Welcome to the first edition of The AI Commerce Brief! Each week I'll be rounding up the most notable AI developments across eCommerce and retail, from new tools and partnerships to the people and investments shaping the space. If you already read The Commerce Brief on Fridays, this is its AI-focused companion. Hope you enjoy!
✦ THIS WEEK’S AI INDUSTRY UPDATES
01. Walmart's AI Chief Daniel Danker earned $44.1m in 2025, outearning outgoing CEO Doug McMillon. Danker’s compensation reflects the growing weight Walmart is placing on AI-driven transformation. (source)
02. Debenhams Group has appointed Paul Aspden as Chief Technology Officer, as the business accelerates its marketplace technology and AI innovation. The appointment signals the group's intent to deepen its tech capabilities as it scales its digital-first model. (source)
03. Iceland has rolled out agentic AI technology from invent.ai to improve inventory management across its stores. The platform tracks stock levels and forecasts future demand, ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time. (source)
04. Vestiaire Collective CEO Bernard Osta has confirmed the luxury resale platform is ready to step up AI adoption across its services. The focus includes optimising data to increase the platform's visibility within large language models, an emerging priority for digital-first retailers. (source)
05. eBay has published an AI Activate Prompt Library as part of its programme to skill up small UK businesses. AI Activate provides fully funded access to custom AI productivity tools and training, and the new prompt library gives sellers ready-made examples to help them get started. (source)
06. thredUP is using AI to improve its marketing operations, forecasting and move further up the funnel. The resale company is embedding AI across its marketing stack to drive efficiency and reach new customers earlier in the purchasing journey. (source)
07. The Home Depot has launched AI-powered phone agents built on Google Cloud's Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience. The technology allows customers to skip traditional phone menus and resolve home improvement queries through natural conversation. (source)
08. Pixel, an AI influencer talent management agency, has relocated from London to Dubai to offer brands across the GCC consultancy on building custom AI ambassadors. Founded in 2025 by Lewis Davey, the agency is tapping into growing regional interest in virtual influencers as a marketing channel. (source)
09. Wilko.com has partnered with Google Cloud to support and accelerate the next phase of its AI and digital transformation. (source)
10. Tesco has signed a strategic partnership with Adobe to accelerate personalised Clubcard rewards. The deal will enable the supermarket to deepen shopper engagement through AI-powered personalisation at scale. (source)
That's a wrap for this week! If you found this useful, hit reply and let me know, or share it with someone in the industry who'd enjoy the read.
Thanks - Sue
