retail industry

Retail sales increased in August, marking the eleventh straight month of growth, according to a report highlighted by the retail industry publication Hardware Retailing. The streak points to sustained consumer spending across the sector. Commentators are weighing whether continued momentum reflects resilient demand or persistent price increases.

Shopify has opened its checkout system to browser-based AI agents, according to TechCrunch. The move means autonomous shopping assistants could complete purchases on merchants' stores on behalf of users, rather than only browsing. It signals a shift in e-commerce toward agentic commerce, where software agents search, select and pay for goods directly, raising questions about merchant control, fraud prevention and how retailers adapt to agent-driven traffic.

The National Retail Federation reports that retail sales increased modestly in August. The figures point to steady but restrained consumer spending across the retail sector. Details on specific categories or drivers were not provided, so analysts are watching whether the modest growth signals resilience or slowing momentum in household demand heading into the autumn season.

Retail industry trade groups are pressing the US Federal Trade Commission to reconsider its guidance on personalized pricing, the practice of charging different customers different prices based on their data. The retailers argue the current approach creates legal uncertainty and could restrict common pricing practices. The push puts industry and regulators at odds over how consumer data should be used in setting prices.

Apple Music is set to open a concert venue inside London's Battersea Power Station, adding a live music space to the landmark's growing retail and entertainment district. The move signals Apple's continued investment in music beyond streaming, following its radio stations and live sessions. Details on capacity, opening date and programming have not yet been confirmed.

Chinese AI firm SenseTime has launched SenseMart OS, an operating system designed to bring embodied intelligence into retail environments. The system is aimed at powering robots and smart devices that can perceive, interact with, and assist customers in stores. Details about pricing, availability, and retail partners have not yet been widely reported.

Cannabis retailer Planet 13 is facing a lawsuit stemming from a data breach, and the case is being closely watched for what it signals about the industry's data security obligations. Legal commentary suggests cannabis companies, which often operate with limited security resources and no federal regulatory framework, may face heightened litigation risk over breaches involving customer personal information. The lawsuit could prompt dispensaries and cannabis operators nationwide to reassess how they protect consumer data.

Retail commentators are cautioning that artificial intelligence is not a quick fix for the sector's challenges, but that companies delaying adoption could expose themselves to significant competitive risk. The argument is that while AI alone will not solve retailers' problems, standing still while rivals invest in the technology could prove costly as the industry modernises.

Goldman Sachs is set to adopt a voting plan for retail investors, according to an industry report. The move would give individual shareholders a greater ability to have their votes counted on proxy matters, rather than having shares lent out or left unvoted. Details of the plan's scope and timing were not provided in the report.

Amazon has moved from purchasing warehouse robotics from outside vendors to designing and manufacturing robots in-house, according to industry analysis from the Association for Advancing Automation. The shift reflects the company's scale in logistics and its push to control automation technology across its fulfillment network. The development is drawing attention within the robotics industry as a sign of how large retailers are internalizing automation capabilities.

Walmart is consolidating its merchant teams as part of an effort to put more emphasis on style and fashion in its assortment. The reorganization brings merchandising functions together under a unified structure, signaling that the retailer wants a more coordinated approach to curated, trend-driven offerings beyond its traditional value focus, according to Retail Dive.

Walmart's chief executive has spoken out on concerns around dynamic pricing, addressing worries that the retailer could adjust prices in real time based on demand. The remarks come as dynamic pricing draws scrutiny across retail following its use in other industries. Shoppers and commentators are watching closely for assurances that everyday grocery prices will remain stable and predictable.

McDonald's is exploring how to build an in-store retail media business, turning its restaurants and digital screens into an advertising channel for brands. Industry analysts note the fast-food chain faces the same questions as other retailers: how to prove in-store ads drive sales, measure their effectiveness, and scale the offering without disrupting the customer experience.

Watches of Switzerland Group has presented its first joint retail concept, a move covered by Forbes. The initiative marks the luxury watch retailer's first combined store format, signaling a shift in how the group presents its watch brands and retail experience. Details on partner brands and locations remain limited in early coverage.

Revolut has received approval from Argentina's central bank to proceed with its acquisition of Banco Cetelem, the Argentine banking unit. The clearance removes a key regulatory hurdle for the fintech company's expansion into Argentina's retail banking market. The move marks a significant step in Revolut's push into Latin America, allowing it to operate through an established local bank rather than building its licence from scratch.

Retailers and analysts are watching two key events this week: the Shoptalk conference, where industry leaders discuss the future of retail, and Nike's latest quarterly earnings report. Attention is on what Nike's results will signal about consumer demand, inventory levels and the broader health of the sportswear market, alongside fresh ideas emerging from the Shoptalk stage.

Investors in India are checking the allotment status for the Adroit Industries IPO, with the allocation expected to be finalised today. The Economic Times reports that grey market premium signals suggest a listing gain of around 28%, drawing strong interest from retail bidders via Bigshare Services, the registrar handling the issue.

Best Buy has announced 'The Drop', an initiative the retailer describes as a showcase of the future of commerce, media and technology. The company says the effort highlights how it plans to blend retail, advertising media and new tech experiences. Details on specific products, partners or timelines have not been laid out in the announcement.

Convenience retailer Kent Kwik is preparing to open its first new-build travel center in Tennessee, marking an expansion of the chain into that state. The company operates a network of convenience stores and fuel stations, and the location will serve travelers with fuel, food and retail offerings.