OpenAI’s integration with Shopify is expected to revolutionize online shopping, transforming the internet into a more personalized experience. The integration will allow digital personal shoppers to know customers’ size, style, and preferences, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their purchases. This could lead to a shift from traditional storefronts to full-service consultants and lifestyle experts. The adoption of Gen AI will result in lower return rates, reduced bounce rates, and a rise in’shopper loyalty’ as consumers build an affinity with stores that make their lives easier and feel special. To optimize the integration, brands should focus on user-generated content, build a real community, and train their assistants cleverly. The partnership between OpenAI and Shopify could mark an unprecedented step forward in using Gen AI as a shopping tool. By integrating product details, pricing, reviews, and even a ‘Buy Now’ button directly into the UI, the future of online shopping will be significantly changed. The winners will be those that think beyond the transaction and create experiences that feel truly personal.
Survey shows 78% consumers think in-aisle ads being the most effective at driving future purchase consideration followed by storefront screens (76%)
According to a new survey from technology solutions provider Vistar Media and consumer research firm MFour, 95% of consumers felt either positive or neutral toward retail media ads. Visual formats are the most effective, according to the survey, with 72% of shoppers approving of parking lot screens as the first point of contact with the brand. In-aisle screens (68%) and storefront/entrance screens (64%) also have strong approval, which Vistar Media says proves their value in “guiding decisions and providing relevant product information” to shoppers. Only 4% of consumers reported that in-store ads detracted from their shopping experience. 50% of those who felt the ads improved their experience cited their visual appeal, while 34% valued the product information and 27% enjoyed the entertainment factor. 44% of shoppers surveyed said they made a purchase because of an in-store ad. Engagement was even stronger in specific placements, as 58% shoppers who viewed front entrance ads bought the advertised product immediately, and 31% of those who saw in-aisle ads redeemed a coupon or discount code. Among those exposed to parking lot ads, 32% went on to visit the brand’s website, and 19% of in-aisle viewers interacted with QR codes or digital links. 71% consumers said they were more likely to consider a brand they saw advertised, with in-aisle (78%) and storefront (76%) ads being the most effective at driving future purchase consideration.
Lenders to retailers are worried about tariffs leading to inflated debt to maintain liquidity cushion, that could make up half the value of invoice financing
With tariffs threatening to raise prices, creditors that lend to the retail space are reportedly worried, citing the example of Saks Global Enterprises. That department store chain’s creditors were already concerned, even before Saks announced plans to raise more debt, as its notes that mature in 2029 had dropped by 40% in value in the space of five months. Saks recently said it aims to raise as much as $350 million via a new loan, funds that will help the company maintain what CEO Marc Metrick called an “ample” liquidity cushion, even as it deals with future liabilities such as the first interest payment on its 2029 notes. Some advisers are cautioning banks and private credit outfits that steep apparel costs shouldn’t alter their appraisals of client inventory when making loans. In fact, this is a major topic of discussion at banks such as Wells Fargo, the bank’s head of global receivables and trade Daniel Pfeiffer told. “There’s a lot of discussion right now about the value of the current appraisals, how tariffs show up on invoices and how that flows through to when the goods are sold,” Pfeiffer said. “That cost is on the invoice as well, and in some scenarios could make up half the value of what you’re financing.”
Verizon launches 3-year price lock guarantee on all mobile and home internet network plans targeting the growing number of households with connected devices
The average Verizon internet household now manages 18 connected devices and consumes 656 GB of data monthly, up 6% YoY, according to the latest Verizon Consumer Connections Report. Verizon is offering an industry-first 3-year price lock guarantee on all myPlan (mobile) and myHome (home internet) network plans, available to both new and existing customers. The offer meets a growing consumer demand for financial stability, control and simplicity — especially as families weigh technology investments alongside everyday priorities. Verizon is also now offering a free phone to new and existing wireless customers on any myPlan when they trade in a device — regardless of its condition. Plus, get even more immediate savings when bundling home internet, taking $15 off the total monthly bill. Families can stay confidently connected — with steady rates on core services like calling, data and texting. Customers can also save over 40% on five of the most popular subscription services Plus, free satellite messaging on qualifying devices. Verizon’s 3-year price lock guarantee offers predictable, multi-year stability across connectivity costs. As families upgrade their homes and devices, Verizon’s price lock guarantee offers something rare in tech: predictability.
Visa’s push to embed its tokenization-based payment network into AI systems, including chatbots and agents could transform ecommerce by letting online shoppers use natural conversation with an AI agent to make purchases
Soon online shoppers will be able to make purchases straight from their chatbots, which could drive the biggest shift in shopping since Amazon or the iPhone. Visa on announced a push to embed its payment network into AI systems, including chatbots and agents. The effort is in the early testing stage, with Visa listing OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, Mistral and Perplexity among its partners.”We think the shift could rival the level of impact that e-commerce and mobile commerce themselves have [had],” Visa chief product and strategy officer Jack Forestell said. Visa demoed how a user can enter their payment information into a chatbot, just once, and use natural conversation with an AI agent to purchase a range of goods and services. Under the hood, Visa is incorporating the tokenization technology it has used to secure mobile and online commerce, combined with mechanisms for communicating authentication, payment intent and instructions. “We could give AI agents payment tools today, and they’d be able to go out, access your credentials, your cards, your money, and go spend it,” Forestell said on stage Wednesday. “That would just uncover a bunch of other really important problems that we need to get solved before we take step one.” Forestell is “hopeful that within the next 12 months” people have the option to use autonomous agent payments, at least within certain use cases. Separately, OpenAI said that ChatGPT search will begin including direct product links in its results, starting with categories including fashion, beauty, home goods and electronics. Experts say retailers need to start rethinking their e-commerce strategy to prepare for chatbots to play a significant role. The shift could allow companies to spend less on search advertising, but having the most up-to-date information on products and their availability will become more important, Pimberly CEO Martin Balaam told.
Tandem’s second charge mortgages platform features advanced API integration enabling brokers to submit applications electronically, significantly reducing manual data entry
Tandem is taking a major step forward with the launch of Connect by Tandem – a next-generation lender platform designed to transform the broker experience through automation and smart technology. The introduction of Connect is a pivotal moment in this journey, redefining how brokers interact with the bank by streamlining case management and saving valuable time. Connect is a pioneering loan processing platform that allows brokers to transact seamlessly with Tandem. Tandem has always been known for speed and efficiency and Connect takes this to the next level. An extensive test phase has already demonstrated its impact, shaving an impressive 4.5 working days off processing times. Key features include: 1) Advanced API integration – Enables brokers to submit applications electronically, significantly reducing manual data entry. 2) New broker portal – A single, central hub for automated underwriting policy requirements and case tracking, document uploads and case updates. 3) Automation – Streamlines processes such as EPC discounts, AVM’s and affordability checks.4) Enhanced document management – Simplifies uploads, tracking and case notifications for brokers.
Intersection launches LinkNYC the largest free public Wi-Fi network to expand free and low-cost advertising opportunities – community organizations and local small businesses can now display ads on six LinkNYC screens at a time
Intersection, an experience-driven out-of-home media and technology company, and LinkNYC, the public-private partnership that created the largest free public Wi-Fi network in the world, announced the official launch of the LinkNYC Self-Service Ad Portal. Featuring expanded free offerings and a lower cost of entry for paid campaigns, advertising on LinkNYC is now easier than ever for New York City’s small business community. Intersection’s launch of the portal includes an enhancement of LinkNYC’s LinkLocal free advertising program. Eligible New York City-based community organizations and local small businesses can now display ads on six LinkNYC screens at a time—up from four—at no cost. The update also includes customizable advertising templates and colors, the ability to add a logo or QR code, and an interactive map to help advertisers select optimal LinkNYC locations. The LinkNYC Self-Service Portal is also the home of LinkDirect, Intersection’s new offering for purchasing larger, branded LinkNYC campaigns, which is designed to accommodate budgets of all sizes. LinkDirect allows advertisers to select specific screen locations and campaign dates. Users can upload custom creatives and include a QR code to boost engagement. “These upgrades to LinkLocal will provide hundreds more community-based businesses and nonprofits with opportunities to amplify their messaging through the most coveted out-of-home advertising space in New York City,” said Margaux Knee, Chief Administrative Officer of LinkNYC. “In 2024 alone, LinkNYC provided over $4 million in free advertising space.”
Zest AI enables AI-powered lending decisions, supporting policy simulations, application insights, unbooked application analysis and loan performance monitoring
Zest AI says it has introduced a tool to help banks make AI-powered lending decisions. LuLu Strategy is the newest model of the company’s AI lending intelligence platform. The new offering will — at least initially — be available exclusively to customers of digital lending firm MeridianLink. “By equipping financial institutions with advanced generative AI tools like LuLu Strategy, we’re strengthening the entire financial ecosystem by fostering greater innovation throughout the sector,” Zest AI CEO Mike de Vere said. “Now, financial institutions have better insights to responsibly expand access to affordable credit to Main Street consumers, which strengthens the economy overall.” By teaming with MeridianLink, he added, Zest can scale its solution quickly across the financial services landscape, giving regional banks and credit unions the same level of technology that was once exclusively available via national lenders. With the new LuLu Strategy module, financial institutions can access: Policy simulations: ask LuLu for policy recommendations to achieve certain business objectives or change policy rules and quantify the impact on automation, approval rate, and risk.
Application insights: provide deeper understanding of borrower behavior patterns, analyze application metrics and track borrower statistics over time.
Unbooked application analysis: identify missed opportunities by comparing pricing and performance of funded versus unfunded loans.
Loan performance monitoring: access ongoing intelligence to continuously refine lending strategies with in-depth tracking of loan performance, approvals, automation, and fraud as well as delinquency and charge-off investigations
Prudent AI launches one-touch pre-qualification platform especially helpful for processing self-employed, Non-QM borrowers with 24/7 document submissions, real-time insights and loan recommendations, and evaluating borrower repayment ability in minutes instead of hours
Prudent AI launched Prudent AI Upfront, a one-touch pre-qualification platform designed to improve lender sales funnels. The company claims the product is the mortgage industry’s first of its kind and allows lenders to process more applications, reduce fallout and capture more business. Upfront boosts sales funnel efficiency through three outcomes designed to eliminate manual intervention: 24/7 document submissions, real-time insights and loan recommendations, and evaluating borrower repayment ability in minutes instead of hours. Prudent AI claims that lenders who implemented Upfront reported a 60-70% reduction in document review time while expanding their sales pipelines and a seamless integration into their existing tech stacks. The platform is especially helpful for processing self-employed, Non-QM borrowers, company officials said. “The Non-QM market has long struggled with pre-qualification bottlenecks,” commented Paul Gigliotti, chief growth officer. “Upfront eliminates these barriers. Lenders can confidently serve this multi-trillion-dollar segment with unprecedented efficiency.”
Cantaloupe’s Smart Aisle like Amazon Go is relying on 3D cameras, AI, and weighted-shelf technology to analyze motion and keep track of transactions
Self-service commerce company Cantaloupe is debuting new products designed to promote frictionless retail at the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Show. The Go Micro kiosk is Cantaloupe’s newest self-service micro market kiosk, designed with affordability, versatility and seamless management in mind. Its compact footprint, integrated barcode scanner and five-inch touchscreen provide a seamless checkout experience for consumers and enables operators to manage all their markets regardless of size. The Cantaloupe Smart Aisle is a 24/7 frictionless retail experience that operates without an attendant, relying instead on 3D cameras, AI, and weighted-shelf technology to analyze motion and keep track of transactions. Customers provide a payment method to enter, and while inside they can grab any item, which is added to their virtual cart in real time. Customers verify their cart before leaving, and the transaction is completed and payment method charged upon exit. Cantaloupe will also be displaying its self-service payment solutions: HABCO will feature a Cooler Café unit with Cantaloupe’s P30 card reader and Smart Lock connect technology; AVS will highlight the Go Micro kiosk and a lineup of Cantaloupe card readers; IDW will showcase the Go MiniX and a Cooler Café unit; ID TECH will display the Go Plus100 kiosk and Imbera will show the Go MiniX kiosk equipped with the P30 card reader. Lastly, Cantaloupe will provide demonstrations of its latest product releases within the Seed software suite, including powerful new tools that bring AI into operators’ everyday platform experience.