Alpha Modus is suing Mood Media for alleged patent infringement involving AI-powered retail displays that reach over 165 million daily consumers. The tech, which personalizes in-store audio and visual marketing using real-time data, is becoming a high-stakes frontier for retail engagement (source).

On the policy front, the debate over facial recognition in retail intensifies. Washington state’s Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla supports its use “as long as it’s transparent and equitable,” while privacy advocates warn of surveillance overreach (source).

Saks Global is exploring the sale of a 49% stake in Bergdorf Goodman to fuel growth, with a valuation around $1B. The move comes as luxury retailers seek capital to expand digitally and globally (source).

In the QSR world, Chick-fil-A announced its new Daybright concept, a beverage-centric spinoff with a “refreshingly different” vibe, focused on trend-forward drinks and a relaxing atmosphere (source).

Unilever continues to push the envelope with AI-fueled, social-first marketing, leveraging real-time data for TikTok-style storytelling that resonates with younger audiences (source).

And finally, nuts are going premium. Retailers like Whole Foods and Sprouts are boosting sales with innovative packaging, better placement, and health-forward messaging. According to The Packer, “It’s not just bulk bins anymore—nuts are going gourmet” (source).

This article was initiated using AI technology provided by Apple and OpenAI.