All Innovation & disruption articles
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FeatureGen X: Are mid-career candidates in retail being sidelined in the pursuit of innovation?
Is the retail industry in danger of losing its position as an employer that enables people to progress to their full potential? Some think so…
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AnalysisAgentic commerce: Which retailers are embracing this new way of shopping?
More retailers are embracing a new way of shopping by letting AI agents browse, search, recommend, and purchase on behalf of the shopper – known as agentic commerce.
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Chart of the WeekWhat will disrupt the retail industry the most in 2026?
This year’s edition of the AlixPartners Disruption Index showed that nine out of 10 retail leaders believe industry business models need to change, with the report saying that retail was likely to be one of the most disrupted sectors in the economy
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FeatureThe future of food and drink consumption: fat jabs, premiumisation and AI
The food and drink industry is hurtling towards yet more change. What should retailers do to prepare?
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AnalysisTest drive: Coat Paints launches AI colour visualiser
Coat Paints has launched an AI colour visualiser that allows customers to upload images of their space to see how different shades and colours will look on their walls.
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NewsAmazon invests millions in sustainable UK delivery station
Amazon has started construction on a new UK delivery station aimed at being the first building in the country to achieve Living Future’s zero-carbon certification.
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InterviewQ&A: Peak VP of revenue on how retailers can get the most value out of AI
News of retailers leveraging AI in different areas of the business is commonplace now, as many want to optimise supply chains, enhance the customer service offer, or improve forecasting.
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Retail VoiceRetail 2050: How innovation, localism and experience will shape the high street
What will the high street look like in 2050? New research from American Express suggests a future shaped by localism, immersive experiences and seamless convenience. Dan Edelman, Amex’s general manager of merchant services, shares what this means for retailers and consumers alike
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InterviewQ&A: Optimizely product strategy director on embracing an experimentation mindset
Optimizely’s product strategy director Tina Nelson speaks to Retail Week about how to take the risk out of test driving a new idea, grounding decisions in data and what she thinks retail CEOs should be investing in this year.
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AnalysisBaked beans and posh handbags: five retail brands to watch in 2026
Whether it’s being on the wave of a rising trend or cracking a new territory, here are five retailers you may not have heard of that we think you should keep an eye on in 2026.
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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