The New Rules of Retail in 2026: AI, Profitability & the Store's Comeback | World Retail Signals
World Retail Signals breaks down the retail shifts that matter most right now.
In this episode, Alex is joined by Ian McGarrigle, Chairman at World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, to explore the trends reshaping global retail — from AI-driven discovery and stronger store leadership to sustainability, profitability, and the return of physical retail.
They unpack why search is changing, why frontline teams matter more than ever, and why retailers are shifting from chasing scale to driving more value per customer.
A sharp weekly take on the signals…
The skinny
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