Technologies Shaping Holiday Shopping and Deliveries

he holiday shopping period has always been a high-stakes time for retailers and logistics providers. From how consumers discover gifts to how those gifts are delivered, new technologies and innovations are rewriting the holiday retail playbook. Retailers and logistics providers who invest in these technologies aren’t just surviving the holiday rush, they’re setting new standards for the future.

Here’s a look at some technologies shaping holiday shopping and deliveries, making the shopping experience frictionless and convenient for customers.

Global digital sales are expected to grow to $1.25 trillion, up 4% YoY, this holiday season, according to Salesforce forecasts. Much of this growth can be attributed to the rise in AI and agent-referred traffic which is projected to drive 21% of all holiday orders globally, amounting to $263 billion in sales. Artificial intelligence tools are powering a new era of hyper-personalized shopping experiences. AI agents can analyze browsing history and purchase patterns to offer personalized product recommendations and guide customers through the shopping process.

This holiday season, shoppers plan to use generative AI to compare prices and find deals, summarize reviews, and generate shopping lists, according to a new holiday retail survey from Deloitte. Heading into the holidays, retailers are implementing AI tools to make the shopping experience more enjoyable and personalized. For example, Williams-Sonoma is developing interior design agents, AI agents that are geared toward advising customers about home furnishings choices in the context of room layouts and other parameters.

Flexible payment options are gaining traction and can help cost-conscious customers stretch their holiday budgets amid ongoing concerns about inflation and the economy. Half of holiday shoppers plan to use buy now, pay later services (BNPL) to cover their expenses this holiday season, according to PayPal’s 2025 Holiday Shopping Survey. Over half of holiday shoppers said they are more likely to make purchases when BNPL providers are available as a payment option.

Retailers are offering flexible payment options to reduce cart abandonment and attract more customers. Gap Inc. has partnered with Klarna to offer the payment provider’s services across its portfolio of brands including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta. With Klarna, U.S. customers can pay for their Gap Inc. purchases in full or in four interest-free installments online or within the mobile app. The retailer also allows customers to purchase items through Apple Pay and Afterpay, providing shoppers with multiple payment options for greater convenience.

Companies are leaning on automated fulfillment centers near urban areas to streamline and accelerate fulfillment operations. Autonomous mobile robots handle picking, sorting, and transporting goods within fulfillment centers, improving speed, accuracy, and efficiency. Amazon is leveraging new technologies to streamline fulfillment and delivery workflows. Amazon’s Blue Jay is a next-generation robotics system that coordinates multiple arms to perform picking, stowing and consolidating tasks simultaneously. The system is designed to combine three assembly lines into one with the goal of creating greater efficiency in less space while supporting front-line employees. Blue Jay allows employees to shift from repetitive physically-demanding tasks to higher-value work like quality control and problem-solving. 

Once orders are ready to be delivered, the focus shifts to the last mile, where technology can drive major speed and efficiency gains. Amazon is developing wearable smart glasses technology to guide drivers throughout the delivery process. The smart glasses display essential information directly in the driver’s field of vision, enabling them to scan packages, follow turn-by-turn walking directions, and capture proof of delivery without needing to utilize a smartphone. The glasses also leverage AI and computer vision to detect potential hazards like pets or uneven walkways and share that information for reference in future deliveries.

Route optimization tools and delivery management solutions can help businesses automate and streamline delivery workflows. Route optimization tools analyze several factors including traffic, service areas, delivery windows, and vehicle capacity to find the most efficient routes. Dynamic rerouting allows businesses to respond instantly to delays, cancellations, or last-minute orders, a critical feature during the peak holiday season. Proactive notifications and predictive ETAs keep shoppers informed, reducing failed deliveries and customer service calls while increasing customer satisfaction.

Tech-enabled shopping and delivery innovations are transforming the holiday season, minimizing stress for retailers and customers alike. Companies are implementing new technologies to elevate the customer experience, increase operational efficiency, and ensure quick and reliable delivery during the busiest time of the year.

For more information about how our delivery management solution can help you manage your delivery operations more efficiently, please contact info@bringoz.com.