The New Rules of Retail in 2026: AI, Profitability & the Store's Comeback | World Retail Signals

World Retail Signals breaks down the retail shifts that matter most right now.In this episode, Alex is joined by Ian McGarrigle, Chairman at World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, to explore the trends reshaping global retail — from AI-driven discovery and stronger store leadership to sustainability, profitability, and the return of physical retail.They unpack why search is changing, why frontline teams matter more than ever, and why retailers are shifting from chasing scale to driving more value per customer.A sharp weekly take on the signals shaping retail next.Here’s an even tighter version if you want it more YouTube-native:World Retail Signals is your weekly read on the biggest shifts in global retail.Alex is joined by Ian McGarrigle, Chairman at World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, to unpack AI-driven discovery, store performance, sustainability, profitability, and the retail trends leaders need to watch now.A fast, focused look at what’s shaping retail next.💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Which trend discussed today do you think will impact the industry most? Let us know in the comments below!🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO STAY AHEAD Don't miss the next update. Click here to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1ABOUT THIS CHANNEL Welcome to the official channel of The Retail Podcast, your hub for global retail intelligence.Whether you are an executive refining your strategy, a vendor connecting with major players, or an innovator tracking the latest tech, this channel connects you to the pulse of the industry.What to expect:Expert Analysis: Breaking down insights from major global conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, Web Summit, MAPIC; Euroshop and EuroCIS.Diverse Perspectives: Hosted by a rotation of industry veterans and regional experts (APAC, US, EU).Actionable Strategy: We move beyond the headlines to discuss real ROI, digital transformation, and the future of commerce—from AI agents to luxury fashion and grocery trends.As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, we help you cut through the noise to find what actually works in modern retail.🌐 GET MORE INSIGHTS Visit our knowledge hub: https://retailnews.ai/📲 CONNECT WITH USLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/Contact: [email protected]#RetailTrends #APACRetail #AIinRetail #FiveThingsFriday #TheRetailPodcast  #thefutureofretailguy