As the retail industry continues to transform, so do the strategies retailers use to connect with their customers. STORES’ annual look at emerging retail trends includes augmented reality, artificial intelligence, voice-powered commerce and more.

Last October, Plated co-founder Nick Taranto prophesied that the company, which was acquired by grocer Albertsons in September, would put any standalone meal-kit company “out of business” by 2020. STORES Editor Susan Reda calls his bold statement less of a prediction and more of a necessity.

Not every company sells everything from A to Z, says Frank Poore, co-founder, president and CEO of CommerceHub, and his company “levels the playing field,” allowing a brand to gain greater exposure for their products and a retailer to get the incremental sale and profits without an outlay of capital for inventory.

“Given the scale of a company like ours and the scale of some of our bigger competitors, we’re going to win by understanding our consumers,” says Joseph Kassa, senior vice president of marketing for Avenue Stores, as well as “understanding the way marketplace trends are evolving and being able to get conversions by giving consumers what they want when they want it.”

As a small but growing designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-end messenger bags and accessories, Timbuk2 needed greater visibility into how it was scheduling employees to optimize the customer experience. The Deputy workforce management system considers historical information, including point-of-sale and weather data, when determining staffing needs.

There is more than EMV technology to protecting customer information, including point-to-point encryption. NRF’s former vice president of retail technology Tom Litchford spoke to STORES about trends in retail cybersecurity and ways retailers are keeping their networks strong.

STORES' annual Retail Industry Buying Guide, the retail industry's definitive buying guide, is now available! Take a look at the digital edition of this annual directory, designed to help retailers of all sizes and in all channels find the applications they need to run a successful enterprise.

The wave of the future is cresting and Millennials are riding high, beginning with what they love: technology and coffee. Verizon’s Next Gen store offers an improved customer experience with streamlined design, while European coffee maker Nespresso has opened a two-level boutique in Manhattan.

Vending machines have come a long way from the days of potato chips and candy bars. These days, those on the go can purchase cosmetics, electronics or cupcakes; CVS Pharmacy’s new vending machines are stocked with convenient necessities ranging from OTC health products to personal care items and snacks.

Three new innovations have enhanced the already tight alliance between Nike and the NBA. New Statement Edition uniforms and Therma Flex Showtime warm-up jackets are available for players, while fans can purchase an NFC-connected jersey that provides real-time content.

The digital edition of STORES includes must-read pieces, including the articles featured here. Read the current issue and browse the archives for issues you may have missed.

BJ’s Wholesale Club sells more fresh food per member than its competitors, while offering good deals to its 5 million members. In the latest episode of NRF’s Retail Gets Real podcast, the team chats with BJ’s President and CEO Chris Baldwin about how the company makes strategic decisions that help it stay competitive in the face of change.

Retailers are constantly looking for ways to create a business and company culture that innovates at the speed necessary to compete. DynamicAction CEO John Squire discusses insights learned from building a startup and working with retailers who are getting it right.

12 ReTech Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiary 12 Europe A.G. has signed the giant Swiss department store retailer Manor, A.G. as a pilot customer for the Company’s proprietary and licensed Omni-Channel 12 Technology Suite. The agreement with Manor A.G. begins with a pilot project to install the 12 Technology Suite at one of its flagship department stores in German-speaking Switzerland.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM Inc. announced that Personalization Universe, a destination developed by the company featuring a curated assortment of distinctive customizable gifts and keepsakes, has joined its family of brands. This new brand offers shoppers a personalized option for their gifting needs and is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to provide customers with a one-stop shop for all celebratory occasions.

Aptaris, an enterprise marketing and promotions management innovator, announced a multi-year agreement with Price Chopper/Market 32, a supermarket chain operated by The Golub Corporation, to develop a centralized source for all teams involved in promotions, merchandising and marketing.

Perfect Corp. has partnered with Swarovski to create a dazzling augmented reality holiday experience with the YouCam Fun and YouCam Makeup apps. The innovative filters include jewelry and accessories embellished with Swarovski crystals and holiday-inspired makeup styles translated into AR fun filters, allowing fans to virtually experience looks with Swarovski crystals instantly from their mobile phones.

Wayfair, one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home, collaborated with HGTV to sponsor the 22nd annual HGTV Dream Home. Wayfair provided furnishings and décor throughout the approximately 3,500 square-foot property located 50 miles southwest of Seattle, in Gig Harbor, Wash. Interior design expert Brian Patrick Flynn selected more than 400 pieces from Wayfair, ranging from a dining table and chairs to lighting fixtures, sofas, bedding, wall art, planters and more.

Vitality Bowls announced the debut of its new mobile app developed by Punchh, a cloud-based technology platform that builds engagement, loyalty and superior, customized experiences in the restaurant industry.