AI Hype Versus Retail Reality

Retail never stops, and neither does AI. This session explores how agentic AI is transforming store operations by moving beyond dashboards and alerts to continuous monitoring, decisioning, and action. Through real-world retailer examples across pricing, promotions, forecasting, and financial performance, attendees will see how AI can operate at a speed and scale to identify issues and opportunities before they impact the business. The discussion will highlight how shifting from lagging to leading indicators enables smarter, faster decision-making at both the store and enterprise

This Conexxus spotlight session explores how digital wallets and emerging payment rails are reshaping retail transactions beyond traditional credit cards. Through live demos and practical examples, attendees will learn how retailers are using instant payments, promotions, and redemption capabilities to reduce costs, improve flexibility, and better control margins. The session also offers a straightforward introduction to stablecoins and why these technologies are quietly gaining momentum across the industry.

This session will feature the winner of the “Smartest Store in the World” competition, announced in June 2026, celebrating the most innovative and high-performing retail operation across formats and markets. Attendees will get an inside look at the winning store’s strategy, technologies, and execution—from AI-driven insights to advanced analytics and operational excellence. The session will highlight how this standout retailer is achieving faster transactions, higher margins, and an enhanced customer experience through intelligent design and data-powered decision-making. Join us to learn what