Retailers Test AI Shopping Agents to Keep Control
Generally, You Should Be Aware That retailers like Kroger and Lowe’s are developing their own AI tools to keep control over product presentation and customer interactions. Obviously, This is because customers are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for shopping advice. Usually, Retailers want to make sure they have control over how products are displayed and sold.
Actually, The rise of AI-powered shopping assistants presents a dilemma for retailers, Because while these tools can enhance the customer experience, relying on third-party platforms might mean losing control. Normally, To address this, major retailers are exploring their own AI solutions, Which can be a good thing for customers.
AI Shopping Agents: Retailers Take Control
Personally, I think retailers are doing the right thing by developing their own AI tools, Because this way they can keep control over product presentation and customer interactions. Probably, The pace of AI development means that retailers who aren’t already deeply involved risk creating a competitive disadvantage, So they need to act fast.
Usually, Major retailers are testing their own AI shopping agents, Like Kroger, which is testing an AI shopping agent within its mobile app. Naturally, The agent can compare items, handle purchases, and adjust suggestions based on customer habits and preferences.
Kroger’s In-App AI Shopping Agent
Honestly, I believe Kroger’s approach is a good one, Because their AI shopping agent can help customers make informed decisions. Generally, According to Yael Cosset, Kroger’s chief digital officer, the pace of AI development means that retailers who aren’t already deeply involved risk creating a competitive disadvantage.
Normally, Retailers like Kroger are working hard to develop their own AI solutions, Which can help them stay ahead of the competition. Probably, This is a good thing for customers, Because they will have more control over their shopping experience.
Lowe’s Leverages Google’s Agent via Mylow
Actually, Lowe’s is using Google’s shopping agent behind its own virtual assistant, Mylow, Which has more than doubled conversion rates for the retailer. Usually, This approach has been successful for Lowe’s, But they are not putting all their eggs in one basket.
Personally, I think Lowe’s is doing the right thing by working with multiple vendors, Including OpenAI, Because this will help them stay flexible and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of AI-powered shopping. Normally, Seemantini Godbole, Lowe’s chief digital and information officer, noted that the technology evolves so rapidly that tools can become outdated within weeks.
Papa John’s AI-Powered Food Ordering
Generally, Papa John’s is testing AI agents with a different strategy, By leveraging Google’s food-ordering agent. Probably, This tool can estimate the number of pizzas needed based on a photo uploaded by a customer, Which is a pretty cool feature.
Usually, Kevin Vasconi, Papa John’s chief digital and technology officer, emphasized that the focus is on how to use AI agents effectively rather than becoming an AI expert, Which makes sense. Normally, Retailers like Papa John’s are looking for ways to use AI to improve the customer experience, Without getting too caught up in the technology itself.
Industry Tension and Caution
Honestly, I think there is a lot of tension in the industry right now, Because retailers are not sure how to navigate the world of AI-powered shopping. Probably, Integrating with large AI platforms can expand reach, But it can also weaken customer loyalty and reduce advertising revenue.
Normally, Once a third party controls the interface, retailers have less say in how choices are presented to customers, Which can be a problem. Usually, Retailers are proceeding with caution, Because they are not sure what the future holds.
Looking Ahead
Generally, I believe retailers are going to keep testing and mixing vendors to avoid over-committing to any single system, Because this will help them stay flexible and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of AI-powered shopping. Probably, This approach will allow them to stay ahead of the competition, And provide the best possible experience for their customers.
Actually, For now, retailers are proceeding with caution, Because they are not sure what the future holds. Usually, They are exploring how much control they are willing to relinquish—and how much they can afford to keep—as shopping gradually shifts toward automation.
