Unilever is expanding its digital twin strategy by partnering with Accenture to enhance its global manufacturing network, a move that is part of a broader effort to integrate AI across Unilever's operations. Over the next 18 months, the consumer goods company plans to create over 40 digital replicas to improve product quality, efficiency and responsiveness to consumer demands. Current twin implementations include predicting process flow restrictions in the manufacturing of Degree, Axe and Dove deodorant sticks, resulting in significant waste reduction, capacity increases and energy optimization.

Chewy's approach to customer care centers on building genuine relationships through empathy, rather than treating service as a cost center. Under CEO Sumit Singh, the online pet products retailer became known for thoughtful gestures, such as handwritten sympathy cards and flowers, for customers experiencing pet loss. Singh's strategy, termed "empathy at scale," focuses on maintaining high-touch service as Chewy grows, now leveraging AI to extend this empathetic approach efficiently.

Olay has upgraded its Skin Advisor platform with generative AI and predictive modeling. The enhanced tool, developed in partnership with Haut.AI, simulates skincare performance over 4 to 8 weeks, providing personalized routines and insights based on a comprehensive dataset. "This collaboration reflects a shared ambition to raise the standard for digital skincare experiences — connecting scientific research and advances in AI with everyday consumer journeys in a more meaningful and trustworthy way," said Haut.AI CEO Anastasia Georgievskaya.

Leading eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica has entered into a long-term agreement with Applied Materials to advance AI glasses and augmented reality (AR) display technology. This collaboration aims to enhance the commercialization of AI-powered eyewear, building on EssilorLuxottica's leadership in the AI-glasses market through its collaboration with Meta, which includes the Ray-Ban Meta Display launched in 2025. Applied Materials will contribute its expertise in semiconductor technology to develop the extremely thin material layers essential for AR displays.

AI-driven footwear firm Syntilay has teamed up with Terrell Owens, an NFL Hall of Famer, to launch a custom shoe for pickleball players, and this innovation reflects a shift towards personalized, sport-specific recovery footwear. The TO Reset shoe is designed using 3D-printing technology to match the individual foot shape of each customer, addressing specific pressure points and fatigue areas identified by Owens. The collaboration aims to enhance recovery for athletes by redistributing force and providing a balanced underfoot experience.

AI-driven referrals are significantly boosting retail website engagement and sales, as AI traffic to retail sites increased by 138% from the previous year, reaching its highest level since tracking began in 2024, reports Adobe Analytics. Consumers guided by AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini for purchase recommendations are not only browsing longer but also spending more, with May data showing a 53% increase in revenue per visit compared to traditional sources. This trend underscores the importance for retailers to enhance their digital platforms to support AI interactions.