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Retail isn’t slowing down, and neither is the tech that keeps it running. This month we’re breaking down how innovation is changing the everyday stuff, from c-stores serving up fresh food to checkout lines getting smarter. EV charging is turning into a real customer experience, Target is quietly rebuilding its digital backbone, and virtual try-on is making it easier than ever to say yes to the cart.

Plugged In and Powered Up

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption picks up speed, convenience retailers are learning that EV charging isn’t solely about plugging in cars; it’s about plugging into customer expectations. Sites that pair high-speed chargers with food, restrooms, and digital engagement zones are proving that the real ROI comes from dwell-time monetization. Big players like BP, Pilot, and Wawa are already making moves to expand their EV charging footprint.

Expert Take: The real transformation is much more than faster charging; it’s rethinking what happens while customers charge. Retailers who plan now for reliable uptime, modular hardware, and cross-brand integrations will own the customer journey as EV drivers become a core traffic segment.

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Trendspotting in Retail Tech

MobiDev’s latest roundup highlights seven big shifts shaping the retail landscape: AI and machine learning, computer vision checkout and smart stores, in-store IoT like electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and RFID, augmented reality and spatial commerce, omnichannel and BOPIS strategies, secure and frictionless payments, and modernization through digital transformation. Together, they point to a more connected, more intentional retail future.

Kitestring’s Perspective: After just wrapping up the NACS conference, we can confirm these trends are very real. AI, computer vision checkout, and smart store tech are everywhere, with omnichannel retail taking center stage. But remember, not every trend deserves your attention. Focus on the ones that fit your business model and operational reality. Smart transformation is about timing, not chasing every shiny object.

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Target’s Tech Glow-Up

Target is proving that steady beats flashy when it comes to digital transformation. Their latest update highlights a focused rebuild of core systems, from smarter search to AI that spots emerging trends before customers do. By linking stores, apps, and supply chains into one intelligent ecosystem, Target is turning technology into a growth engine rather than a patchwork of upgrades.

Our View: Target’s approach to technology is disciplined. They’re rebuilding the foundation first, making search more intuitive, using AI to sense trends before they appear on shelves, and connecting stores, apps, and supply chains into a single feedback loop. The order in which retailers sequence their transformation matters. Get the core systems right, connect the data, and let AI amplify judgment rather than replace it. That’s how momentum compounds quarter after quarter.

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The Shelf Life of Trust

Inventory management might not sound glamorous, but it’s quickly becoming retail’s make-or-break discipline. From mismatched pricing to out-of-sync stock counts, every miss chips away at customer confidence. As the holiday rush looms, the retailers who nail real-time visibility and alignment across stores and online will be the ones who keep both shelves and shoppers full.

Kitestring’s Opinion: “Empty shelves don’t sell” still rings true, but today it’s about far more than full displays. Retailers need precision, flexibility, and balance between physical and digital stock to meet shopper expectations in real time. When systems fail (whether it’s inventory accuracy, price consistency, or discount syncing), trust disappears faster than Halloween candy.

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Stepping Into Virtual Retail

Google’s new virtual try-on tool is redefining the online shopping experience. The feature allows users to visualize how sneakers look from multiple angles before making a purchase, signaling another big leap in digital product discovery. For retailers, this is more than a cool feature; it’s a shift toward the expectation that every category should have an immersive, try-before-you-buy experience.

Expert POV: The tech behind virtual try-on is moving fast, and it’s not just for fashion anymore. As a tech leader, this is a signal to start thinking about how AI visualization fits into your own product experience. Whether it’s shoes, furniture, or even food, shoppers are beginning to expect digital tools that reduce uncertainty and build confidence in what they’re buying.

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Tech on the Menu

Pilot is introducing mobile ordering, marking another big step in how c-stores compete for foodservice customers. TravelCenters of America (TA) is rolling out digital kiosks, Love’s is doing both, and the entire category is racing to redefine convenience with food at the center. What used to be a quick fuel stop is quickly becoming a connected, on-the-go dining experience powered by mobile, loyalty, and digital engagement.

Our Take: The competition is heating up. Pilot, TA, and Love’s are proving that foodservice innovation is now a tech play as much as a menu one. To keep up, c-stores need to invest in integrated digital systems that make ordering, payment, and pickup feel effortless. The customer experience is more than what’s on the menu. It’s how fast and seamlessly you can deliver it.

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Thanks for Reading!

Retail keeps moving fast, but the goal hasn’t changed. It’s still about serving customers better, faster, and more seamlessly wherever they show up. The difference now is how much tech it takes to make that happen behind the scenes.