Many retailers using AI assistants to help store teams manage routine tasks

A new report from consultancy Bain & Company and VusionGroup, which provides data solutions for retailers, has highlighted how AI powered technology is reshaping physical stores, as retailers expect to see large-scale transformations.

The researchers surveyed 66 leaders from 250 top retailers and found that 75% of executives are planning a large scale store transformation in the next two years and 44% said they expect their store technology investments to improve their bottom line by 1.5 percentage points or more.

The survey also found that 50% of retailers are using AI assistants to help store teams manage routine tasks such as inventory checks and price errors as well as training and equipment troubleshooting. 

Priorities for retailers include improving product availability (56%), price integrity (53%) and better customer engagement (45%).

“Retailers are accelerating their tech adoption not just to keep up but to lead. The winners will be those who build scalable, integrated platforms delivering measurable ROI and who future-proof store operations,” says Mauro Anastasi, Partner in the Retail Practice at Bain & Company.

“Better systems cut costs. Lower costs give customers better prices. Better prices bring in more customers. And more customers generate more data to make operations even smarter. Retailers who master these technologies first will outprice and out-serve others – and the window to catch up will get smaller every quarter as the pace of change continues to evolve.”

“This report reflects what we see every day at VusionGroup: the store is no longer just a place of transaction. By combining AI, Computer Vision, and Data with digital shelf systems, retailers are not only improving operations, they are also achieving faster inventory turns, greater price accuracy, and unlocking new monetization opportunities through retail media,” adds Jérôme Hamrit, Senior Executive Vice President of Data & Retail Media at VusionGroup. 

“Connected stores deliver better shopper experiences while driving both operational efficiency and top-line growth, delivering measurable ROI at a much faster pace.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.