Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated across various functions within retail businesses. Carrefour recently demonstrated how it leverages AI to enhance its commercial offerings and optimize stock management, both in stores and warehouses. AI tools assist store managers in making data-driven decisions about product placement, quantities, and shelf arrangement. These algorithms consider factors such as location, weather, and population demographics, providing precise insights for decision-makers. Additionally, AI is now being used for pricing and promotions, tailored down to the store and product level. Data from loyalty cards or apps plays a crucial role, offering models real-time, customer-specific purchasing behaviour.
Tesco is another retailer harnessing the power of AI. It has announced plans to utilize AI to introduce a new initiative: using loyalty card data to encourage customers to choose healthier and more affordable alternatives. By analysing customer shopping habits, the AI will provide personalized product suggestions aimed at delivering greater value to shoppers.
Albert Heijn has introduced a new feature in its app, called "Scan & Cook," aimed at helping customers reduce food waste. The feature allows users to snap a photo of items in their fridge or pantry and upload it to the app. Using this technology, which will be further enhanced throughout the year, the app then transforms the ingredients into personalized, delicious recipes with just one click. This is one of the Generative AI applications that Albert Heijn has developed, implemented, and is now rolling out.