How Retailers Are Honing Their Tech Strategies

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Published Sept. 4, 2026 ciodive.com Roberto TorresSenior Editor Share) Copy link) Email LinkedIn X/Twitter Facebook Print) Add us on Google Getty Images Retail businesses have adapted their technology playbooks in the last few months as they pursue greater profits amid waning consumer confidence. From supply chain resilienceto better customer experiences, retailers such as Walmart and Costco are putting technology resources behind digital improvements they’re hoping will fuel growth. AI, too, has become a critical part of the toolkit to drive personalization and customer relevance, as leaders from Ulta Beauty and Home Depot have previously stated. Beyond use cases, technology, and AI specifically,is increasingly driving corporate strategy. In August, Target appointed its first-ever chief AI officer. Victoria’s Secret, in turn, appointed a new EVP and CTO, Adrian Butler,to its ranks. Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super noted recently that Butler, “has deep experience helping consumer brands use technology to drive innovation, strengthen operations and better serve customers.” Here, CIO Dive has compiled a series of stories on how the top businesses in the retail sector are weaving technology into their strategies: ### Retailers bet on AI for supply chain, ‘smart’ shopping By Paige Gross • Aug. 31, 2026 Large retailers are using AI technologies to overhaul their customer experience, supply chain and personalized shopping offerings, according to Q2 earnings calls. Read the full article ➔ ### Lululemon tech chief departs as CEO turnover nears By Cara Salpini • Aug. 14, 2026 Ranju Das, who held his role for less than a year, is leaving just a month before incoming chief Heidi O’Neill is set to start. Read the full article ➔ ### Target taps Lowe’s executive as first chief AI officer By Nicole Laskowski • Aug. 11, 2026 For Chandhu Nair, collaboration will be essential as the retailer focuses on how technology can elevate user experience. Read the full article ➔ ### Victoria’s Secret reshapes its tech leadership By Paige Gross • Aug. 20, 2026 The retailer tapped former Foot Locker executive Adrian Butler to oversee technology and former Starbucks CTO Gerri Martin-Flickinger to sit on its board. Read the full article ➔ ### Walmart bets on AI and digital twins to shape its supply chain strategy By Paige Gross • July 13, 2026 The technology helps the retailer get products around the world, despite global conflict or weather challenges, Walmart’s Indira Uppuluri said. Read the full article ➔ ### Bed Bath & Beyond CEO: AI will lead to ‘significant reduction in headcount’ By Caroline Jansen • April 28, 2026 The warning came as the retailer announced the appointment of Kyla Robinson as its chief technology officer. Read the full article ➔ Add us on Google Share) Copy link) Email LinkedIn X/Twitter Facebook Print) Filed Under:IT Strategy,AI & Future Tech CIO Dive news delivered to your inbox Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts Editors’ picks ciodive.com Andrey Popov via Getty Images ### Big banks continue the hunt for AI-driven efficiencies Executives at BNY, Bank of America and others who reported Q4 2025 earnings discussed AI investments — and when they’re hoping to see them pay off. By Makenzie Holland • Jan. 16, 2026 ciodive.com Sean Gallup via Getty Images ### Amazon cuts 16K jobs citing ongoing culture shift The company tied the cuts back to the reorganization push that drove 14,000 layoffs in October. By Roberto Torres • Jan. 28, 2026 CIO Dive news delivered to your inbox Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts Company Announcements View all | Post a press release Every Device Handoff Is a Control Gap: Teqtivity Q2 2026 Report Maps Where CIOs Lose the Asset… From Teqtivity September 01, 2026Expion Health Receives 2026 CIO 100 Award for ExpionIQ From Expion Health August 26, 2026Informa TechTarget Launches the ‘B2B AI Authority Index’ to Assess Brand Health in the AI-Medi… From Informa TechTarget August 25, 2026360 Privacy Ranks No. 364 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Comp… From 360 Privacy August 14, 2026 Editors’ picks ciodive.com Andrey Popov via Getty Images ### Big banks continue the hunt for AI-driven efficiencies Executives at BNY, Bank of America and others who reported Q4 2025 earnings discussed AI investments — and when they’re hoping to see them pay off. By Makenzie Holland • Jan. 16, 2026 ciodive.com Sean Gallup via Getty Images ### Amazon cuts 16K jobs citing ongoing culture shift The company tied the cuts back to the reorganization push that drove 14,000 layoffs in October. 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