Macy's vs Ulta Beauty

Only 10% of consumers use AI for product discovery

A new report from AlixPartners reveals that only 10% of US consumers currently use AI for product discovery, despite widespread availability of AI tools. Adoption is higher among younger generations, with 14% of Gen Z and millennials starting their product search with AI, and among higher-income households, with nearly 70% of consumers earning $150,000+ considering AI shopping important, vs. 53% for those earning under $45,000. The report predicts a future uptick, particularly for commoditized goods and replenishment basics, while top-end markets remain brand-led. Retailers are advised to invest in structured product data, as AI agents rely on metadata rather than imagery or persuasive copy. Brands risk being sidelined if they fail to optimize for AI-driven discovery. Meanwhile, larger retailers like Target, Best Buy, Macy's, and The Home Depot are launching their own AI assistants to maintain customer relationships.

• Only 10% of consumers begin product discovery with AI, according to AlixPartners' 2026 Consumer Sentiment Index.
• 14% of Gen Z and millennials start product search with AI.
• Nearly 70% of consumers earning $150,000+ consider AI shopping important, vs. 53% for those earning under $45,000.

Macy’s Unwraps the Magic of Holiday Gifting

Macy's, Inc. announced a new press release titled 'Macy’s Unwraps the Magic of Holiday Gifting' dated October 27, 2026, highlighting the company's holiday gifting campaign.

Macy’s Unwraps the Magic of Holiday Gifting

Macy's, Inc. announced a new press release titled 'Macy’s Unwraps the Magic of Holiday Gifting' dated Oct 27, 2026, highlighting the company's holiday gifting campaign.

Selena Gomez and Tate McRae Star in Ulta Beauty Holiday Campaign

Ulta Beauty has launched its holiday campaign 'The Magic Starts with You', featuring pop stars Selena Gomez and Tate McRae. The campaign continues the Mrs. Claus storyline from last year, with Sandra Gray reprising the role. One spot highlights Rare Beauty's brow gel set, marking the brand's first retail expansion beyond Sephora since February. Another spot features Tate McRae's new fragrance, Tate 01, which launched in October during Paris Fashion Week and is exclusive to Ulta in the U.S. The campaign was created by Tamara Group and directed by Nema Vand. It rolls out across TV, streaming, digital, social media, and in-store experiences starting October 31. Ulta also introduced its first 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar.

• Ulta Beauty launched its holiday campaign 'The Magic Starts with You' on October 31, 2026.
• The campaign features Selena Gomez and Tate McRae, both of whom have beauty brands sold at Ulta.
• Ulta began carrying Rare Beauty in February 2026, marking its first retail expansion beyond Sephora.

Retailers Using Flock Cameras Face Brand Reputation Risk

Retailers such as Ulta Beauty and Lowe's are facing public backlash over their use of Flock Safety's surveillance cameras, which are used for license plate recognition and crime prevention. The concern revolves around privacy and potential misuse of surveillance data, raising questions about brand reputation and consumer trust. This article examines the tensions between retail security measures and consumer privacy expectations, highlighting the need for retailers to balance safety with transparency.

• Retailers including Ulta Beauty and Lowe's use Flock Safety cameras.
• Flock cameras utilize license plate recognition technology for crime prevention.
• The use of these cameras has sparked public backlash and brand reputation concerns.

Ulta Beauty CMO on AI and Agentic Commerce

Ulta Beauty's CMO, Kelly Mahoney, discusses how AI is reshaping beauty shopping. The retailer is adapting to agentic commerce by optimizing content for AI prompts, leveraging creator content, and emphasizing the in-store experience. A NielsenIQ study shows Gen Alpha AI users are more likely to visit stores. Ulta is also rethinking its marketing structure with cross-functional 'fusion teams' to maintain judgment and creativity.

• Ulta Beauty's CMO Kelly Mahoney discusses AI's impact on beauty retail.
• Ulta became the first beauty retailer to launch a TikTok Shop.
• A NielsenIQ study commissioned by Ulta shows 57% of Gen Alpha AI users visit stores to browse.