Week 2026-W02

This week's cover

Jan 4-11th 2026• Built Jan 17, 2026 15:46

Walmart implements new AI strategies to enhance its operations, while Saks Global faces bankruptcy amid ongoing inflation pressures. These developments reflect the contrasting challenges and adaptations within the retail and luxury sectors, including the impact on consumer behavior and demand for products like diamonds from De Beers.

Key themes this week

Walmart AI strategiesSaks Global bankruptcyinflation pressuresagentic commerceDe Beers diamond demand

124 articles processed this week

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61# of articles processed

Ecommerce & Retail Tech

Breakthroughs and trends shaping online commerce, retail, and emerging tech.

US e-commerce spend reached nearly $258B over the holidays

Retail Dive•Jan 7

AI summary: US e-commerce spending during the holidays in 2025 reached almost $258 billion, showing a 6.8% increase from the previous year, according to Adobe Analytics. Additionally, buy now, pay later services saw a surge in usage.

6 retail trends to watch in 2026

Retail Dive•Jan 8

AI summary: Retail Dive highlights six key retail trends to watch in 2026, including pricing dynamics and the changing landscape of malls.

December sales drop over 2% at small retail businesses despite traffic bump

Retail Dive•Jan 6

AI summary: In December 2026, small retail businesses experienced a sales drop of over 2% despite an increase in foot traffic, with inflation-adjusted discretionary sales falling by 1.8% compared to the previous year, according to Fiserv data reported by Retail Dive.

Claire’s plans tech upgrades despite financial setbacks

Retail Dive•Jan 7

AI summary: Claire's, despite facing financial setbacks, is planning to enhance customer in-store experiences through tech upgrades, as reported by Retail Dive on January 7, 2026.

Primark Sales Slow as Demand Drops

BoF - News (The News in Brief)•Jan 9

Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop Near Collapse

BoF - News (The News in Brief)•Jan 6

Fast Fashion, Delivery Apps Tap India’s Next Billion Consumers

BoF - News (The News in Brief)•Jan 5

5# of articles processed

Jewellery Industry

Key updates and articles across jewellery brands, trade, and supply chain.

De Beers Bets on India’s Rich to Boost Natural Diamond Demand

BoF - News (The News in Brief)•Jan 8

Inflation set to remain sticky in 2026

Professional Jeweller•Jan 5

AI summary: Inflation rates are on the rise in 2026, with shop price inflation reaching 0.7% year on year in December, according to the British Retail Consortium. This trend is expected to continue, impacting the jewellery industry.

How indie retailers will shape the high street in 2026

Professional Jeweller•Jan 5

AI summary: Independent retailers in the jewellery industry have shown resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, shaping the high street in 2026 through innovation and experimentation. This article from Professional Jeweller discusses how these retailers have navigated shifting consumer behaviors, economic pressures, rising costs, and new technologies.

Jewellery designer Solange Azagury-Partridge receives MBE

Professional Jeweller•Jan 5

AI summary: Jewellery designer Solange Azagury-Partridge has been honored with an MBE for her contributions to design, presented by King Charles III and members of the royal family. Azagury-Partridge operates her own brand, Solange, based in London.

44# of articles processed

Artificial Intelligence News

The latest advances and strategies in artificial intelligence and business transformation.

Reclaiming Retail Profitability With AI-Driven Pricing and Assortment Optimization

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AI summary: AI-driven pricing and assortment optimization can help retailers reclaim profitability by allowing them to anticipate tariff impacts and adjust pricing with precision through dynamic scenarios. This ensures costs are recovered effectively.

Ecommerce Trends: How Walmart is using AI

Digital Commerce 360•Jan 8

AI summary: AI is a key focus for Walmart as new CEO John Furner takes over, with plans to utilize agents and machine learning in various job roles. This article from Digital Commerce 360 discusses Walmart's AI and agentic commerce strategies under the new leadership.

Microsoft introduces agentic AI tools to automate retail and B2B commerce operations

Digital Commerce 360•Jan 9

AI summary: Microsoft has unveiled agentic AI tools through Copilot to automate retail and B2B commerce tasks, such as digital checkout and product data management, aiming to streamline operations and reduce manual work.

Most consumers interacted with AI customer service during holiday shopping

Retail Dive•Jan 5

AI summary: A Liveops survey revealed that while most consumers had positive interactions with AI customer service during holiday shopping, many still believe human support is superior.

Spangle AI raises $15 million to build agentic infrastructure for ecommerce

Digital Commerce 360•Jan 8

AI summary: Spangle AI has secured $15 million in funding to enhance its AI platform for connecting product discovery with online conversion in ecommerce. The funding round was led by NewRoad Capital Partners, with participation from Madrona, DNX Ventures, Streamlined Ventures, and strategic angel investors.

Amazon rolls out dedicated website that brings Alexa+ online

Retail Dive•Jan 6

AI summary: Amazon has launched a dedicated website that integrates Alexa capabilities, allowing customers to research, take action, and resume conversations with Alexa devices seamlessly.

Early AI Signals from Holiday Sales

Practical Ecommerce•Jan 11

AI summary: AI-driven shopping during the holiday season showed promising early signals, hinting at a potentially significant impact in the future.

14# of articles processed

Fashion & Luxury

Innovations and changes in luxury and wider consumer products, experiences, and brands.

Holders of $895-a-Year AmEx Card Are Rushing to Spend Saks Perk

BoF - News (The News in Brief)•Jan 8

Report: Saks in Talks for $1 Billion Bankruptcy Loan to Keep Doors Open

BoF - News (The News in Brief)•Jan 6

Fashion and beauty brands are expanding their partnerships with female college athletes

Modern Retail•Jan 8

AI summary: Fashion and beauty brands are increasingly forming partnerships with female college athletes, moving beyond one-off posts to collaborating with entire athletic departments, as reported by Modern Retail on January 8, 2026.

S&P Global Ratings downgrades Saks Global on missed interest payment

Retail Dive•Jan 8

AI summary: S&P Global Ratings downgraded Saks Global due to a missed interest payment, casting doubt on the company's ability to meet financial obligations and realize expected savings from a recent merger.

Pat McGrath Labs seeks a buyer

Retail Dive•Jan 5

AI summary: Pat McGrath Labs is up for sale, with bids due by Jan. 26 and a public auction for the beauty brand's assets scheduled for Jan. 27.

New Car Sales Are Rising Thanks to Purchases by the Well-Off

NYTimes Technology•Jan 5

AI summary: New car sales are increasing among wealthy Americans due to rising prices and interest rates for auto loans, according to analysts.

Starbucks is kicking off 2026 with more brand partnerships

Modern Retail•Jan 9

AI summary: Starbucks is starting 2026 by expanding its brand partnerships, including a collaboration with Khloé Kardashian's Khloud popcorn, to offer trendy items and relevant pop culture tie-ins.