Retail Technology News: January update

Retailers in January 2026 focused technology efforts in areas including virtual try-on, unified commerce and agentic shopping.

Here are some of the most noteworthy and innovative technology stories as reported by Chain Store Age in January, starting with the most recent. 

• Korean eyewear brand Breezm debuts U.S. try-on app A Seoul-based custom-fit eyewear retailer is letting U.S. consumers design and order glasses engineered to their unique face shape. Through an app, customers can complete a guided facial scan with their phone to capture precise measurements. Then an AI-based fit finder tool analyzes facial structure and proportions to identify frame styles optimized for balance, comfort, and lightweight wearability.
• Home Depot continues AI-enabling pro customers with list builder tool The Home Depot is rolling out Material List Builder AI, a new solution designed to help professional renovators, remodelers, builders and specialty tradespeople create actionable project material lists within minutes. Material List Builder AI leverages AI technology to interpret a project’s intent and generate an accurate, grouped list of materials needed for the entire job.
• Smoothie chain Oakberry supports U.S. rollout with unified commerce Oakberry has more than 50 U.S. stores and plans to increase its U.S. store count to over 250. In support of its rapid growth plans, the retailer is deploying the Qu unified commerce platform in its U.S. locations. The platform equips Oakberry’s U.S. stores with a POS system that provides managers with real-time performance insights, custom alerts and mobile reporting.
• Aldi to digitize Asian supply chain operations Aldi plans to implement the TradeBeyond CBX order and logistics platform in its Aldi South Group, which manages the retailer’s international Asian markets. Aldi will help ensure accurate supply chain documentation in Asia with the TradeBeyond platform and leverage its configurability to support varying supplier and country-specific requirements. As a result, the grocer intends to reduce errors and simplify cross-border shipment processes.
• NYC quick-serve operator The Filling Station deploys grilling robot The Filling Station, which currently operates three metro New York-area stores and plans to open three more in the near future, is utilizing the Aniai Alpha Grill automated grilling system. Originally built for burger cooking, the solution now serves as a grill-station platform. Using precise temperature control, automated pressure, and built-in sensors that continuously adjust cooking in real time, the system is built to produce 200-plus food items per hour.