One-Third of Retailers Haven’t Even Started Using AI

New research from TheyDo reveals a paradox in enterprise AI adoption: the more large organizations rely on data, the less confident they feel acting on it—despite labeling over half of their metrics as “critical” to success.

June 27, 2025

📢 Hey, Retailist Roundup readers! Are enterprises becoming too data-dependent to make confident decisions, even as they deem more than half their metrics “critical” to success?

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One-Third of Retailers Haven’t Even Started Using AI

New research shows 61 percent of enterprise leaders feel overwhelmed by data while one in three retailers have not adopted AI despite mounting pressure.

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In the news: Top headlines this week

Nike plans to reduce reliance on China production for US market to soften tariff blow. Nike plans to reduce its reliance on China-based production for the U.S. market to offset potential $1 billion tariff costs, as it topped Q4 estimates and forecast a smaller-than-expected Q1 revenue drop—sending shares up 11%. [Reuters]

Exclusive: Walmart to close Sam's Club fulfillment center in Texas, affecting more than 100 employees. Walmart is closing a Sam’s Club fulfillment center in Fort Worth, Texas, affecting nearly 200 employees, as it adjusts its logistics network to meet changing customer needs. [Reuters]

Retailers are rushing returns back to resale market as Trump tariff costs hit item economics. To offset tariff costs, companies are leaning more on reverse logistics to quickly resell returned products—a sector now worth $150 billion in the U.S. and projected to grow 6–8% annually through 2030. [CNBC]

Walmart, Target announce competing Prime Day sales. Following Amazon’s Prime Day announcement, Walmart and Target have launched rival sales: Target’s Circle Week runs July 6–12 with a back-to-school focus, while Walmart Deals runs July 8–13 alongside Amazon’s July 8–11 event. [Retail Dive]

Ikea slashes its restaurant prices by half in 14 countries. Ingka Group, Ikea’s largest retailer, is cutting weekday restaurant meal prices by 50% in many global markets—and offering free meals for children.[CSA]

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