Welcome to The Backroom, a window into what goes on behind the scenes as the Retail Dive team covers the stories and trends reshaping retail. You can check out all our podcast episodes (past and present) here and listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Spotify.
The upheaval and uncertainty that have marked 2025 seem poised to continue in 2026. For retailers, which have such a direct relationship with people, the economic, technological and even societal challenges can seem daunting.
When it comes to artificial intelligence, for example, retailers should keep in mind that U.S. consumers have mixed feelings about AI and overwhelmingly support regulation. Other research shows that the business impacts aren’t discernible yet.
At the center of this, as with any relationship, is trust. Industry adviser Doug Stephens joins Senior Reporter Daphne Howland to talk about what retailers and brands may want to consider as they make decisions about AI and more — which could shape the future of retail and beyond.
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Editor’s note: This episode was produced and edited by Caroline Jansen.