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5 Cutting-Edge Technology Trends in Retail

The Top 5 Emerging Technologies in Retail

Keeping up with retail technology trends means learning what’s working today and adapting it to your brand. At CommerceNext, we learn from hundreds of retail brands each year, and we’ve identified five emerging technologies reshaping retail for 2025. Here’s how to integrate them into your business.   Sustainability-Focused Retail Technology  Sustainability continues to be a priority, pushing brands to partner with new technology in retail and develop global impact programs. Patagonia’s “Worn Wear” initiative promotes sustainability by letting customers trade used gear for credit. Similar campaigns include Lululemon’s “Like New,” The North Face’s “Clothes The Loop” and REI’s “Used Gear.” Startup Trashie offers

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Man and woman online shopping

How to Create a Retail Loyalty Program that Actually Works

Designing Retail Loyalty Programs That Work At CommerceNext, we get the chance to learn from top retail leaders at Target, Sephora, Ulta Beauty and others who have created the most successful loyalty programs in the industry. Here are some of the key strategies they use to drive customer loyalty and engagement; and join us at the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show, June 24-26 in NYC, for deeper discussions.   Types of Loyalty Programs 1. Points-based: Customers earn points per purchase, redeemable for discounts or products. Pros: Simple, encourages frequent shopping. Cons: Can become predictable, may not build deep brand loyalty.   2. Tiered: Higher

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Woman on her phone with coffee.

How Dunkin Brews Success: Mastering Marketing with Digital Innovation & Fundamental Strategies

Dunkin’ has been a popular coffee chain for decades, evoking a sense of familiarity and nostalgia for millions of loyal customers. But staying on top in such a competitive industry requires more than great coffee and branding—it takes strategic innovation, bold marketing moves and a deep understanding of consumer behavior. Want to learn more about the top brands shaping the retail industry? Register for the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show in NYC, June 24-26. 1. Social Media & Viral Engagement TikTok & Influencer Marketing: Dunkin’ has become a leading brand in influencer marketing. In 2020, the coffee chain had a highly successful collaboration with

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How Target Circle Redefines Loyalty Programs with Personalization and Convenience

Learn all about innovations in retail at the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show, June 24-26 in NYC. Gain invaluable insights on the latest trends, strategies and tips for success.  Target Circle stands out as one of the largest and most recognized retail loyalty programs, boasting over 100 million users. Let’s explore how this program elevates the customer experience while fostering loyalty and driving business growth for Target. What You’ll Learn: How Target offers flexible options for Target Circle members Incentives and deals offered to Circle members The value of customer convenience throughout Target Circle The use of personalization within Circle Flexible Membership Options Target

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2025 Digital Retail Forecast: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies

In our latest webinar, we explored the trends, opportunities and challenges that will shape digital retail success in 2025. Sucharita Kodali, VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, shared her expert insights and predictions for the year ahead, setting the stage for a dynamic panel discussion with retail leaders. Attendees gained actionable takeaways to stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape.    What we learned: Takeaways from the 2024 holiday retail season The importance of mobile experience in retail Challenges for Chinese competitors in ecommerce How to adapt to new search behaviors The impact of tiktok shifts and tariff changes   Speakers: Sucharita

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Cyber Week Recap: Lessons Learned and Advice for 2025

In our latest webinar, Jason “Retail Geek” Goldberg recapped Cyber 5 Weekend sales data and the trends shaping this Holiday season. He also shared a look at what’s coming in 2025. Retail leaders joined him to share their experiences, lessons from this year and tips for what’s next. Attendees learned simple and clear ideas to help them prepare for 2025. What we learned: The truth behind 2024’s holiday spending Challenges in the holiday season Key trends that are shaping the holiday season How Tailored Brands performed this holiday season Hanky Panky’s strategic holiday collaboration with Pantone Session AI’s Holiday Season Insights   Speakers:

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CommerceNext Announces CommerceXcellence 25 Leaders to Watch in 2025

Leaders from Coach, ULTA, Walmart, Sephora and American Eagle Outfitters Inc. Selected for Outstanding Leadership, Innovation and Impact NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2025 — CommerceNext, a community, event series and conference for marketing, ecommerce and technology leaders at retail and direct-to-consumer brands, today announced the recipients of its CommerceXcellence Awards, honoring 25 leaders to watch in 2025. “We are proud and excited about this year’s CommerceXcellence honorees.” The award recipients are visionaries and leaders in the retail industry, selected by a committee of retail industry leaders for their outstanding leadership, innovation, growth and commitment to doing good. These accomplishments are particularly noteworthy given

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Essential AI Insights for Retailers & Brands: Highlights from 2024

This year, AI went from a buzzword to a necessary tool retailers and brands implement into their marketing strategies to better connect with customers and drive innovation. Read on for top highlights from CommerceNext webinars; execs at brands like Forever 21, J. Crew, e.l.f. Beauty and more shared essential AI tips and tricks.  For more insight into real AI implementations, make sure to register for our 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show, June 24-26 in NYC. Silent Signals: How AI Hears What Customers Don’t Say Key Takeaways: How AI is Transforming Ecommerce AI is reshaping ecommerce by enabling smarter, more personalized interactions. Tools like ChatGPT

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2024 trends

Top 2024 Trends to Bring with You in 2025

As we gear up for 2025, it’s essential to reflect on the strategies that propelled success in 2024 and determine how to carry these winning trends into the new year. From omnichannel mastery to AI-driven insights and collaborative innovation, here are the top trends that reshaped retail in 2024—and how you can leverage them for growth in 2025. Omnichannel Is Non-Negotiable Shoppers demand seamless experiences across every touchpoint. Gone are the days when customers tolerated disconnected online and in-store experiences. Now, brands must deliver integrated, convenient and personalized shopping journeys. Take Sephora and Lowe’s, for example. By placing customers at the heart of

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Hot Topics and Vision for the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show

As we gear up for the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show on June 24-26 in NYC, the focus is set on driving conversations around the transformative trends and strategies shaping retail. This year’s agenda promises to tackle both cutting-edge innovations and continuous industry challenges, providing attendees with the tools and insights needed to excel in our ever-evolving industry.  Read on for a preview of a few topics poised to take center stage and register here to join the conversation. AI Transformation of Retail: Tactical Precision Meets Operational Innovation AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a cornerstone of modern retail. From automating tactical processes

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Important Notice: Avoid Unauthorized Housing Providers

Connections Housing is the exclusive housing partner for CommerceNext and the only trusted source for booking accommodations for our event. Be cautious of third-party companies posing as official housing providers. These entities may attempt to mislead you into booking through them, often resulting in non-refundable deposits or invalid reservations that we cannot assist with.

To ensure a secure and seamless booking experience, always reserve your accommodations directly with Connections Housing. If you are approached by anyone claiming to offer housing for CommerceNext outside of Connections Housing, please report this immediately to commercenext@connectionshousing.com.

For assistance or questions, you can contact the Connections Housing team at commercenext@connectionshousing.com or by phone at 725.201.7302.