Nex Gen Retail Summit

Rebuilding the Retail Value Chain: How Global Giants Are Leveraging AI and Data

The global retail value chain is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in decades. Every stage, including sourcing, logistics, merchandising, store operations, pricing, marketing, and customer experience, is being reshaped by intelligent systems that learn, predict and optimise in real time. AI and advanced data capabilities are enabling retailers to move from fragmented processes to connected and integrated value chains built for speed, resilience and customer relevance. These developments will take centre stage at the NexGen Retail and E-Commerce Summit 2026 in London. Leaders from across retail, FMCG, fashion and digital commerce will explore how AI is rebuilding the backbone of the industry.

The New AI Driven Retail Value Chain

For many years, retailers relied on manual processes, siloed teams and gut-based decision-making. Today, global giants are shifting to AI-enabled systems that:

  • Predict demand with greater accuracy.
  • Automate daily operational decisions.
  • Connect supply chain, merchandising and stores on a single data foundation.
  • Respond instantly to shifts in customer behaviour.
  • Reduce waste, delays and excess stock.

This marks the rise of a self optimising retail value chain that continuously improves as more data flows through it.

Where AI Is Driving the Most Impact

Smarter Sourcing and Supplier Management

AI evaluates supplier performance, lead times, compliance risks and cost fluctuations. Retailers can anticipate disruptions earlier and collaborate more effectively across global networks.

Predictive Inventory and Replenishment

Machine learning models forecast demand at SKU, store and region level. This helps retailers minimise out of stocks, reduce markdowns and improve availability across channels.

Intelligent Merchandising

AI supports teams in:

  • Creating localised assortments.
  • Identifying emerging trends.
  • Testing pricing and promotions.
  • Planning more profitable seasons.

Retailers are shifting from quarterly planning cycles to continuous, data-led optimisation.

Automated Distribution and Logistics

Retailers use AI to optimise routing, warehouse operations, middle mile efficiency and last mile delivery. Robotics and computer vision are increasing accuracy, speed and fulfilment reliability.

AI Powered Store Operations

AI simplifies store tasks through tools such as computer vision shelf monitoring, automated workforce planning and real-time decision guidance for store managers. This improves productivity and operational clarity.

Customer Experience Driven by Data

Unified data platforms bring together online behaviour, in-store interactions, loyalty signals and purchase trends. This enables personalised experiences, relevant recommendations and seamless journeys across all touchpoints.

The Technology Powering the Modern Retail Value Chain

Retailers that are rebuilding their value chains are investing in strong data and technology foundations that include:

  • Cloud platforms for real-time processing.
  • AI and machine learning models for forecasting and automation.
  • Customer data platforms that unify shopper journeys.
  • Digital twins for supply chain visibility.
  • Agentic AI tools that support multi-step retail processes.

These systems allow retailers to operate with greater transparency, accuracy and speed.

Challenges Retailers Must Address

Despite significant opportunities, retailers face important challenges such as:

  • Fragmented data across legacy systems.
  • Limited visibility across global supply chains.
  • Skills gaps in AI, analytics and digital operations.
  • Rising expectations for sustainability and ethical sourcing.
  • The need for responsible and explainable AI.

Forward-looking organisations are strengthening data governance, modernising infrastructure and building cross-functional transformation programs to overcome these barriers.

Preparing for the Next Stage of the Retail Value Chain

Retailers that lead the shift are focusing on:

  • Building unified data platforms across the organisation.
  • Embedding AI into everyday decisions.
  • Increasing automation in supply chain, merchandising and store operations.
  • Strengthening collaboration between digital, commercial and operations teams.
  • Designing value chains that are efficient, profitable and centred on customer needs.

As AI capabilities mature, retailers will move toward fully autonomous value chains that learn, adapt and optimise in real time.

Rebuilding Retail for 2026 and the Years Ahead

The future belongs to retailers that can integrate AI, data and human expertise across their entire value chain. These innovations will create faster operations, stronger decision-making and more personalised customer experiences.

At the NexGen Retail and E-Commerce Summit 2026, leaders from Amazon, Tesco, M and S, Boots, ASDA, The Very Group and global innovators will share how they are rebuilding their value chains and what the next decade of AI powered retail will look like.

Join us in London on April 15 and 16, 2026, and be part of the community shaping the future of retail.