News in Brief

 

	Clarity to integrate travel and meetings tools into unified platform News | Meetings UK-based TMC to unite proprietary tools ClarityGo and MeetingsPro Read More

What to know today TMCs continue to invest in their technology stack – from Clarity unifying its travel and meetings tools, to BCD Travel's MCP framework and Navan’s recent content integrations. Meanwhile, easyJet rejects a potential takeover bid by US investment firm Castlelake, embattled CTM works to relist on ASX and events specialist Encore files for an IPO. Lauren Arena Executive Editor

Costco posts high growth in AI-driven ecommerce traffic Costco is using AI to transform its ecommerce and merchandising strategies, as detailed in its latest earnings call, and these efforts underscore the strategic importance of AI in maintaining Costco's competitive edge. AI-driven traffic showed triple-digit growth and the highest conversion rates, with product page optimization and personalized recommendations playing key roles. CEO Ron Vachris discussed AI's ability to highlight Costco's comprehensive value proposition, distinguishing it from traditional search methods. Full Story: AIM Media House (5/29)

Amazon licenses AI shopping tech to other retailers   (SOPA Images/Getty Images) Amazon Web Services has begun licensing its proprietary AI shopping technology to other retailers, in a push to position itself as the foundational provider of AI shopping services. The offering, which includes the architecture and starter code from its Alexa for Shopping platform, allows retailers to quickly deploy customized AI shopping tools that align with their own branding and product catalogs. The move follows Amazon's previous strategy of commercializing internal technologies. Full Story: CNBC (5/27)

Ulta, Sephora find the beauty in AI integration   (Noam Galai/Getty Images) Sephora and Ulta Beauty have rapidly expanded AI integration within their beauty platforms, with Sephora launching a ChatGPT-powered app experience and Ulta partnering with Google Gemini. These AI tools are designed to offer tailored product recommendations and more conversational guidance, directly competing with Amazon's advanced AI shopping features. As the industry embraces AI, the integration is redefining the beauty shopping journey by enabling more personalized, interactive and data-rich consumer interactions. Full Story: Glossy (tiered subscription model) (5/28)

Kate Spade debuts AI-powered gift concierge   (SOPA Images/Getty Images) Kate Spade New York has launched the AI Gift Concierge, a conversational shopping assistant designed to help customers find the perfect gift. Built using the Agentic Shopping Assistant on Amazon Web Services, the tool leverages advancements in generative AI and voice technology, including insights from real customer interactions with Alexa for Shopping. The assistant is tailored to reflect the Kate Spade brand, providing a personalized, intuitive experience that guides shoppers through their selection process via both voice and touch. Full Story: Chain Store Age (5/27)

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