From artificial intelligence applications to wearable fabrics and robotics, technology is poised to make a significant difference in the way we conduct our lives. Websites using AI see 40 percent conversion rates, says Sentient CMO Jonathan Epstein, while RightHand Robotics co-founder Leif Jentoft says robots are at a transition point and will soon be able to “move from B2B to B2C.”

Calling data “the new oil,” Intel CEO Brian Krzanich believes it will re-invent the store experience, utilizing the power of analytics to create the “store of the future.” Levi Strauss & Co. is putting RFID tags on all items to facilitate “real-time” inventory insights and Recon Jet Pro connected glasses provide hands-free help while increasing efficiency in the warehouse.

Automation and artificial intelligence are coming and GDR Creative Intelligence CEO Kate Ancketill says retailers must adapt. Delivery and manufacturing technologies offer one area in which retailers can get ahead: Starship self-driving robots cover the last few miles of delivery, and Zume Pizza’s truck has 56 ovens that can predict and schedule cooking according to delivery time.

More than half of retailers surveyed by TD Bank are optimistic about the future of their business — and three-quarters of a select group, asked at Retail’s BIG Show, said they believe sales will increase in the next 12 months. Respondents cited strong consumer spending as the top growth opportunity and 59 percent called out “technology” as a top investment for 2017.

When Tom Brady’s jersey went missing in the hours after the New England Patriot’s historic overtime Super Bowl win, the champion quarterback glumly offered his opinion of where it could be found: “It’s going to be on eBay soon, I guess.” Athletes are all too familiar with stolen mementos — and counterfeit items — littering online marketplaces.

Whether planning an over-the-top celebration of love or just looking for a way to let Mom know you care, 1-800-Flowers.com has your back. The company’s personalized online gift concierge, powered by IBM Watson, guides shoppers through an interactive experience to help them purchase the perfect gift.

With jobs and income growing and debt relatively low, the fundamentals are in place for retail industry sales to grow between 3.7 and 4.2 percent over last year, according to NRF’s 2017 economic forecast released this week. The forecast excludes automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants but does include online and other non-store sales in the overall number. Online sales are expected to increase between 8 and 12 percent.

The latest Shop.org State of Retailing Online study, developed in partnership with Forrester Research, provides an overview of key measurements for digital retailers and their priorities for the coming year. Key takeaways include getting more shoppers to buy, higher online sales and increasing investments in smartphone and mobile marketing initiatives. SORO 2017 is a free download for NRF members.

Cathy Lanier, former chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and five-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning are scheduled to speak at NRF PROTECT, to be held June 26-28, 2017. Lanier will kick off keynote sessions on Wednesday, June 28, while Manning will speak in a session on the same day.

Aptaris announced a multi-year agreement with Toys “R” Us (Canada) Ltd., part of Toys “R” Us Inc., to provide an enterprise marketing and promotions management platform for merchandising, creative and financial planning.

Punchh, a cloud-based technology platform that builds engagement, loyalty and superior, customized experiences in the restaurant industry, added 12 new restaurant brands in the fourth quarter of 2016 including El Pollo Loco, Pieology, Smashburger and Veggie Grill.

Athletic retailer The Finish Line Inc. has partnered with adidas for an exclusive PureBOOST footwear release, including five colorways, available online and in select stores nationwide.

CANEX, the retail division of the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, has chosen Jesta I.S. Inc’s end-to-end retail suite to elevate their point-of-sale, clienteling and head office merchandising capabilities along with enabling unified commerce.

Nielsen announced an integration with RichRelevance through the Nielsen Marketing Cloud that enables retailers to deliver highly personalized ecommerce experiences. Retailers can now leverage the power of Nielsen audience data, analytics and technology to engage more shoppers with better personalized content, product recommendations and search results, including those who have not previously shopped with the brand.