At the National Retail Federation’s annual trade show, retailers and tech firms showcased a wave of artificial‑intelligence tools, from holographic chat agents powered by large language models to AI‑driven shopper tracking and chatbot ordering. Companies highlighted new protocols that let shoppers buy directly through AI assistants, while others warned of privacy concerns as cameras capture shopper behavior. Amid the hype, some exhibitors, like a packaging specialist, deliberately avoided AI, emphasizing tactile design over digital gimmicks. Read more →

A recent Deloitte survey shows that while a majority of U.S. consumers are actively using or experimenting with generative AI, they also express strong concerns about privacy, data security, and the trustworthiness of tech companies. More than half of respondents pay for AI services, yet many still verify AI‑generated information and are reluctant to share personal data. The findings highlight a paradox: rapid adoption of AI alongside growing skepticism about its impact and the motives of the firms behind it. Read more →