All Innovation & disruption articles
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AnalysisIn pictures: the best new concept and flagship store openings of the year
We’re almost at the end of 2025, which has been a bumper year for shopfloor innovation, theatrical flagships and new-to-market concept stores. Here are some of the best new stores that opened this year
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FeatureInnovation round-up: Strategic partnerships, AI agents and gamified experiences
The Innovation round-up is our series highlighting retail initiatives that have caught the eye of our team, bringing you new ideas and case studies across technology, sustainability, stores, ecommerce and customer experience. Here we bring you the eight best innovations that caught our attention in the final quarter of 2025.
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NewsAmazon in talks to invest $10bn in OpenAI
The world’s largest online retailer would reportedly sell the ChatGPT developer chips and computing power as part of the proposed deal
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AnalysisHow are retailers preparing for an AI Christmas?
Research shows that shoppers are increasingly using AI for product search, queries and purchasing, so how prepared are UK retailers?
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Retail VoiceFive ways innovation from Taiwan will reshape retail in 2026
Retail is entering an era where innovation is no longer confined to Silicon Valley or Europe’s design capitals. Taiwan has rapidly become a global hub for design, technology and sustainable thinking – a laboratory for the ideas and collaborations that will shape how we shop, connect, and live in 2026 and beyond
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Opinion‘Retail’s future health hinges on finding the right partners to solve industry challenges’
As retailers seek to transform their businesses and take advantage of new technology, more collaborative thinking is essential. That’s why Retail Week has launched Solutions Spotlight, explains Charlotte Hardie
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Innovation of the WeekCalvin Klein launches new programme for clothes disposal in the US
Innovation of the Week is a series highlighting retail initiatives that have caught the eye of our team. Every week, we bring you new ideas and case studies across consumer, technology, sustainability, economy, policy and industry.
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Interview‘AI is not a flashy tool’: Rithum managing director on stripping out complexity
Rithum works with retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Zalando, Adidas, and Walmart.
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Opinion‘Amazon’s AI-driven job cuts will send a shiver through retail head offices’
The retail giant won’t be the last to axe roles – and white collar positions will be under threat, believes George MacDonald
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AnalysisAI in action: How leading retailers are accelerating growth
Download the Retail Week Growth Report 2025 to uncover key trends, case studies, and expert insights on AI, innovation and diversification shaping the future of UK retail.
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AnalysisEnd of the search bar? What Walmart’s landmark deal with OpenAI means for retail
Walmart has placed a big bet on the future of shopping through a partnership with tech poster child OpenAI. Retail Week examines the implications of a landmark deal that ‘moves beyond traditional ecommerce’
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NewsAmazon unveils smart glasses for delivery drivers as part of AI push
The tech firm also announced two major new changes to its warehouse technology
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Innovation of the WeekWalmart enters partnership to transform retail supply chain
Innovation of the Week is a series highlighting retail initiatives that have caught the eye of our team.
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AnalysisHow Matalan, Asda and Hugo Boss are harnessing the latest technology to streamline their businesses
Fashion and home retailer Matalan is in the midst of a turnaround as it is overhauling stores, digital channels and its people
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Innovation of the WeekOpen AI launches ChatGPT instant checkout with Etsy in the US
Innovation of the Week is a series highlighting retail initiatives that have caught the eye of our team.
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NewsAsos launches creator-led live shopping
Asos has introduced live shopping on its mobile app, allowing customers to purchase products through live or on demand video content.
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Opinion‘Despite AI solutions revolutionising efficiency, retail will always be about people’
As the Fashion Retail Academy celebrates its 20th anniverary, Charlotte Hardie considers what the next 20 years could bring, particularly the impact of AI on the industry and its people
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NewsEE to open its first experience store in Scotland
EE is making its experience store debut in Scotland, as it opens the doors to a new store in Glasgow.
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NewseBay partners with Open AI on new programme for businesses
Online platform eBay has announced its new programme ‘AI Activate’, in partnership with OpenAI to all businesses that sell on the marketplace.
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Innovation of the WeekInnovation round-up: Smart dogs, smart ads & smarter menswear
Innovation round-up: smart dogs, smart ads, and smarter menswear