Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI have long been more than just technical visions – they are opening up new ways for retailers to combine customer proximity, efficiency, and innovation. Even if data protection and a shortage of skilled workers still pose challenges, the mood is optimistic. Many companies have recognized this: Those who boldly invest in AI today will shape tomorrow’s retail: more personal, faster, and more successful.
Customer proximity, individuality, and trend security are crucial in brick-and-mortar retail. Generative artificial intelligence is a particularly promising tool: automated algorithms, machine learning, and big data are taking retail to a new level. Generative AI can do far more than previous technologies: it creates something new. Whether it’s personalized fashion recommendations, voice-controlled advice at the point of sale, or identifying the latest fashion trends, AI is becoming a charming assistant in the background, taking the shopping experience for customers to a new level. According to a recent study by the EHI Retail Institute, over 80% of retailers are convinced that AI will influence the entire value chain.
Where does AI score particularly well in fashion retail?
What does this mean in practice? Where can AI also be used sensibly at the POS? Emotionality plays a key role in the fashion sector – this is where AI can play to its strengths:
- Early trend analysis: AI algorithms analyze huge amounts of data from social media, fashion blogs, online stores and catwalks to identify trends earlier. This allows the product range to be adapted more quickly and sustainably.
- Individual advice on site: AI-supported product advice, also in several languages, makes the service more personal and accessible. Styles and preferences are recognized and recommendations are tailored.
- Efficient assortment planning: From optimized product presentation to intelligent assortment planning, AI can relieve the team and create more space for the essentials: Genuine customer proximity.
Take a close look in advance at which potential deployment will bring real added value to your company to ensure that the effort is worthwhile and meets the specific requirements.
With all this technology, where are the people?
Generative AI is not a replacement, but a supplement. It frees up space for what makes brick-and-mortar retail so special: a smile, honest advice, and a feel for individual wishes. Used correctly, AI is a powerful tool for making bricks-and-mortar retail fit for the future.
Those who dare to combine innovation with warmth not only optimize processes but also gain one thing above all: genuine, deeper relationships with their customers. Because that’s what retail is all about: memorable encounters.
Now is the time to actively shape change. I would be happy to accompany you.