AI, Consumer Trends & the Future of Retail: Insights from Nicola Bond of Merchmix

Why do stores so often run out of the products people actually want while shelves stay crowded with items no one’s buying? In this episode, Melissa Bill speaks with Nicola Bond, co-founder of Merchmix, about one of retail’s biggest hidden problems: slow, outdated stock decisions in a world where consumer demand changes almost overnight. From viral trends and social media to weather shifts and live events, today’s shoppers are influenced in real time, but many retailers are still planning inventory weeks or even months in advance. Nicola explains how that gap leads to empty shelves, constant markdowns, wasted products, and frustrated customers. The conversation explores how AI is beginning to transform retail by helping companies react faster, make smarter stock decisions, and better align supply with real consumer behavior. In this episode, we discuss: Why viral trends, weather, events, and social media now shape buying behavior so quickly Why traditional inventory planning no longer matches modern consumer demand How stockouts, overstock, markdowns, and constant sales are all connected How AI can help retailers improve forecasting and respond in real time What smarter inventory decisions mean for consumers, including fewer sell-outs, less waste, and fairer pricing Retail industry trends to watch in 2026 and beyond If you're interested in retail innovation, AI, consumer behavior, or the future of shopping, this episode offers an insightful look at how the industry is changing.