Artificial Intelligence (AI) was once science fiction. It is now a reality. AI is becoming a part of everyday life. Maybe not in the humanoid fashion typically depicted in films, but through our devices and experiences. The customer experience is no exception. Retailers are adopting different implementations of AI to improve the in store shopping experience. Here are the three most common ways retailers are implementing AI.
1) Help Me Choose
Many retail AI implementations try to help customers discover the product that will work best for them. Whether it is a specific coat for an adventure, the perfect makeup shade, or the finest dining room set, AI helps figure out customer preferences and deliver a suitable solution. The AI proactively ask customers a series of questions to diagnose the best option based on their needs and wants and what’s in stock. Overall, this helps with increasing sales and reducing product returns, while enhancing the customer experience.
2) Item Locator
The next most common retail AI implementation is to help customers locate specific items in store. This is a common issue for shoppers – We know what we want and just can’t find it. Retailers are using AI that gives directions and a map to customers. They can locate a product quickly even if it is their first visit. This is particularly popular in large warehouses and department stores. Item locator AI eliminates a stressful shopping experience and provides a pleasant one.
3) Checkout-less Stores
This may be the most futuristic AI implementation available today. There are stores equipped with AI via cameras and sensors. It allows customers to walk in and out without checking out. The AI identifies the member walking into the store, registers the products that they have collected, and charges the customer’s account for the items as they walk out. The AI is removing another stressful component of shopping, waiting in long checkout lines. The time customers save is valuable beyond measure.
These are just a few ways retailers are using AI to improve the customer experience. There are other implementations that exist today and more that will exist tomorrow. In the meantime, retailers that will be most successful will utilize AI in more ways than one: Combining the power of a help me choose application, item locator and simplified checkout to deliver a customer experience better than ever before.
References: “The 20 Best Examples of Using Artificial Intelligence for Retail Experiences” – Blake Morgan. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakemorgan/2019/03/04/the-20-best-examples-of-using-artificial-intelligence-for-retail-experiences/?sh=4e322bd24466