News Briefs

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Artificial intelligence continues growing as a source of visitors to e-commerce sites.

In data emailed to Chain Store Age, Adobe revealed that traffic from AI sources to U.S. retail sites rose a significant 138% year over year in May 2026 and has exploded 1,324% since October 2024, marking another record high. 

AI-driven online retail traffic reached a new peak in May 2026, surpassing every month in 2025 and signaling what Adobe calls a “sustained change in how consumers discover and engage with brands.”

Other findings

• AI online traffic converted 54% better than non-AI sources, a sharp reversal from 2025 when conversion rates were nearly half as high. Eight in 10 consumers who use AI for shopping surveyed by Adobe say they use it more than they used to, and 79% feel more confident in purchases made with AI assistance.
• Once on site, AI-referred shoppers are 15% more engaged, the strongest advantage recorded since Adobe began tracking AI online traffic in October 2024. These shoppers also spend more time on the website (53% longer per visit), browse more pages (23% more pages per visit, nearly double March 2026 levels), and are significantly less likely to leave immediately (-36% bounce rate, a record low).
• AI visits are now worth 53% more than non-AI visits, another record high (up from 37% in March 2026). This marks a turnaround from May 2025, when non-AI visits were worth 128% more than AI visits.

[READ MORE: Adobe: AI-driven shopping grows less than expected on Super Bowl Sunday]

“Overall, Adobe’s latest data shows that AI traffic to U.S. retail sites continues to grow, both in volume and value,” Adobe said in emailed commentary. “(But) even top-performing sectors have high-value pages where 30 to 40% of content is still overlooked or uncaptured by AI.”

Specialty gift retailer Edible Arrangements is launching a redesigned mobile app as it also introduces a more personalized loyalty offering.

Edible Arrangements is rolling out its upgraded app on iOS and Android with features such as personalized tools like gift reminders, tailored recommendations, saved addresses and quick reorder functionality.

In conjunction with the app update, Edible Arrangements is introducing a rewards program featuring four membership tiers. Existing members' points and rewards will automatically transfer into the new program. Customers can earn points on every order and redeem points for discounts, free item and app-exclusive perks. The rewards program also includes welcome offers, birthday perks and personalized savings.

"People want gifting to feel easy, thoughtful and personalized - especially in a world where everyone is juggling so much," said Somia Farid Silber, CEOof Edible Brands. "With the new app and Edible Rewards program, we wanted to create an experience that helps customers remember important moments, discover the right gift faster and feel rewarded every time they come back to us. It's all part of continuing to evolve the brand in ways that better fit how people celebrate today."

[READ MORE: Edible Arrangements partners for new online gifting platform]

Customers can download the Edible app and enroll in Edible Rewards to begin earning points, receive a welcome reward and unlock exclusive app-only offers and perks. 

The Edible Brands portfolio includes Edible Arrangements, Edibles.com and Roti Modern Mediterranean. 

Purity Water, a retail concept that sells bottled portions of high-quality purified and alkaline water, sold its first franchise just last year. Now, it has hired an important partner to begin taking the brand nationwide.

JLL this week announced that it has completed five new leases for Purity Water franchises in New Jersey, where the company is based. The spaces range in size from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet and are in Hackensack, West Orange, Bedminster, Berkeley Heights and Middletown. 

“Purity Water has created a concept that feels incredibly timely in today’s retail environment,” said David Townes, a JLL managing director. “Consumers are increasingly focused on health and convenience, and it delivers both in an approachable neighborhood retail format. From the beginning, the brand had a clear vision for expansion, and we’re proud to help bring that vision to life across New Jersey.”

[READ MORE: JLL debuts new Retail Solutions Group]

In its recent “Global Consumer Experience” report, JLL reported that today’s consumers increasingly favor wellness-oriented retail experiences and are seeking out destinations that provide everyday accessibility for healthy products in shopping centers. 

“Our goal has always been to make premium purified and alkaline water more accessible to everyday consumers,” said Purity co-founder Christi Tomimbang. “As we continue expanding, finding highly visible retail locations in strong community shopping centers is critical to our success.”

A well-known bag and luggage lifestyle brand is entering a major distribution partnership.

Vera Bradley’s collection of products are now available at Nordstrom, marking its first-ever partnership with the department store retailer. Customers can now shop a curated assortment of Vera Bradley handbags, travel styles, backpacks and accessories at all Nordstrom full-line locations across the country, as well as online on Nordstrom.com.

The assortment features a mix of new-release prints and relaunched customer favorites, including Melissa Ditsy Floral, across some of Vera Bradley's best-known silhouettes. Other styles available include the Original 100 Handbag, Hathaway Tote, Large Original Duffel, Large Bancroft Backpack, Lunch Bag, Cosmetic Bag, pouches, charms and more.

The initial launch will run through the end of August, but both Vera Bradley and Nordstrom said they are “optimistic” about expanding the partnership into future seasonal opportunities.

[READ MORE: Nordstrom Rack expands 2027 planned openings with two CA sites — here's the list]

"Nordstrom is one of the most respected names in retail, with a longstanding reputation for delivering exceptional customer experiences and introducing shoppers to sought-after brands," said Vera Bradely CEO Ian Bickley, who was promoted to the role in March after serving as executive chairman. "As we continue to evolve the Vera Bradley brand and expand our reach to new audiences, we see tremendous opportunity in partnering with retailers that align with our vision for growth. With strong momentum across the business and increasing engagement from Gen Z and millennial consumers, this launch represents an exciting step in introducing Vera Bradley to the Nordstrom customer and building long-term brand awareness."

Nordstrom Inc. operates nearly 400 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack locations nationwide.

Amazon is developing state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in Missouri.

The online giant will dedicate “several billion” dollars to build a data center campus in Montgomery County, Mo. The project will support cloud computing technologies and in addition, Amazon says it will create new jobs, enable road and water infrastructure improvements, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue and support community education programs.

[READ MORE: Amazon enters multibillion-dollar fiber optic deal with Corning]

According to Amazon, it has had a presence in Missouri since 2017 and today employs more than 10,000 residents directly, supports another 10,000 jobs in industries like construction, logistics, and professional services, and has contributed more than $9 billion to the state's GDP since 2010.

Previous Amazon infrastructure projects in Missouri have included a last-mile delivery station and a 1.3-million-sq.-ft. fulfillment center. 

“Missouri has been home to Amazon since 2017, and more than 10,000 Missourians come to work with us every day. Today's announcement reflects what we've learned over those years: that when you show up as a real partner, listen to the community, and invest for the long term, everyone benefits," said Amazon chief global affairs and legal officer David Zapolsky. "We're building data centers that will create hundreds of new jobs, support educators and students, and strengthen local infrastructure. Our investment matters most when the community is better for it.”