How does AI impact the Retail Industry?
AI impacts almost all industries, and trade is no exception. This sector is constantly changing mainly because of huge competition and changing consumer behavior. AI comes to the rescue of retailers. This technology allows retailers to improve traditional business processes and increase customer satisfaction. So let’s see how AI affects the retail industry!
AI in the retail industry
AI is useful, especially for retailers who collect large amounts of customer information. Using ML and deep learning techniques, retail AI applications can provide valuable insight into data. Moreover, leveraging artificial intelligence technology, retail companies create virtual shelves and virtual fitting rooms. As a result, customers can easily find the most suitable clothes for them.
AI not only enhances customer experience but also improves productivity. It also helps retailers:
- optimize their pricing structure,
- make effective logistics decisions,
- optimize their supply chain,
- Provide the retailer with much more detailed information about customer behavior.
Furthermore, aligned systems lower costs and shape long-term relationships with customers. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are defining the future of retail marketing. So, it’s not surprising that retailers will spend 7.3 billion on AI by 2022.
FORECASTING AND CUSTOMER BEHAVIOR ANALYTICS
AI is crucial in retail as it helps retailers identify customer needs and requirements. Using this technology provides automated solutions to track customer activities. Moreover, thanks to data analysis, sellers can predict the number of ordered stocks. This, in turn, has a huge impact on the company’s performance and budget. Thus, by using AI algorithms, retailers can make better business decisions, conduct targeted marketing campaigns, and acquire insights that help improve services.
VIRTUAL TRIAL ROOMS
AI-powered virtual trial rooms are equipped with intelligent digital mirrors. How does it work in practice? When you enter such a room, you see a large vertical screen with a camera. When you stand in front of it, you see your reflection on the screen. This screen is linked to the store’s database, where you can find all the latest inventory, such as clothes, hats, shoes, and other accessories. You choose a product that interests you, and you can see how you look in it on the screen. In addition, it is possible to save a photo. This technology can be used by clothing and cosmetic companies.
SHOPS WITHOUT CHECKOUTS
Admittedly, robots play an increasingly important role in trade, from procurement and in-store operations, marketing, and sales to back-office operations and customer assistant services. The main attributes of intelligent machines are speed and accuracy. They automate the payment process and eliminate the queues in stores. AI uses biometric technology (especially customer face recognition) to authorize self-service transactions. A dozen or so years ago, the vision of a completely self-service store without checkouts and staff seemed like a futuristic illusion. Today we are learning to use the help of intelligent vending machines in maintenance-free stores, which will soon cease to be a rarity.
SMART SHELVES
We have already mentioned stores without checkouts; now it’s time for smart shelves and digital stands. What is it, and how does it work?
Well, smart shelves automatically track inventory in retail stores thanks to the use of RFID technology. The shelves have weight sensors that track the amount of stock on them. This allows retailers to know when a product is out of stock. This technology also warns of goods theft. In addition, customers can interact with smart shelves. For example, customers create a shopping list, and Smart Shelves will direct them to the place where the product is.
PRODUCT DESIGN
As we know, fashion trends are changing at a dizzying pace. New designs and patterns appear every season. Designers, whether they like it or not, have to keep up with the new style. AI comes to the rescue. AI helps the retail industry detect new trends with demand, thereby reducing forecasting errors. AI algorithms analyze designs and design product datasets to provide information about what is selling well and what is not.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
AI is playing an increasingly important role in the world of logistics and supply chain management. It helps reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction by optimizing route efficiency and delivery logistics. Software that supports AI can learn from historical data to identify patterns of customer behavior. This analysis allows companies to predict customer needs and preferences. In turn, this can lead to improved routing efficiency and shorter delivery times.
Conclusion
In summary, AI has the potential to revolutionize the retail industry just as it has done in every other sector. The world’s leading companies will continue to invest in AI to maximize their revenue. With AI, they can advance their processes, gain insights from huge amounts of data, and generate more revenue.
