US home improvement retailer The Home Depot has extended its partnership with Google Cloud to expedite its technology strategy. 

The expanded partnership will improve the efficiency and affordability of home improvement projects for customers.  

The Home Depot will leverage Google Cloud's advanced AI capabilities including machine learning, computer vision and generative AI to improve inventory management and supply chain efficiency. 

The retailer will explore future e-commerce enhancements to deliver greater digital scalability. 

The Home Depot will make use of Google Cloud's AI innovation platform, Vertex AI, advanced model training capabilities and advanced data analytics, to understand more about customer preferences and requirements. 

The Home Depot executive vice-president and chief information officer Fahim Siddiqui stated: "As one of the first major retailers to migrate our website to the cloud, Google has been a critical partner as we have built an interconnected shopping experience for our customers. 

“Our technology team looks forward to continuing to work closely with Google to remove friction for our customers when they shop with us and to stay on the cutting edge of retail technology.” 

The Home Depot and Google Cloud began their collaboration in 2015. It has led to the introduction of new capabilities aimed at enhancing the customer experience.  

These include the launch of the Sidekick mobile app, which assists associates in stocking in-demand products, and the Intent Search feature, which provides customers with faster and more relevant online search results. 

The retailer has also leveraged Google Cloud's BigQuery data warehouse technology to analyse data for targeted improvements to its website and supply chain. 

In April 2024 The Home Depot reached a definitive agreement to acquire US-based speciality trade distributor SRS Distribution.