Lundgren retail Collaborative
Thought leadership and training the next generation of retail innovators
At the Lundgren Retail Collaborative, we advance retail insights and solutions.
Happenings
The collaboration aims to connect industry with students, students with faculty, and faculty with industry.
People
Meet the people of the LRC including the main points of contact, fellows of the collaborative, and affiliates.
Research
Our research priorities bring attention to the most pressing issues facing the retail industry.
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Catching the AI Wave: Mapping a GenAI Strategy for the Evolving Retail Industry
Drawing on insights from executives at Macy’s, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble, this paper reveals how cultivating curiosity, agility, and cross-disciplinary skills is essential for turning GenAI’s potential into measurable business value.The research highlights both opportunities and risks. The white paper outlines three urgent priorities for retail leaders: gain a comprehensive understanding of GenAI’s potential, develop a GenAI-literate workforce, and commit to a robust risk management strategy.
How AI Search Is Reshaping Retail: A Guide to Generative Engine Optimization
As shoppers become more reliant on AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity to guide their shopping behavior, retail brands must evolve their digital strategy to ensure they are visible in AI-generated answers, while continuing to invest in traditional SEO efforts.
What Happens When AI Becomes Part of the Team?
Retailers increasingly rely on AI tools for marketing, creative work and back office operations. This shift in work structure leads to a pressing question: how do employees react as AI becomes a part of their team? With support from the Lundgren Retail Collaborative, Dr. Agrim Sachdeva is studying what happens when AI agents become visible team members; how the mix of humans and AI shapes whether people still feel like they belong on the team; and when multiple AI capabilities are needed, what can organizations do to support healthy teams.
2026 Research Grants
Each year, the Lundgren Retail Collaborative awards research grants to support primary research that explores questions relevant to the retail context.
The 2026 research grants support projects exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of retail. This year’s research focuses on emerging AI technologies, new ways for people and AI to work together, and autonomous systems that can help retailers improve operations and performance.
The following research studies received funding in 2026:
Algorithm Muting: Effects of AI-Driven Buy Box Suppression on Digital Retail Platforms
PI: Yong Liu, PhD and Wenyan Tuo, PhD
From Whitespace to Intelligence: An AI Copilot for Retail Expansion Decisions
PI: Gabe Grateron
AI Copilots and Role Transitions Among Frontline Retail Employees: How AI Reshapes Professional Identity and Job Satisfaction
PI: Agrim Sachdeva, Phd
To learn about past funding and support, please visit the Research page.