The Next Wave of Retail Execution Is Here for Connected Brands

Learn how AI agents remove friction and turn insight into action 

Retail tech changes fast, but most leaders still wrestle with disconnected systems and slow follow-through. In this short video from NRF 2026, Manhattan COO Greg Betz unpacks a new AI “enablement layer” that links platforms like order management, workforce apps, and CRM that move decisions straight into execution. By leveraging agent-to-agent capabilities, we are removing the friction between platforms, transforming insights into immediate, low-latency execution. 

You will learn how this connectivity cuts latency, reduces manual work, and gives store teams clearer next steps in the moment.  

Watch the video to understand what connected execution means for modern retail and where it takes your operations next. Start rethinking your tech stack. 

What is AI retail execution?

AI retail execution refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to optimize and automate processes in retail environments within real time. This includes tasks such as inventory management, shelf monitoring, demand forecasting, and personalized marketing. By leveraging data analysis, computer vision, and machine learning, AI retail execution helps retailers improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and increase sales.

How can AI-driven insights boost retail sales performance?

AI-driven insights can significantly boost retail sales performance by enabling more personalized customer experiences, optimizing inventory management, and improving demand forecasting. By analyzing vast amounts of customer data, AI identifies buying patterns and preferences, allowing retailers to tailor marketing strategies and product recommendations effectively. Additionally, AI tools help in dynamic pricing adjustments and identifying emerging trends, ensuring that retailers stay competitive and responsive to market changes. This data-driven approach ultimately enhances decision-making, increases customer satisfaction, and drives higher sales growth.

AI-Powered Demand Forecasting and Inventory Optimization in Retail

By leveraging advanced AI algorithms, businesses can accurately predict customer demand and optimize inventory levels. This results in reduced stockouts, minimized excess inventory, and improved supply chain efficiency. AI-powered forecasting considers multiple factors such as historical sales data, market trends, seasonality, and external variables to deliver precise demand predictions, enabling smarter inventory management decisions.

Everything Works Better With Manhattan Solutions

Manhattan offers a breadth of solutions to improve store performance and ensure retail stores are an integral part of unified commerce.

Manhattan Active® Store Inventory & Fulfillment optimizes stores for omnichannel retail with improved store inventory accuracy and more efficient store fulfillment processes.

Manhattan Active® Customer Service & Engagement, Contact Center, and Digital Self-Service enable retailers to build and nurture enduring relationships with customers anytime during their buying journey and from anywhere they engage.

Manhattan Active® Order Management provides stores with visibility into available inventory held anywhere, supporting endless aisle selling.