Honeywell’s report stated that 35 per cent of major retailers plan to significantly increase their AI investment
Aimed at enhancing employee skills and improving efficiency for shoppers, around eight out of 10 retailers plan to increase the use of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) across their operations in 2025 to adapt to changing consumer behaviours, according to the findings of a report by Honeywell.
Honeywell stated that 35 per cent of major retailers plan to significantly increase their AI investment. In new AI-focused research with large U.S. retailers and holiday shoppers, Honeywell found that retailers are increasingly investing in AI to address the biggest pain points they face in today’s fast-paced, omnichannel climate, including improved return management, automating customer service and monitoring product availability.
“We are truly in the midst of a new era for the retail sector where evolving AI capabilities will make a positive impact on the shopper’s journey, the employee experience and the retailer’s supply chain operation,” said David Barker, president of Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services.
According to the findings of the survey, more than half of the surveyed retail leaders said that AI improves employee retention, and 52 per cent believe AI can help employees progress more quickly in their careers, expand their soft skills and continuously provide value to their jobs.
AI is also playing an increasingly important role in improving the customer experience for shoppers, both when shopping online and in person as two-thirds of surveyed consumers (66 per cent) reported that they have used AI while shopping.
As per the report, comparing prices across stores is by far the most sought-after use case for AI (53 per cent) followed by checking product availability (41 per cent) and having a simpler and more seamless checkout experience (34 per cent).
