CIOInsider India Magazine
Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing the Festive Season Shopping
Punit Sindhwani is the founder of Paxcom India and has a wealth of experience in the IT sector, having held executive positions at several well-known companies.
The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and most importantly, shopping. It’s a ritual for many – the hunt for the perfect gift, the search for coupons and promotions, and that cheerful vibe one feels anywhere they go shopping – be it online or offline. But behind those shiny, glimmering lights and decorated windows lies a trend that is changing our shopping experiences, artificial intelligence (AI).
AI is no longer a future concept but an integral part of our daily lives, and it also... silently governs our shopping experiences.
The EY Future Consumer Index reveals that the consumers in India who are greatly influenced by recommendations from artificial intelligence amount to 62 as compared to the global figure of 30. Notably, about 61percent of the consumers in India find Artificial Intelligence recommendations and advice regarding products very useful.
As we move into the festive season, the application of AI by retailers is making our shopping experiences less stressful, even more personalized, and a whole lot more engaging.
Personalized Shopping Experience at Your Fingertips
Can you recall the last instance that you received a recommendation for a product that felt perfect for you? That’s AI at work. AI understands your shopping habits, the kinds of products you have a preference for, and even the kind of websites you have been visiting so that it can suggest more appropriate products. In the festive season, especially when all kinds of options are around, such individualization is very crucial. It’s like having a personal shopper who knows exactly what you’re looking for, saving you time and effort in finding the perfect gift.
For example, if you are interested in environmentally friendly products, AI guarantees that you are presented with environmentally friendly products first. Similarly, if you have been planning to shop for a particular gadget, AI might alert you of a festive offer available for the gadget so that you do not miss out on the chance to make the purchase. This kind of individual approach not only makes your buying experience more enjoyable but also helps you feel more connected to the
store, and therefore the whole experience of buying something does not seem as cold as it can sometimes be.
Enhancing In-Store Experience
Although online shopping has gained popularity over the last few years, there is still magic in shopping for clothes during festivals physically. AI is now being incorporated into physical stores to amplify this feeling. For instance, smart mirrors are used to let customers see how outfits fit them without having to enter a changing room. These mirrors are fitted with AI and are effective in helping you determine how a particular size or colour would look on you, thus enabling you to make faster decisions with a certain degree of confidence.
Further to this, shops are now frequently implementing artificial intelligence customer relations service bots. They can perform exercises such as responding to questions, finding products and services, and offering suggested sales items based on the customer’s options. Just think about entering a store and having the shop assistant welcome you and, at the same time, point out the festive discounts on items that you have previously shown some interest in. And it’s these little but significant touches that make holiday season shopping feel magical.
By improving interactions, both in-store and online, and by streamlining the entire shopping process, AI has made festive shopping more enjoyable and less stressful.
Some of the top problems that accompany selling during the festive period include; people waiting in long lines, congested walkways, and the pressure that accompanies trying to find the perfect product among the few available on the shelves. AI is actually playing a role in managing these stress points by assisting in the shopping process.
Online, there are always chatbots that can answer the queries, inform about orders’ statuses, and even solve some issues without involving a human supervisor. This instant help does guarantee that your shopping exercise is seamless, especially during busy periods. Also, with the use of AI algorithms, the chances of inventory depletion for popular products are minimized, or restocks are made as soon as they are required.
In stores, AI is also used for regulating persons and gatherings. Using AI, you can determine what time of day is busiest and then schedule your shopping time around avoiding the rush. Some stores have also gone as far as implementing the use of Artificial Intelligence to develop virtual queues in which you can book a slot and continue shopping while the application or device places you in the queue.
Immersive Shopping Experience
AI is also used to generate immersive shopping experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds. For example, augmented reality (AR) which uses AI, enables you to visualize how a particular furniture piece will fit into your living room or if a new lipstick color matches your complexion before buying it online. This enhances customer satisfaction and reduces the rate at which products are returned after sale.
A Seamless Post-Purchase Experience
The role of AI extends beyond the purchase phase. AI-enhanced logistics ensure timely delivery of gifts, and AI systems simplify the process of returns or exchanges by providing clear instructions and alternatives, ensuring a seamless post-purchase experience.
AI as an Ally in Festive Shopping
As we embrace this festive season, it's clear that AI is more than just a technological tool; it's a vital ally in creating memorable and personalized shopping experiences. By improving interactions, both in-store and online, and by streamlining the entire shopping process, AI has made festive shopping more enjoyable and less stressful.
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