As the holiday shopping season approaches, retailers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their operations and customer experiences.
A recent survey shows that 90% of businesses transitioning to modern e-commerce platforms have seen significant increases in sales and revenue. Among these platforms, composable commerce stands out, with 91% of brands either currently using or considering its adoption. This approach allows companies to remain agile, integrating AI technologies and responding to real-time data, which is crucial for meeting customer expectations during peak shopping periods.
The integration of AI represents a fundamental shift in how retailers operate. Retailers have been at the forefront of AI adoption, particularly in predictive algorithms. As generative AI and advanced algorithms gain traction, many brands are already experimenting with these technologies. This holiday season marks a pivotal moment where the experimental phase is yielding tangible results, with AI positively impacting both the bottom line and customer satisfaction.
Notably, 91% of businesses have reported improved demand forecasting accuracy, a critical factor in managing inventory during the busiest shopping times. The latest advancements in AI technology are revolutionizing the personalization and recommendation engines that drive customer engagement. By analyzing vast datasets filled with rich customer information, AI can now create curated, personalized shopping experiences. Autonomous bots can detect patterns and make real-time decisions, enhancing the overall customer journey. This shift improves operational efficiency and fosters customer loyalty, as brands can deliver tailored experiences that resonate with individual preferences.
Despite the widespread adoption of AI, with 62% of businesses currently using the technology and another 32% planning to implement it soon, the path from implementation to meaningful outcomes can be complex. Brands are prioritizing AI investments, focusing on the entire customer journey—from ideation and discovery to selection, checkout, and delivery. By identifying key touchpoints where AI can drive measurable outcomes, retailers can align their strategies with overarching business goals. Areas such as inventory management, demand prediction, fraud detection, and customer service are proving to be particularly fruitful for AI applications.
While the benefits of AI are clear, many brands face challenges in transitioning from experimentation to successful outcomes. A significant barrier lies in the outdated commerce software that some companies continue to use, which was designed for a different era. Retailers must navigate this landscape carefully to fully leverage the potential of AI. Fraud detection has emerged as a critical area for AI application, especially during the holiday season when transaction volumes surge. With 94% of retailers implementing AI-enhanced fraud detection, the technology is essential for identifying unusual activity and protecting the bottom line. Predictive AI excels at analyzing behavioral patterns, while generative AI can autonomously address issues or escalate them to human operators when necessary. This dual approach not only safeguards businesses but also enhances customer trust. Moreover, AI-driven personalized advertising is yielding impressive results, with 93% of retailers reporting improved campaign performance. In an environment where advertising costs are rising, optimizing outcomes through AI can lead to increased revenue. From a consumer perspective, personalized and targeted ads enhance the shopping experience, making customers feel valued and understood.
Retailers are also exploring innovative applications of AI to enhance customer interactions. For instance, Sephora has introduced a color IQ foundation-matching service that assists customers in finding the perfect foundation shade. On the B2B side, companies like Dawn Foods are utilizing AI-powered search capabilities to streamline product navigation, improving customer relationships by delivering relevant results more quickly and accurately.
As the holiday shopping season unfolds, brands that have embraced modern commerce platforms and AI technologies are poised to outperform their competitors still relying on outdated systems. The agility afforded by composable commerce allows these companies to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences, setting the stage for a successful holiday season. With AI at the forefront of their strategies, retailers are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also creating memorable customer experiences that drive loyalty and satisfaction.