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Survey: Over 80% of Retailers Plan AI Expansion in 2025 to Boost Efficiency and Job Satisfaction January 17, 2025 (0 comments)
Charlotte, NC--More than 80% of retailers plan to increase their use of artificial intelligence (AI) in 2025, according to findings from Honeywell's AI in Retail Survey. The report indicates that retailers are using AI to adapt to evolving consumer behavior, enhance operational efficiencies, and upskill employees. Additionally, 35% of major retailers reported plans for significant investment in AI.
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The report noted that AI is being increasingly deployed to address key challenges in the retail industry, such as return management, automated customer service, and inventory monitoring. David Barker, president of Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services, stated in the release that AI is central to a shift toward autonomous operations, helping retailers optimize the shopper experience, improve employee satisfaction, and enhance supply chain efficiency.
Honeywell's survey found that AI has a notable impact on employee retention and career progression. More than half of retail leaders reported that AI improves job satisfaction and retention rates, while 52% believe it aids in expanding employees' soft skills and career development. These findings align with the retail sector's growing emphasis on addressing the over 580,000 projected U.S. retail job openings this year.
The survey also highlighted the role of AI in enhancing customer experiences, particularly in online and in-person shopping. According to Honeywell, two-thirds of consumers have interacted with AI while shopping, whether through chatbots, price comparison tools, or customer review summaries. Comparing prices across stores emerged as the most valued AI application (53%), followed by checking product availability (41%) and streamlining the checkout process (34%).
Barker highlighted the transformative potential of AI, noting, "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."
Learn more in this news release.