A survey conducted by SPAR Group has revealed that the integration of AI within retail environments brings benefits to both consumers and retailers.  

The survey indicates a growing familiarity and positive reception towards AI among shoppers, with seven out of ten consumers acknowledging its presence in their shopping experiences. 

The survey highlights a consumer appetite for an expanded rollout of AI-driven services such as in-aisle promotions, readily accessible product information, seamless no-stop checkout processes and digital assistants within the store environment.  

More than half of surveyed shoppers expressed a favourable view of these technological advancements. 

The findings suggest that younger consumers, aged between 18 and 54 years, are particularly open to AI in retail environments.  

Shoppers above 55 have more reservations about AI, mainly concerning privacy and transparency.  

95% to 100% of companies acknowledge the positive influence of AI on store operations, enhancing efficiency and product availability.  

SPAR Group CEO and president Mike Matacunas said: "The SPAR AI in Retail Survey reveals strong business cases for the use of artificial intelligence tools at stores, with both customers and merchants reporting positive outcomes from solutions and applications driven by the technology.  

“Retailers still need to do a much better job of explaining the benefits of AI to consumers, but both groups are well on their way to an improved shopping/working experience and that will drive growth in the industry." 

In response to the survey, experts at SPAR Group suggest that retailers and their brand partners should prioritise AI applications that deliver tangible benefits to customers.  

Technologies that monitor product availability to minimise stock shortages, simplify the shopping journey and provide essential product information are among the top solutions recommended for retailer consideration.