2025’s holiday shopping season will mark a turning point in retail, driven by AI shopping agents. “Cyborg Monday,” a term coined to reflect this AI-infused evolution of Cyber Monday, highlights the fusion of human customer intent with machine decision-making. Instead of shoppers individually browsing online stores, AI agents—from chatbots and personal digital assistants to […] The post How “Cyborg Monday” Could Change E-Commerce first appeared on LightNOW.| LightNOW
China’s tightening of rare earth export controls, this month, has intensified global supply chain concerns with specific repercussions for the lighting industry. Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce expanded its rare earth export list, adding five new elements for a total of twelve. The new regulations extend beyond raw materials, also covering refining technologies, equipment, and […] The post China’s New Rare Earth Export Controls Could Impact Lighting first appeared on LightNOW.| LightNOW
Surging electricity prices have shifted voter sentiment in Virginia, New Jersey, and Maine, introducing energy policy as a defining issue in U.S. politics. Electricity rates—up 21 percent in New Jersey and expected to climb substantially in Virginia—are amplifying frustrations among households and small businesses, fueling electoral volatility heading into the gubernatorial elections and shaping […] The post Voters Angry About Rising Electricity Costs & Consequences first appeared on Li...| LightNOW
NEMRA’s Rep of the Future 2025 report highlights sweeping changes shaping the independent manufacturer’s representative (rep) landscape in the electrical distribution industry. Driven by accelerating technological, demographic, and economic trends, the report outlines how firms must evolve to meet rising expectations and thrive through 2030. Industry Context: Change as the New Constant Over the| LightNOW
