Retails tech revolution: How BranchX is powering kiranas with AIETBrandEquity

That’s the goal of Paris-based AI startup Veesion, which has developed an algorithm that can recognize gestures to predict potential retail theft incidents. Those who chase trend cycles will wake up to find the competitive gap has quietly widened, one small model decision at a time. AI will not rescue retail; disciplined retailers will rescue AI—by treating it as a systems upgrade that starts with culture, not code. A June 2025 Statistics Canada survey found only 12.2% of businesses actively used AI in the prior 12 months; most reported “no change” in headcount afterward.

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This means fewer customer and store disruptions, smarter operations and continuously improved experiences without the burden of requiring constant oversight. Agentic AI embeds autonomous, goal-driven intelligence across retail systems, from store operations to software development. As an orchestrated end-to-end solution, it unlocks innovation opportunities in three key areas. Retailers using Shopify Plus see an average revenue increase of 126% year-over-year, demonstrating the platform’s power in converting casual browsers into loyal customers. Its latest innovations in augmented reality (AR) shopping and voice commerce further push the boundaries of digital retail.

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These tools could also be useful for fast-food retail operators based in townships if they are to embrace AI’s worth for their businesses. The gradual use of AI in various business sectors in the country, including education, manufacturing and retail environment, signifies the essence of digitising productivity and supply for business survival. The retail industry in North America and Europe is mature and highly competitive while Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa have been particularly decisive in driving the growth of the market. Economic growth and growing investments by retailers and international brands have changed the overall retail landscape.

With the rise of cashier-less stores and automated warehouses, Zebra’s IoT and RFID solutions are paving the way for the next generation of retail automation. International Supermarket News was born alongside the rise of globalisation, inspired by the early signs of a rapidly integrating retail world. Hanson Dodge is a full-service advertising agency that specializes in blending effective strategy and creative ideas to inspire consumers and transform brands.

• The retail industry in North America and Europe is mature and highly competitive while Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa have been particularly decisive in driving the growth of the market.
• The startup recently raised a $43 million Series B funding round to further its expansion into the US.
• In-store personalization is often a one-size-fits-all initiative in a world where tailored experiences are the foundation of customer loyalty.
• Demand for smart retail is experiencing growth owing to lockdowns and social distancing rules by government bodies.

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We welcome third-party contributions and collaborations across both our digital platform and print magazine. At International Supermarket News, we provide a trusted space for industry experts, organisations, and partners to share their insights, promote initiatives, and engage with a global retail audience. Whether through thought leadership articles, sponsored features, or strategic messages, we offer a credible and respected platform to communicate directly with key players in the supermarket and grocery sectors.

However, with AI-driven training, particularly through conversation simulations that mirror the complexity of real-life customer service, retailers can equip the next generation with the confidence, knowledge and resilience to succeed. Retail leaders who invest in modern training strategies today will be better prepared to navigate tomorrow’s workforce transitions and unlock the full potential of their teams. Besides spatial intelligence and data analysis tools, Lowe’s is also exploring the potential of digital twins — a piece of software that generates a virtual version of a physical environment, such as a retail store. The retail industry is undergoing AI-powered transformation, and these companies are at the core of it all, steering innovation toward smarter, more efficient, and highly personalized experiences. As AI, automation, and big data continue to shape the market, retailers who embrace these technologies will thrive, while the rest may find themselves left behind. Ultimately, embracing Industry 4.0 and 5.0 with AI-driven data analysis tools can increase township based fast-food retail operators’ efficiency and profitability serving customer preferences applying AI tools to techno savvy consumers.

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As a research project, Archias is designed to foster a transparent, collaborative approach to AI safety and alignment through evaluation and learning. The framework evaluates key threat categories, including in-domain misuse, adversarial prompts and pricing manipulation, and reflects real-world risks faced by dealerships and OEMs. Many US retailers have responded to the shoplifting problem by locking up items or limiting the ways people can shop, but that approach increasingly appears to be backfiring in the form of declining sales and worsening customer experiences. They are able to take a big-picture view of an employee’s achievements, preferences, and context of their contributions, enabling them to deliver deeply personalised rewards that are felt as worthwhile. AI tools can analyse employee communications, social media mentions, internal feedback, and the like to gauge a team’s tone. This helps HR detect everything from workplace stress to discrimination or disengagement.

Although many of Lowe’s AI projects are still in their infancy, Nair is optimistic about their role in the century-old retailer’s future. He said his team will continue to “get better at connecting insights and predictions” to “adapt stores even faster” and create “smarter and more personal” experiences for its loyal customers. Salesforce Commerce Cloud empowers retailers with AI-driven insights to craft hyper-personalized shopping journeys.

The companies on this list aren’t just changing retail—they’re growing it into a smarter, faster, and more resilient future. Recognised for its editorial credibility and international reach, ISN continues to serve as a key platform for exposure, analysis, and dialogue in the fast-moving world of retail. In addition, supermarket groups with strong internal data science teams—such as Carrefour, Kroger, and Sainsbury’s—are also building proprietary algorithms tailored to their specific markets and customer bases. According to retail analysts, supermarkets that implement algorithmic pricing can see sales uplift of between 2% and 5% and margin improvement of up to 10%.