Macy’s has debuted its own Google Gemini-based AI assistant, joining a slew of other retailers hopping about the artificial intelligence train. “Ask Macy’s is our AI-powered conversational shopping assistant, shaped by insights from thousands of colleagues to create a connected customer journey and serve as a starting point for discovery across channels, delivering the best of Macy’s at every touchpoint,” said a Macy’s spokesperson (via Chain Store Age).

A new survey indicates that 63% of respondents would be more likely to return to a store following a personal follow-up delivered by an associate. “In other words, nearly two-thirds of your customers are telling you that proactive outreach could bring them back!” Endear editor Robert Woo wrote (via Endear).

Nike outpaced Wall Street projections provided by LSEG for its fiscal Q3, registering an EPS of $0.35 against $0.28 expected and revenue of $11.28 billion versus $11.24 billion anticipated. However, shares slid as the apparel brand also noted a potential fall in sales for the remainder of 2026 (via CNBC).

Dunkin’ isn’t joking — the chain is offering 1 million (and one) free cups of coffee in honor of April Fools’ Day. “April Fools’ might come with some trust issues, but we’re here to help you get through it. Whether you’re dodging office pranks or scrolling past one too many fake announcements, we’ve got your back – and your coffee,” the company wrote (via press release).

U.S. retail sales are up about 2% over the course of the first 10 weeks of 2026, per Circana data. “The economy is underscoring the changed behaviors and purchase dynamics consumers developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the focus on usage and replenishment has evolved,” said Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry advisor for Circana (via Chain Store Age).