What: GDR UK reviews 5 use cases using AI to provide new advantages to customers.

Why it is important: Out of the 5 examples, only 2 are customer-facing, the remaining 3 are operating in the back end and show how AI can help retailers save some productivity points.

AI continues to revolutionise the retail industry in 2023, as evidenced by the case studies of innovative applications of this technology.

The AI-powered search tool 'Ask Instacart' was launched by US grocery delivery company Instacart, which uses natural language processing to assist users with recipe queries, product suggestions, dietary requirements, and personal recommendations based on their shopping history.

Pactum, a start-up operating out of California and Estonia, developed an AI tool that manages buyer-vendor negotiations. The system, which adds value to supplier agreements and is favoured by vendors, is used by clients such as Walmart.

Verneek, a generative AI start-up from New York, has introduced Quin Shopping AI. This tool specialises in answering customer queries relating to consumer products, both online and in-store, with a focus on specificity to avoid the inaccuracies seen in other AI models.

Google is also playing a significant role in transforming e-commerce with its Product Studio. This tool uses generative AI to change how businesses create and modify product imagery, reducing manual intervention and enhancing the consistency of the online shopping experience.

Firework, a video commerce platform, has also introduced its generative AI tool for in-video chat features. This tool allows for instant responses in chats even after the live stream has concluded, transforming any pre-recorded video into an 'always-on livestream' and turning them into points of engagement and purchase. The beta version of this tool has been launched with US supermarket chain The Fresh Market.

The transformative power of AI in the retail industry continues to grow, with these case studies illustrating its potential to streamline operations, improve the customer experience, and drive business growth.

GDR’s top 5 AI Case studies