Digital Innovation

The psychological connection between sound and human recall has long been scientifically established, with certain sounds having the power to transport us back to a moment in time, jog a memory, or even a feeling. The tune of an ice cream truck in the distance, for instance, conjures up the warm memories of childhood summers.…

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is spurring organizations across different sectors to fundamentally reimagine their approach to digital transformation. Nowhere is its disruptive potential more evident than in retail, where Gen AI’s ever-increasing capabilities are powering a new age of customer-centric innovation. Retailers are exploring use cases across a wide range of functions, from new…

Grocery stores have been in a state of flux in recent years, influenced broadly by the economy and supply chain issues and, at the store level, by how consumers want to shop. This year, grocery bills are expected to exceed $300 a week, which in turn will impact the choices consumers are making at the…

In the rapidly evolving retail landscape, 2024 is already proving to be a crucial year for retailers to improve customer acquisition and retention. Analysts report that global expenditures on digital transformation initiatives will reach $3.4 trillion by 2026, with software innovation being the driving force behind trends like immersive shopping experiences, redefining the in-store experience,…

Regardless of how clever today’s e-commerce storefronts are, their digital interfaces lack one particular quality: the ability to mimic human expression — and research indicates it’s more than just a makeover. E-commerce and the “digital storefront” have existed for a little more than two decades. In that time, online shopping has come a long way…

In 2021, I told Total Retail readers that retailers were two years away from pivotal innovations across several key technology trends. I argued that we would begin to feel the convergence of these technologies happen in 2023, and that retailers would need to get moving — then — to be in a position to succeed,…

As we step into 2024, the retail landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with virtual retail stores emerging as the next big online trend. This shift isn't just a fleeting fad but a response to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements. As 3D for the web becomes more mainstream, traditional e-commerce websites are becoming flat…

Video shopping has emerged as an interactive digital experience allowing shoppers to connect with knowledgeable experts in real time. However, brands seeking to capitalize on its potential are realizing that seamlessly executing video shopping poses intricate challenges. In my experience leading retail experience strategy for brands across 10 countries, I've seen firsthand the stumbling blocks…

In episode 424 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Darren Abbott, chief creative officer and senior vice president of global product development and innovation at Hallmark, a heritage American, family-owned greeting cards company operating a diversified portfolio of businesses. Listen in as Abbott discusses the launch of Hallmark + Venmo Cards (0:50), why the two…

As each day passes, the difference between physical and digital storefronts becomes increasingly blurred. Technological advancements, a wealth of creativity in the retail sector, and the exciting emergence of Web3 integrations and activations continue to bring physical and digital retail experiences closer together. For brands, online interactions go beyond sales as we enter an era…