AI news and archive

Debenhams partners with PayPal on AI shopping assistance

Debenhams Group is accelerating its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) through a new partnership with PayPal. The payment provider will be working with Debenhams on implementing an AI-powered shopping assistant that will allow customers to receive personalised recommendations and check out all through PayPal’s app. Through the partnership,...

Fashion

Data fears and tech resentment greet AI wearable's Europe launch

Newly landed in Europe after a stormy reception in America, startup Friend's chatbot-powered, always-listening pendants are stirring concerns over compliance with tough EU data rules as well as anti-AI resentment. Many metro stations in Paris have in recent weeks been plastered with Friend's ads, picturing the round white device with promises...

Fashion

CFDA and OpenAI launch Innovation Hub to develop AI solutions for fashion

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has teamed up with OpenAI on a two-year initiative that looks to bring AI tool builders together with CFDA members, with the goal of driving creativity and growth across the industry. As part of the partnership, the duo have launched the Innovation Hub, described as a “designer-centric approach...

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Fashion

Future Snoops: five macro trends fashion brands need to watch towards 2028

Each January, trend forecasting agency Future Snoops (FS) publishes its macro trends, outlining long-term cultural shifts over the next two years. The trends examine how ideas move through interconnected cultural systems and influence lifestyles and industries, including fashion. Looking ahead to 2028, the macro trends suggest a delicate...

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Business

The Fabricant receives European support for AI project to improve fashion industry

The European Union is providing financial support to the Amsterdam-based fashion-tech company The Fabricant for the development of an AI-driven initiative. In collaboration with the University of the Arts London (UAL), the Image to Pattern project focuses on automating the conversion of design sketches into production-ready patterns, according...

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Business

Amazon plans to invest 200 billion dollars in AI and chips

Amazon is surpassing even its high-spending tech rivals with its planned investments. The retail giant plans to invest around 200 billion dollars this year in AI, chips, robotics and satellites. The figure was difficult for investors to digest. The company's shares fell by more than ten percent in after-hours trading. According to Amazon's chief...

Retail

AI shopping assistants gain traction, but early missteps risk losing customers

AI is fast becoming part of the online shopping journey, but fashion retailers face a narrow margin for error. According to a new survey of 2,000 consumers in the US and UK, 66 percent of shoppers have already tried, or are open to using, an AI assistant such as ChatGPT or a retailer’s own tool when shopping online. Yet the same research...

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Business|UPDATE

Amazon confirms reports, announcing 16,000 layoffs amidst AI & efficiency restructuring plan

Amazon has announced that it will be making 16,000 roles redundant across its global company,confirming media reports that had been circulating since last Friday. The announcement marks the second major round of layoffs made by the tech and e-commerce giant over the past four months, in line with Amazon’s broader aim to streamline its operations...

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Business

Brunello Cucinelli launches new e-commerce platform

Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli has launched a new e-commerce platform underpinned by artificial intelligence (AI), which is now available in Italy, the UK, and the US, ahead of a rollout to other markets in the coming months. In a statement, the Italian brand said the new e-commerce platform is an evolution of the site...

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Business|Interview

AEO, trust signals, and digital assistants: Adapting fashion brands to the new rules of AI shopping

AI commerce is quickly becoming a norm in fashion. As consumers increasingly turn to AI assistants for product discovery and recommendations, brands are being encouraged to rethink their approach to digital shopping journeys. Traditional search and e-commerce funnels are shifting towards AI-led experiences that prioritise speed, relevance and...

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Business

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...

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Business

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,...