NOV 2025
january 2025
Managing Editor: John Mathews
Senior Writer: Stephanie Kreml
Writers: Mary Alison, Allison Gillchrist,
Kim Langdon Cull, Connie Yerbic, Elena Borrelli
Magazine Designer : Michelle Wong
Digital Publishing Director: John Louis
Advertising: David Miller
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Copyright © 2025
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher and copyright owner. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. The products and services advertised are those of individual authors and are not necessarily endorsed by or connected with the publisher. The opinions expressed in the articles within this publication are those of individual authors and not necessarily those of the publisher.
This holiday season isn’t just about who discounts deepest—it’s about who understands best. Retail is entering an age where sentiment drives sales, and intelligence drives sentiment. From supply chain algorithms predicting shelf gaps before they happen, to GenAI helping shoppers find the perfect gift, to consumers choosing brands that mirror their values—every click, cart, and choice tells a story of intentionality.
The modern shopper has evolved. They’re not merely buying products; they’re curating identities. Their loyalty no longer rests on price tags alone, but on trust, transparency, and alignment with personal beliefs. Meanwhile, the most forward-thinking retailers are rewriting the playbook—treating data as empathy, technology as craftsmanship, and AI as a co-pilot, not an autopilot.
The holiday marketplace of 2025 belongs to brands that merge precision with purpose. Those that balance analytics with authenticity, foresight with fairness, and efficiency with emotion. In this new era of discovery, the gift is no longer just what’s wrapped—it’s the experience of feeling understood.
This season, the smartest strategy may simply be this: make intelligence feel human.
Happy reading.
John Mathews
editor@retail-today.com
The Season of Smarter Sentiment