Retailers Must Adapt to In-Person Offerings Amidst Growing AI Use

  • AI shopping tools are growing in popularity, but physical stores remain dominant
  • 94% of consumers make purchase decisions in-store after browsing across channels
  • Retailers should rethink store offerings and experiences to adapt to AI growth
  • In-store services like rental, resale, and repair can drive foot traffic and loyalty

AI shopping tools are becoming more popular, but physical stores still hold a strong position in the retail landscape. According to EY’s Jon Copestake, retailers should not neglect brick and mortar locations as they adapt to the rise of online sales and AI-assisted buying. The EY AI Sentiment Index surveyed 15,000 consumers globally and found that 3 in 5 use AI for shopping. However, only a small portion trusts AI to make purchases on their behalf. Stores are valuable for product discovery and understanding promotions and new product launches. To adapt, retailers should introduce fresh experiences and services like rental, resale, and repair within stores. This can diversify revenue streams and increase customer loyalty.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides relevant information about the role of brick-and-mortar stores in the age of AI shopping tools and e-commerce. It cites a survey and includes examples of retailers adapting to the changing landscape by offering new services in their physical locations. However, it could benefit from more context on the EY AI Sentiment Index and provide specifics about rental and resale services.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the role of brick-and-mortar stores in the age of AI shopping tools and e-commerce. It discusses the importance of physical stores for product discovery and introduces new in-store experiences that can drive foot traffic and customer loyalty. The article also supports its claims with data from a survey. However, it could benefit from more analysis or exploration of long-term trends and consequences of decisions on those who bear the risks.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the role of brick-and-mortar stores in e-commerce and AI shopping, which can impact retailers’ strategies and potentially affect their revenue. However, it does not directly mention any specific financial markets or companies being impacted.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no mention of an extreme event in this article.

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