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 deal with challenges in return administration, customer support, and product availability, whereas enhancing worker satisfaction and expertise.
AI Integration in Retail Operations
In response to the survey, 35% of main retailers intend to considerably increase 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 consumer’s journey, the worker expertise and the retailer’s provide chain operation,” mentioned David Barker, president of Honeywell Productiveness Options and Companies. “On their journey towards autonomous operations, retailers are on the lookout for AI and automation options that present actionable information and assist to upskill their workers.”
Enhancing Worker Expertise
The survey signifies that AI is enjoying a essential position in enhancing office satisfaction and effectivity for retail workers. Key findings embody:
- Over 50% of retail leaders said AI improves worker retention.
- 52% imagine AI helps workers advance their careers by enhancing delicate expertise and including worth to their roles.
- 60% of executives reported that AI instruments simplify duties, and 55% famous that these instruments improve job satisfaction.
Because the U.S. retail business faces over 580,000 projected job openings in 2025, AI is predicted to help worker growth and retention, contributing to higher customer support.
AI’s Influence on Consumers
AI adoption can be remodeling the buying expertise. Two-thirds of surveyed customers reported utilizing AI whereas buying, citing options like chatbots, value comparability instruments, and assessment summaries.
The survey highlighted fashionable shopper use instances:
- 53% of respondents recognized value comparability as probably the most beneficial 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 deal with enhancing buyer expertise throughout on-line and in-store channels.
What This Means for Small Companies
Whereas the survey targeted on giant retailers, small companies can draw beneficial insights from these findings. As main retailers increase their AI investments, small companies ought to contemplate adopting scalable AI instruments to stay aggressive. Options like AI-driven chatbots, automated stock administration, and information analytics can improve effectivity and enhance buyer experiences with out requiring vital funding.
Small companies can begin by figuring out particular operational challenges—comparable to streamlining checkout processes or managing inventory ranges—and exploring reasonably priced AI applied sciences tailor-made to their wants. These preliminary steps might help smaller retailers keep aggressive in an more and more AI-driven market.
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