Marks and Spencer tests out AI with Microsoft

Hot on the heels of the Carrefour/Google tie up, comes another big hitting anti-Amazon alliance. This one involves struggling High Street stalwart Marks and Spencer, which has inked a strategic partnership with Microsoft focused on testing the integration of its AI technologies into the retailer’s stores and wider operations.

Steve Rowe, M&S CEO, says: “M&S is transforming into a digital first retailer, at a time when the sector is undergoing a customer-led revolution. We want to be at the forefront of driving value into the customer experience using the power of technology. Working together with Microsoft to understand the full potential of how technology and artificial intelligence can improve the in-store experience for our customers and the efficiencies of our wider operations could be a game changer for M&S – and for retail.”

“We firmly believe that AI has the power to amplify human ingenuity,” comments Cindy Rose, CEO, Microsoft UK. “The retail sector is one of the most challenging landscapes in the UK right now and we are thrilled to be working with M&S to explore how AI can help such an iconic brand transform the customer experience and improve wider operations.”