News Briefs

Shoppers and retail companies alike are eager to see the expansion of artificial intelligence in the store environment.

According to a new survey from retail services company SPAR Group, seven-in-10 consumers are familiar with the use of AI at the retail locations where they shop, and about half have a positive impression of the technology. Those surveyed said they want the technology to be used for “delivering value and personalization” through in-store coupons, product information, no-stop checkouts and in-store digital assistants.

Younger consumers (between 18 and 54 years old) are more receptive of AI in retail spaces, being more familiar, satisfied and having a more positive impression of AI. They also mention that they would like AI supported in-store digital assistants and personalized shopping lists. Older consumers (55+) are more concerned about AI usage, specifically on privacy and transparency issues, but would like to use AI to get information about products.

The overwhelming majority (95-100%) of retail executives surveyed agreed that AI positively impacts their store’s operations, efficiency, stocking demand, customer service and support with lowering costs.

[READ MORE: IBM survey reveals how retailers are using AI]

“The SPAR AI in Retail Survey reveals strong business cases for the use of AI tools at stores, with both customers and merchants reporting positive outcomes from solutions and applications driven by the technology,” said Mike Matacunas, CEO and president of SPAR Group. “Retailers still need to do a much better job of explaining the benefits of AI to consumers, but both groups are well on their way to an improved shopping/working experience and that will drive growth in the industry.”

SPAR Group fielded a survey through a third-party research firm in December with more than 1,000 consumers and 600 active retail executives.

It appears that brick and mortar book stores are having a resurgence.

Barnes & Noble is planning to open about 60 stores in the United States this year, according to a report by the Financial Times. The nation’s largest retail bookseller was acquired by British private equity group Elliott Investment Management in 2019. The all-cash deal was valued  valued at about $683 million. The deal followed Elliott’s 2018 acquisition of Waterstones, the largest retail bookseller in the U.K. 

In 2024, Barnes & Noble opened 57 stores in the U.S., the report said, while Waterstones opened 12 in the U.K. Both chains are headed up by James Daunt, who also owns an independent bookstore chain in the U.K. 

According to the report, Daunt is focused on bringing the IT and finance systems at Barnes & Noble and Waterstones on to one platform. Barnes & Noble currently has approximately 600 U.S. stores.

Cullinan Properties has been busy making significant upgrades to its East Court Village center, and this week has announced three new additions to its tenant roster.

Ross Dress for Less, Marshalls, and Five Below are slated to open this fall in the Pekin, Ill., center, which is less than 10 miles south of Cullinan’s East Peoria headquarters. 

“These retailers will help meet the real-world needs and interests of our neighbors here in Pekin and throughout the region, offering more choice and convenience,” said Diane Cullinan Oberhelman, the founder and chairman of the company. “Our goal is to provide a functional, welcoming environment where people can find what they need all in one place.”

The 750,000-sq.-ft. center is anchored by Hobby Lobby and Petco on Veteran’s Drive in Pekin, a main artery.

“The arrival of these well-known retailers means more shopping options, more convenience, and more employment opportunities right here in our city,” said Pekin Mayor Mary Burress.

Cullinan also announced the signing of Boot Barn and Best Buy at one of its first ground-up retail projects, the 650,000-sq.-ft. Levee District in East Peoria.

 “The addition of these stores is a testament to the growth and vitality of this community,” said Cullinan’s director of leasing, Kathleen Cullinan Brill. “We are especially proud that Best Buy has chosen to remain in the Metro Peoria area, and we look forward to seeing both stores thrive in their new locations.”

BJ's Wholesale Club is partnering to drive innovation, increase agility and support its growth plans.

The membership warehouse club retailer has entered into a muti-year partnership with Genpact, a global professional services and solutions firm. Genpact is collaborating with BJ's to provide expertise across finance and accounting, indirect procurement, human resources, merchandising and other support functions.

"BJ's is committed to driving automation and innovation to enhance productivity," said Graham Luce, executive VP and general counsel, BJ's Wholesale Club. "With Genpact's proven operations expertise, we are focusing on growth while implementing operational improvements."

The collaboration focuses on BJ’s continued growth through strategic technology investments and optimized operations, with Genpact’s ServiceNow serving as the core platform for managing and integrating workflows.

Along with operational improvements, BJ's is accessing top-tier talent and technology to support its growth plans.

"Genpact is supporting BJ's operations by applying its expertise in finance and accounting, digital adaptations, and data-driven process governance to position the company for long-term success through continuous innovation," said Rajnish Sinha, global business unit leader for retail, Genpact. “The collaboration focuses on the company's continued growth through strategic technology investments and optimized operations. ServiceNow is serving as the core platform for managing and integrating workflows."

As of December, BJ’ operates 247 clubs and 182 BJ's Gas locations in 20 states.

A leading pet supplies and services retailer is rolling out a cloud-based store execution platform.

PetSmart is deploying the GreyOrange SaaS gStore platform across all locations nationwide. As a result, the retailer seeks to streamline workflows including location management, inventory management, digital fulfillment and store operations for improved efficiency.

"The deployment of GreyOrange’s gStore platform has provided a significant contribution in PetSmart’s journey towards operational excellence," said Greg Fancher, executive VP of IT and CIO at PetSmart. "gStore benefits our associates and customers alike. For example, 3D location management, SKU assignment and process flow optimization enables our store associates to locate inventory faster for our customers, resulting in improved customer service experiences. gStore's capabilities help PetSmart fulfill our vision of providing a world-class omnichannel experience."

The retailer will leverage the AI-based solution to track inventory, and it includes capabilities for flexible location assignments and backroom organization. PetSmart also seeks to optimize digital fulfillment by utilizing dynamic pick paths and real-time inventory for customizable routes, helping ensure efficient management of all product locations.

In addition, PetSmart says the gStore platform has reduced the time needed to execute online orders from PetSmart stores.

[READ MORE: PetSmart updates loyalty program]

"We’re providing PetSmart with greater inventory visibility, in addition to improved task management, reporting and analytics, exemplifying our commitment to offering innovative solutions to our customers," said Troy Siwek, gStore GM at GreyOrange. "This deployment highlights GreyOrange’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge technology that drives tangible business results for our greatly valued customers."

PetSmart operates nearly 1,700 pet stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities.

Chain Store Age is now accepting nominations for its Retail’s Top Women Awards in store design, construction and facilities management.

CSA annually hosts its Retail's Top Women Awards, a program that honors the crucial role women play in key areas of retail operations. This year, the top women in store development — including store design and construction — and facilities management  will be honored at CSA’s SPECS Show, which will be held March 9-11, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas.

CSA is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 class in store development and facilities. Nominations are open to women employed in all sectors of the retail industry, including department stores, discounters, grocers, specialty stores, convenience stores and more. Only women who work in a senior or executive role for a retail company are eligible.

Please send nominations to Deena AmatoMcCoy, SPECS program director, at [email protected].

The nomination should include:

•Nominee’s name, company and professional title;

•Nominee’s email address; and

•A brief description (bullet points are fine) about their responsibilities and why they should be honored. 

The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 24. Please contact Deena AmatoMcCoy with any questions.