retail trends

The retail industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). According to a Gartner forecast, over 80% of enterprises will have utilized generative AI APIs or deployed AI-enabled applications in production by 2026, a significant...

Starbucks has recently unveiled "Green Dot Assist," a generative AI-powered virtual assistant developed in collaboration with Microsoft Azure's OpenAI platform. This initiative aims to streamline in-store operations by providing baristas and store managers with real-time, conversational support...

In the constantly evolving realm of physical retail, technology and innovation have become vital levers shaping not just how consumers shop but also how brands connect, understand, and respond to their audiences. Over the past week, several compelling stories emerged in the retail technology...

In the rapidly shifting landscape of global retail, the fusion of artificial intelligence with human expertise is rewriting the rules of customer service, employee empowerment, and operational efficiency. MediaMarktSaturn, one of Europe’s leading consumer electronics retailers, has stepped...

In the emergent landscape of retail technology, few collaborations have generated as much buzz as Starbucks’ latest partnership with Microsoft, a strategic maneuver aimed at integrating artificial intelligence directly into the fabric of the coffee giant’s daily operations. This collaboration...

Starbucks is poised to redefine the modern coffeehouse experience with the unveiling of its new generative AI assistant, “Green Dot Assist,” a technological leap developed in partnership with Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI platform. This bold initiative is more than a headline; it encapsulates a...

In a bustling café on any given morning, the scent of espresso mingles with the rhythmic churn of espresso machines and a chorus of customer names being called. Yet, almost every Starbucks regular has at some point wondered: why is the line so slow, and could service ever move faster? Starbucks...

Microsoft’s quiet shuttering of its Sydney Experience Centre marks the end of an era for the company’s brick-and-mortar ambitions—especially outside the United States. On May 10, 2025, Sydney’s store closed its doors to the public, following closely on the heels of Microsoft’s withdrawal from...

SYNQ Technology has unveiled a suite of AI-powered voice solutions designed to revolutionize in-store communications for retailers. By integrating Microsoft Azure AI services, SYNQ aims to transform traditional analog radios into intelligent devices, enhancing operational efficiency and customer...

From the bustling energy of the NRF Big Show to the rapidly evolving expectations of Gen Zalpha consumers, the retail industry stands at the intersection of profound technological innovation and renewed human connection. Fresh perspectives are emerging on how artificial intelligence, digital...

The retail landscape is evolving fast, and NRF 2025 reinforced that today's innovations aren’t just about technology—they’re fundamentally human. As we dive into how the industry is reshaping itself, it’s clear that the fusion of digital innovation and human engagement is redefining retail for...

The retail landscape is on the brink of profound transformation, and at NRF (National Retail Federation) 2025: Retail’s Big Show, Microsoft is putting its cards on the table for what could redefine the industry. It’s all about big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and how these...

The new unified Windows Dev Center is now open for Windows 10 app submissions. Dev Center launched a number of new features yesterday, summarized by Todd Brix. In this post I’ll share more details about what’s new: App submissions New submit Windows 10 app packages Update manage app packages...

This blog is the latest in a recurring series about recent Store trends across categories, markets, and more. Understanding these trends can help you determine what types of apps to build or where to focus your development efforts. Data from the Windows Store is presented alongside the Windows...

Always window-shopping but never stopping to buy? In the future you can do both with new technology allowing you to point through the window at items and buy them with a swish of your hand. Link Removed - Invalid URL A woman demonstrates the "Interactive shop window" on a screen presented...