Minneapolis, MN, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) (Sezzle or Company) // - Sezzle, the purpose-driven digital payment platform, and David’s Bridal, the nation’s leading bridal authority, teamed up this week with the Times Square Alliance to sponsor the annual "Love in Times Square" celebration on the world’s biggest stage. With recent data indicating that financial stress affects nearly half of all engaged couples—often outweighing the stress of guest lists or pre-wedding jitters— ...

Core Insights - Retailers in 2025 are increasingly focused on AI adoption, but the industry is lagging behind sectors like telecommunications and finance in technology utilization [2][3] Industry Overview - The 2025 AI industry adoption study by the Wharton School indicates that retail is falling behind other sectors despite numerous AI-related announcements from retailers [2][3] - The slower return on investment in retail is attributed to its complex physical operations compared to other industries [3] Retailer Initiatives - Companies like Amazon and Target are actively integrating AI to enhance internal processes and adapt to changing consumer behaviors [4][5] - AI-driven U.S. e-commerce traffic surged by 758% year-over-year between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1, with a 670% increase specifically on Cyber Monday [5] Specific Company Developments - **Walmart**: Launched generative AI assistants for merchants and customers, integrating AI across its business operations [8][9] - **Target**: Expanded its generative AI strategy, launching a ChatGPT shopping app and an AI-powered gift finder tool [10][11] - **Amazon**: Updated seller tools with AI capabilities and introduced a conversational assistant for marketers [13][14] - **Levi Strauss & Co.**: Announced a partnership with Microsoft to deploy an agentic AI framework across the company [15] - **Etsy**: Introduced AI tools for sellers and integrated products with ChatGPT's Instant Checkout feature [16][17] - **Wayfair**: Launched a generative AI tool called Muse for home interior inspiration [18] - **Stitch Fix**: Developed a style visualization tool using AI to help customers visualize outfits [19] - **David's Bridal**: Launched an AI-powered wedding planning tool called Pearl Planner [20] - **Saks Fifth Avenue**: Implemented an AI-powered customer service tool to reduce call volume [22] - **Best Buy**: Began using AI for customer support and personalized marketing [23] - **Guitar Center**: Introduced an in-store AI shopping assistant called Rig Advisor [24] - **eBay**: Launched an AI tool for sellers to enhance product listings and assist in buyer communications [25] - **Lowe's**: Developed an AI adviser tool named Mylow in partnership with OpenAI [26] - **Home Depot**: Debuted a suite of generative AI tools called Magic Apron to improve search results [27]