DoorDash has introduced new AI-powered tools designed to streamline merchant onboarding, enhance photo editing and automate marketing efforts. The onboarding tool, which aims to reduce friction for merchants and improve customer experiences, allows merchants to quickly create app listings by pulling information from their websites. Photo-editing features such as AI Retouch and AI Replate improve dish presentation while a marketing campaign builder automates content creation and outreach.

Coty has partnered with tech marketing platform Pencil to integrate an AI-powered content creation platform across its Consumer Beauty unit, including brands like Max Factor, CoverGirl and Sally Hansen. This collaboration aims to enhance the speed and scale of content production while maintaining brand integrity and governance. Pencil will embed a dedicated team within Coty to work on campaign workflows globally, using AI to drive growth and operationalize creativity.

Ulta Beauty has integrated AI across its digital platforms, leveraging a decade of robust data investment to personalize customer experiences at scale and fuel the success of its Ulta Rewards loyalty program, which now accounts for 95% of total sales. The brand's proprietary recommendations engine, the Beauty Graph, uses AI to automatically tailor product suggestions, emails and ads based on individual customer behavior, says Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Mahoney. By automating routine marketing tasks, Ulta's teams can focus on delivering more meaningful and innovative campaigns, ensuring that each customer encounter feels unique and relevant.

Premium design brand Minted is set to exceed $308 million in revenue this year, following double-digit year-over-year growth in 2025. Minted's pivot to the luxury market has fueled its revenue surge, with a hyper focus on ultra-premium prints, custom stationery and personalized art. The company's design-forward, handcrafted products and expanded retail partnerships cater to younger, affluent consumers seeking high-quality, analog experiences. CEO Melissa Kim highlights the company's success in building a durable business while capitalizing on evolving consumer preferences for high-end, tangible products.

Pinterest's strategic focus on AI, visual search and shoppable content has resulted in significant user engagement and growth, with an 11% increase in monthly active users in the latest quarter. CEO Bill Ready highlights the role of AI in understanding user preferences and enhancing the platform's shopping assistant capabilities. While the company saw revenue growth, it also reported a $73.6 million net loss, attributed to investments in AI and hiring, which are expected to support future growth.

Food and beverage manufacturing is being transformed by digital tools such as AI, predictive maintenance and machine vision, according to a report by PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. AI-powered machine vision has improved defect detection and reduced false rejection rates, addressing challenges such as lack of visibility and inconsistent reporting. By digitizing workflows and utilizing AI insights, companies strive to better productivity, safety and quality.

Shoppers are increasingly using AI for initial product searches, yet they remain cautious, requiring additional verification before buying, according to a survey from Idea Grove. Despite AI's growing role, traditional trust signals like reviews and personal recommendations are still vital. Scott Baradell, CEO of Idea Grove, notes that while AI aids in brand discovery, it cannot replace the need for businesses to implement trust-building practices and maintain clear communication and positive consumer experiences.

Agentic commerce is transforming how retailers interact with customers, requiring them to communicate brand identity through product data for AI agents, writes Akeneo CEO Romain Fouache. With up to $5 trillion in global revenue expected via agentic commerce by 2030, retailers must ensure that product information is complete, consistent and enriched to stand out and coordinated across teams. "Just as brand identity can't live solely in marketing, product data can't be siloed to a back-office line item," Fouache writes.

In recognition of National Small Business Week, NRF highlights tools and resources designed to help small retail businesses navigate ongoing challenges and grow with confidence. From workforce and compliance guidance to fraud prevention, payments and data insights, these tools are built to deliver practical support without adding complexity. NRF's Small Retail Business Hub is a centralized destination for quick insights, actionable guidance and trusted resources tailored to time-stretched retailers. By leveraging these tools, small businesses can make smarter decisions, protect their operations and stay competitive in an evolving retail landscape. Discover more.

2026 Mother's Day shoppers continue to prioritize thoughtful, meaningful gifts while staying budget-conscious, with spending focused on classic categories like flowers, special outings, gift cards and personal items. The data underscores the importance of convenience, promotions and omnichannel options as consumers balance value with sentiment. Explore data.