Doing Business in Bentonville — Top Stories
Latest News
Retail Strategy Shifts Amid Consumer and Market Pressures
Facing economic uncertainty and evolving consumer behaviors, retailers must pivot toward value, sentiment, and operational excellence to stay competitive.
Ep. 126 - Retail’s Crossroads: AI, Tariffs, And Walmart’s Next Move
Bentonville is shaping the next era of retail. John Reeves and Brett Dye reveal how Walmart’s tech evolution, AI adoption, and sourcing shifts are redefining merchandising, supplier strategy, and speed. Learn how adaptability and insight drive success in today’s changing retail landscape.
Editors' Picks
Ep. 126 - Retail’s Crossroads: AI, Tariffs, And Walmart’s Next Move
Bentonville is shaping the next era of retail. John Reeves and Brett Dye reveal how Walmart’s tech evolution, AI adoption, and sourcing shifts are redefining merchandising, supplier strategy, and speed. Learn how adaptability and insight drive success in today’s changing retail landscape.
Free Shipping, AI, and Speed Dominate Holiday 2025 E-Commerce
DHL’s latest study shows U.S. e-commerce leaders are prioritizing free delivery, AI-driven personalization, and fast domestic fulfillment for peak season success.
Agentic AI is the New Frontier for Retail & CPG Workflows
In retail and CPG, the shift from automation to agentic AI unlocks real‑time decision‑making, operational agility and higher customer trust across supply, merchandising and marketing.
How AI Is Transforming Pet Retail in 2026
Explore how AI is revolutionizing pet retail, with brands like Walmart and Petco enhancing customer service, inventory, and sales through innovative technologies.
Agentic AI is the New Frontier for Retail & CPG Workflows
In retail and CPG, the shift from automation to agentic AI unlocks real‑time decision‑making, operational agility and higher customer trust across supply, merchandising and marketing.
How AI Agents Rewire Retail and CPG
AI agents are transforming retail and CPG by turning data into real-time action. Learn how agentic AI streamlines operations, predicts issues, and enhances decisions across marketing, supply chain, and merchandising to drive precision, speed, and profit.
Ep. 2 - Stablecoin Meets Omnichannel
Stablecoin is reshaping retail payments with instant refunds, cheaper settlements, and programmable rewards. Discover how AI, automation, and transparency are building faster, smarter checkout systems that power the next wave of omnichannel commerce.
How AI Shopping Assistants Are Redefining Retail Loyalty
AI shopping assistants are transforming retail by enhancing engagement, streamlining experiences, and driving deeper brand loyalty in competitive markets.
Headless Commerce Trends Shaping eCommerce by 2026
Composable architecture, AI personalization, and unified data are redefining headless commerce, setting the standard for future-proof eCommerce strategies.
Target Partners with OpenAI for AI Shopping App
Target's new partnership with OpenAI signifies a revolutionary shift in the retail industry, blending AI with customer interactions to redefine shopping.
AI in Retail: Bridging Hype and Business Impact
Despite rising AI adoption in retail, a BRG report shows limited business impact. Learn how retailers can align AI strategies for real results.
E.l.f. Beauty Leverages Sound for Kindness‑Driven Social Strategy
E.l.f. Beauty’s “The Sound of Kindness” campaign uses audio‑first content and immersive experiences to engage social‑media algorithms and drive purpose‑driven brand storytelling.
Employee Happiness: The Smart Business Strategy Behind Productivity
Employee happiness isn’t just feel‑good—it’s linked to higher productivity, better retention and stronger business performance.
Retail Safety in Focus After Recent Incidents at Walmart
Recent incidents at Walmart stores are prompting broader industry attention to in-store safety as a key factor in retail operations.
DBB Hosts “AI in Retail” Breakfast Event for Walmart Vendors
Doing Business in Bentonville invites retail leaders to a Dec. 11 event focused on AI-driven shopper strategies, content optimization, and operational tools.
Why Digital Transformation Matters in eCommerce Now
eCommerce businesses must embrace digital transformation to meet rising customer expectations, boost agility, and stay competitive in a fast-evolving market.
Despite Doubts, Data Shows College Still Pays in NWA
A growing number of Americans question the value of college—but in Northwest Arkansas, the income gap between degree holders and high school grads tells a different story.
Only 17% of Retailers Achieve Unified Commerce Maturity
Most retailers struggle to unify digital and in-store systems, exposing a major gap in delivering seamless omnichannel experiences.
Retailers Struggle to Prove ROI on In-Store Technology
Nearly half of North American retailers can’t quantify the return on in-store tech, raising concerns about investment impact.
USPS Sets 2026 Shipping Rate Hikes Across Core Services
USPS will raise rates in January 2026 across Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and other services, impacting last-mile logistics and retail shipping costs.
Supreme Court Weighs Presidential Tariff Power in Landmark Case
A Supreme Court case questioning Trump's emergency tariff authority could reshape sourcing strategies across retail and supply chain sectors.
U.S. Exempts 200+ Food Imports from Reciprocal Tariffs
The U.S. has lifted tariffs on key agricultural imports like coffee, tea, and bananas, signaling trade deal progress and easing omnichannel food supply pressures.
Walmart Faces Scrutiny Over Omnichannel Price Transparency
New York’s proposed pricing transparency law could fine retailers like Walmart $250 per violation if online and in-store prices aren’t clearly disclosed.
Retail Strategy Shifts Amid Consumer and Market Pressures
Facing economic uncertainty and evolving consumer behaviors, retailers must pivot toward value, sentiment, and operational excellence to stay competitive.
Walmart Q3 FY2026 Earnings Call Set for Nov. 20
Walmart’s Q3 FY2026 earnings call on Nov. 20 will provide insights on holiday performance, tech investments, and the upcoming CEO transition.
USPS Sets 2026 Shipping Rate Hikes Across Core Services
USPS will raise rates in January 2026 across Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and other services, impacting last-mile logistics and retail shipping costs.
DBB Hosts “AI in Retail” Breakfast Event for Walmart Vendors
Doing Business in Bentonville invites retail leaders to a Dec. 11 event focused on AI-driven shopper strategies, content optimization, and operational tools.
Retail Strategy Shifts Amid Consumer and Market Pressures
Facing economic uncertainty and evolving consumer behaviors, retailers must pivot toward value, sentiment, and operational excellence to stay competitive.
Levi’s and Microsoft Launch AI “Super‑Agent” for Retail Ops
Levi’s and Microsoft are deploying a next‑gen AI “super‑agent” across operations, signifying a deep dive into agentic AI for the retailer’s digital transformation.
Why Omnichannel Strategy Is Key to Customer Loyalty
An integrated omnichannel strategy enhances customer satisfaction, speeds service, and increases brand loyalty across digital and physical platforms.
Retail Growth Strategies for Urban Markets
Discover proven strategies to grow retail businesses in competitive cities like DC and Baltimore, from omnichannel tactics to brand identity and data-driven planning.
Retail Strategy Shifts Amid Consumer and Market Pressures
Facing economic uncertainty and evolving consumer behaviors, retailers must pivot toward value, sentiment, and operational excellence to stay competitive.
E.l.f. Beauty Leverages Sound for Kindness‑Driven Social Strategy
E.l.f. Beauty’s “The Sound of Kindness” campaign uses audio‑first content and immersive experiences to engage social‑media algorithms and drive purpose‑driven brand storytelling.
How Digital Transformation Is Reshaping Fashion Retail
Fashion brands are embracing AI, data, and digital tools to improve agility, customer experience, and operational efficiency in a competitive market.
How to Build a Seamless B2B Omnichannel Strategy
A unified omnichannel approach boosts B2B engagement, enhances buyer experiences, and increases conversion and retention in today’s digital-first landscape.
How Digital Transformation Is Reshaping Fashion Retail
Fashion brands are embracing AI, data, and digital tools to improve agility, customer experience, and operational efficiency in a competitive market.
Headless Commerce Trends Shaping eCommerce by 2026
Composable architecture, AI personalization, and unified data are redefining headless commerce, setting the standard for future-proof eCommerce strategies.
Retail Growth Strategies for Urban Markets
Discover proven strategies to grow retail businesses in competitive cities like DC and Baltimore, from omnichannel tactics to brand identity and data-driven planning.
Walmart Confirms Holiday 2025 Sales Events Schedule
Walmart will roll out three holiday 2025 sales events between Nov. 14 and Dec. 1, offering early access to Walmart+ members and focusing on value-driven categories.
Social Commerce Becomes Retail’s New Checkout Channel
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are transforming content into commerce, requiring retailers and vendors to adapt fast to in-app buying trends.
Skims Reaches $5 B Valuation, Plans Physical Store Expansion
Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand reaches a $5 billion valuation and plans to significantly expand its physical retail footprint.
Mastering Gift Guide PR: A Brand’s Roadmap to Editorial Placement
Brands that start early, match their product to the right outlet, and offer affiliate‑ready availability have the best shot at gift‑guide placement—and in today’s omnichannel world, that coverage signals demand, trust and readiness across all channels.
How Modern Retail Strategies Are Meeting the Needs of Today’s Parents
Parenting brands are thriving through omnichannel retail by blending empathy, convenience, and connection across digital and physical platforms.
Levi’s and Microsoft Launch AI “Super‑Agent” for Retail Ops
Levi’s and Microsoft are deploying a next‑gen AI “super‑agent” across operations, signifying a deep dive into agentic AI for the retailer’s digital transformation.
How to Build a Seamless B2B Omnichannel Strategy
A unified omnichannel approach boosts B2B engagement, enhances buyer experiences, and increases conversion and retention in today’s digital-first landscape.
AI in Retail: Bridging Hype and Business Impact
Despite rising AI adoption in retail, a BRG report shows limited business impact. Learn how retailers can align AI strategies for real results.
Walmart Confirms Holiday 2025 Sales Events Schedule
Walmart will roll out three holiday 2025 sales events between Nov. 14 and Dec. 1, offering early access to Walmart+ members and focusing on value-driven categories.
Louvre Heist Highlights Cybersecurity Risks in Retail
A Louvre security breach underscores urgent cybersecurity gaps facing retailers ahead of the high-risk holiday shopping season.
Cold Chain Innovation: How Grocery Is Going Greener and Smarter
As shoppers demand fresher, faster deliveries and sustainability takes centre stage, grocery logistics is re‑engineering the cold chain with new packaging, IoT sensors and lean delivery strategies.
Centric Software Drives Retail Efficiency with PLM Tools
Centric Software’s PLM and AI solutions help retailers streamline product development, enhance inventory planning, and support sustainability goals.
Boost Productivity with the 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 Rule, or Pareto Principle, reveals how focusing on a small percentage of efforts can yield substantial results in productivity and personal fulfillment.
E.l.f. Beauty Leverages Sound for Kindness‑Driven Social Strategy
E.l.f. Beauty’s “The Sound of Kindness” campaign uses audio‑first content and immersive experiences to engage social‑media algorithms and drive purpose‑driven brand storytelling.
How Digital Transformation Is Reshaping Fashion Retail
Fashion brands are embracing AI, data, and digital tools to improve agility, customer experience, and operational efficiency in a competitive market.
Levi’s and Microsoft Launch AI “Super‑Agent” for Retail Ops
Levi’s and Microsoft are deploying a next‑gen AI “super‑agent” across operations, signifying a deep dive into agentic AI for the retailer’s digital transformation.
How to Build a Seamless B2B Omnichannel Strategy
A unified omnichannel approach boosts B2B engagement, enhances buyer experiences, and increases conversion and retention in today’s digital-first landscape.