Honeywell launched findings from its AI in Retail Survey that reveal over 80% of U.S. retailers plan to extend their use of synthetic intelligence (AI) in 2025. The analysis highlights how AI is reshaping retail operations to handle challenges in return administration, customer support, and product availability, whereas enhancing worker satisfaction and abilities.
AI Integration in Retail Operations
Based on the survey, 35% of main retailers intend to considerably broaden their AI investments subsequent yr. Retailers view AI and automation as important for adapting to shifting shopper behaviors and optimizing omni-channel operations.
“We’re really within the midst of a brand new period for the retail sector the place evolving AI capabilities will make a optimistic influence on the patron’s journey, the worker expertise and the retailer’s provide chain operation,” mentioned David Barker, president of Honeywell Productiveness Options and Providers. “On their journey towards autonomous operations, retailers are on the lookout for AI and automation options that present actionable knowledge and assist to upskill their staff.”
Enhancing Worker Expertise
The survey signifies that AI is enjoying a important function in bettering office satisfaction and effectivity for retail staff. Key findings embrace:
- Over 50% of retail leaders said AI improves worker retention.
- 52% consider AI helps staff advance their careers by enhancing smooth abilities and including worth to their roles.
- 60% of executives reported that AI instruments simplify duties, and 55% famous that these instruments enhance job satisfaction.
Because the U.S. retail trade faces over 580,000 projected job openings in 2025, AI is predicted to assist worker improvement and retention, contributing to raised customer support.
AI’s Influence on Customers
AI adoption can be remodeling the procuring expertise. Two-thirds of surveyed customers reported utilizing AI whereas procuring, citing options like chatbots, worth comparability instruments, and overview summaries.
The survey highlighted widespread shopper use instances:
- 53% of respondents recognized worth comparability as essentially the most useful AI utility.
- 41% relied on AI for checking product availability.
- 34% used AI for a simplified and seamless checkout expertise.
These capabilities align with the retail sector’s give attention to bettering buyer expertise throughout on-line and in-store channels.
What This Means for Small Companies
Whereas the survey centered on giant retailers, small companies can draw useful insights from these findings. As main retailers broaden their AI investments, small companies ought to think about adopting scalable AI instruments to stay aggressive. Options like AI-driven chatbots, automated stock administration, and knowledge analytics can improve effectivity and enhance buyer experiences with out requiring vital funding.
Small companies can begin by figuring out particular operational challenges—similar to streamlining checkout processes or managing inventory ranges—and exploring inexpensive AI applied sciences tailor-made to their wants. These preliminary steps may help smaller retailers keep aggressive in an more and more AI-driven market.
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