The following stories are from VMSD, INVISION’s sister publication for retail design professionals. Visit VMSD.com or subscribe here.
AI Spending by Retailers to Hit $96 Billion by 2030
Retailer investment in AI will explode from $14.24 billion in 2025 to $96.13 billion by 2030—a 46.54% annual growth rate, per Mordor Intelligence. The money will fund cameras that recognize what you’re buying without scanning barcodes, chatbots that actually answer questions well, systems that predict which products will sell out, seamless experiences whether customers shop online or in-store, and automation that fills labor gaps retailers can’t hire their way out of. Read more.
H&M Partners With Maison Black for Designer Pop-Ups
H&M debuts one-day shop-in-shops featuring Black designers in LA (Nov. 30), Houston (Dec. 6), Chicago (Dec. 13), and Harlem (Dec. 20). The Style Shop, curated by Maison Black, showcases brands like Vontelle Eyewear, Fashion Fair, and KIN Apparel during peak holiday shopping. The initiative combines inclusion with revenue opportunities for emerging designers. Read more.
Star Princess Launches With First-at-Sea Luxury Retail
Princess Cruises’ newest ship features unprecedented retail: a Chanel beauty shop-in-shop, vintage luxury handbags from Fashionphile (Hermès, Gucci, Dior), and standalone Breitling and TAG Heuer boutiques. The 4,300-passenger vessel also carries Pandora, Swarovski, and certified preowned Rolex. The ship began U.S. sailings from Fort Lauderdale on November 7. Read more.
Analyst: Purpose Beats Product Pitch
Apple doesn’t lead with specs — they lead with why they exist, writes retail design expert Eric Feigenbaum in a column for VMSD. Their success proves Gen Z and millennials don’t just buy what you make; they buy what you believe in. Feigenbaum argues the retail mandate has shifted: profit follows purpose, not the other way around. Smart retailers define their values before their value proposition. Read more.
Takeaways for Eyecare Professionals
Quick hits for optical retailers and eyecare practices from this week’s retail headlines:
- Let AI do the grunt work.
Automation can manage stock, track reorders, and handle scheduling so you can focus on patients, not paperwork.
- Showcase diverse voices.
Follow H&M’s lead — highlight eyewear from underrepresented designers or host pop-ups featuring local makers.
- Add a touch of luxury.
If cruise ships can move Rolex, you can elevate your in-store experience. Think boutique vibes, premium packaging, and travel-ready eyewear sets.
- Lead with purpose.
You’re not just selling frames — you’re helping people see and feel confident. Make your mission clear in everything from décor to social media.
- Make holidays sparkle.
Shoppers are spending big. Offer giftable frames, festive events, or wellness-themed promos that keep you top of mind.
