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UK Retail Sales Cool in October, but Foundations for a Stronger 2026 Are Forming
Retail activity in the United Kingdom softened in October, marking a pause in momentum just as the sector enters its most critical period of the year. Sales volumes fell across most categories, with household-goods...
New AI-Driven Models Offer Breakthroughs in Fresh-Food Pricing and Waste Reduction
A new generation of AI models is transforming how retailers manage perishable goods. By combining neural networks with optimisation techniques, these systems can forecast demand more accurately and adjust prices dynamically to reduce waste...
AI Shopping Agents Poised to Transform Online Grocery Behaviour
Artificial intelligence shopping assistants are moving rapidly from concept to reality, bringing automation to everyday purchasing decisions. These agents can assemble a grocery order, compare prices, suggest meal plans, or trigger re-purchases based on...
Real-Time Pricing Becomes a Strategic Pillar as Retailers Advance Shelf Technology
A wave of investment in smart shelf technologies is reshaping the way retailers manage pricing and availability. Electronic shelf labels combined with real-time inventory systems enable retailers to adjust prices dynamically while ensuring better...
Ethical Concerns Rise Over “Surveillance Pricing” in Retail
As retailers harness more data-driven tools, concerns have emerged surrounding so-called “surveillance pricing”, in which algorithms adjust prices based on personal data or inferred consumer behaviour. While retailers argue that dynamic pricing allows greater...
Lidl Targets 50 New Stores in Spain as Discounter Momentum Builds
Lidl’s growth trajectory in Spain shows no sign of slowing, with the company announcing plans to open around 50 new stores across the country in 2025. Spain has become one of Lidl’s fastest-growing European...
Lidl Announces Half-Billion-Pound UK Expansion Drive
Lidl has confirmed a substantial £500 million investment to accelerate its UK expansion, underscoring its confidence in the British market despite ongoing cost pressures. The discounter plans to open over 40 new stores, reinforcing...
Ocado Faces Market Shock as Kroger Retrenchment Raises Doubts About Automation Model
Ocado suffered a sharp fall in its market value following Kroger’s announcement that several robotic warehouses would close. The news struck at the heart of Ocado’s global expansion strategy, which has relied on major...
Kroger’s Closure of Three Automated Warehouses Signals a Strategic Reset
Kroger’s decision to close three of its automated fulfilment centres marks a notable shift in the retailer’s digital strategy. The facilities—originally part of a highly publicised robotics partnership—will cease operations in early 2026 as...
Carrefour’s Power Move: Saadé Family Steps In
Across the Atlantic, Carrefour is undergoing its own seismic shift. The Saadé family, led by shipping magnate Rodolphe Saadé (of CMA CGM), has acquired a 4% stake in the retailer, making them Carrefour’s second-largest...