AI-powered search and recommendations drive conversion gainsAI-generatedMichaels' Ask Mike AI assistant doubles online conversion rates versus searchRetail / DTC › Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Retailers › Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir RetailersMichaels launched Ask Mike, a Google Gemini-powered AI shopping assistant that has generated 75,000 conversations since its May debut, with shoppers converting at more than double the rate of traditional search users. For commerce teams, the tool demonstrates how conversational AI can drive higher engagement and larger basket sizes by guiding customers from inspiration to multi-item purchases in a single session.Jul 24, 2026View full article →
Retailers adopt AI but struggle with operational scaleAI-generatedMacy's, Signet, and Ulta post Q1 gains with AI and digital focusRetail / DTC › Department StoresMajor retailers including Macy's (1.8% growth), Signet Jewelers (0.8% growth), and Ulta Beauty (11.1% growth) reported Q1 earnings with digital initiatives and AI shopping assistants driving results. Commerce teams are watching how AI assistants and platform improvements translate earnings gains into competitive advantage as rivals accelerate similar investments.Jun 16, 2026View full article →