Top In-Store Experience Headlines From January 2026
Retailers and industry players revealed plans to expand store footprints and build up in-store experiences. Memorable activity included:
- BJ's Wholesale Club Adds In-Aisle Interactive Screens to Alcohol Departments: The retailer continues to build its in-store digital media, adding interactive screens to its alcohol aisles. The screens provide product information and aim to assist in product discovery.
- Target Bets Big on Wellness With In-Store Events, Digital Discovery: The mass merchant is positioning itself as wellness destination, with an expanded category, wellness events and new in-store and digital discovery tools.
- Amazon to Close 'Fresh' and 'Go' Stores, Doubles Down on Whole Foods: Amazon may be closing its eponymous retail stores, but it still has a growing presence in the physical retail space. Namely, it plans to convert several "Fresh" and "Go" locations or build new Whole Foods Market stores (including its smaller Daily Shop formats).
- How Bimbo, Boston Beer Partner to Win Grilling Season: This member exclusive article takes a close look at how Bimbo Bakeries and Boston Beer Co. partnered on a promotion that paired the digital and in-store worlds to elevate "Grilling MVPs."
How Costco, Best Buy, Nordstrom Are Evolving Retail Media: Retail giants gathered at the National Retail Federation's Big Show to discuss how they tailor experiences designed to engage customers, including a renewed focus on in-store environments.
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- Why Retail Is Returning to Real Life in 2026: Francesco Onorato, director of growth at Brandmovers, discusses how consumer engagement is key to standing out on the path to purchase.
- How Bloom Partnered With Packed Party at CVS: Bloom Nutrition teamed with gift and accessory brand Packed Party, pairing limited edition water bottles with an exclusive flavor of water enhancer at CVS.
- Aldi Details Aggressive U.S. Expansion as It Marks 50 Years: The discount retailer hits the five-decade mark with ramped up expansion plans and better shopping experiences.
- How Albertsons Media Collective Is Building a Smarter Feedback Loop for In-Store Media: Albertsons' retail media arm launched a tool to better help it measure the true impact of in-store digital screens.
