Technology in fashion

AI shopping: Shopify and Google introduce standard for purchases via AI agents

The use of AI for product discovery, comparison, and purchasing is gaining significant momentum, and Shopify is strategically capitalizing on this trend. Together with Google, the company has introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP): an open standard that allows AI agents to handle purchases directly with brands. The protocol operates...

Brits turning to AI for “smarter spending” in 2026

New research from American Express (Amex) reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping how consumers plan and make shopping decisions as they look for “savvier ways” to manage their spending in 2026. The ‘Spending Spotlight’ report states that nearly a third (29 percent) of UK adults either plan to, or will consider using,...

Retail

NRF 2026: Five tech start-ups reshaping retail landscape

As the global fashion industry navigates a transformative period defined by technological integration and sustainability mandates, the NRF 2026 Innovators Showcase has emerged as a critical hub for next-generation solutions. Taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York from 11 to 13 January, the event highlights companies...

JD Sports to allow US shoppers to purchase through AI platforms

The JD Group is due to enable US customers to purchase products through AI platforms. The sportswear retailer has announced a global agreement with digital commerce platform provider Commercetools and Stripe to allow for one-click purchases on platforms such as Gemini and ChatGPT. The company will leverage the duo’s Agentic Commerce Suite (ACS)...

Fashion

AI pendants back in vogue at tech show after early setback

Pendants and brooches packed with artificial intelligence abounded at the Consumer Electronics show, using cameras and microphones to watch and listen through the day like a vigilant personal assistant. The return of the wearable tech comes about a year after the discontinuation of a Humane AI Pin panned by reviewers after it was launched amid...

Hong Kong's luxury department store Lane Crawford launches AI stylist

AiDLab is collaborating with iconic Hong Kong luxury department store Lane Crawford, fashion innovator Calvin Wong, CEO and Centre Director of AiDLab and Endowed Professor in Fashion at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), announced today on LinkedIn. AiDLab, which stands for the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design, is a...

AI agents will be our shopping guides by 2026, and Gen Z is already there

Picture this: you want a pair of Balenciaga black boots. You open Google and type “Balenciaga boots black”, and begin the routine: endless results, tabs, filters, sizes, prices… scroll, compare, doubt, repeat. This is what shopping experience has become: product choice explodes, while consumer attention collapses. Searches feel time-consuming,...

BusinessPartner Content

America on demand: Unlock the US market with pay-as-you-sell e-commerce solution

For many successful fashion and lifestyle brands looking to grow their customer base, entering the US market is a key step in their international expansion strategy – whether it’s household names such as Gymshark or high-end brands like Sézane. But with the cost of setting up US logistics operations often prohibitively high, how can less...

Retail

2026 E-commerce trends in Latin America: key insights into an expanding and transforming market

Buenos Aires - Latin America will enter 2026 with a more mature and selective e-commerce landscape. After years of growth, the focus is shifting towards profitability, operational reliability and technological adaptation, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and local payment methods. The differences between countries will dictate...