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Global retailers are increasing the use of AI shopping tools

Major retailers around the world are accelerating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in stores and apps.

Walmart Chile launches AI-powered smart shopping carts, while Thai supermarket chain Central Food Retail launched an AI shopping assistant called “Tops Chef Bot.” Meanwhile, a study by Bain & Company found that while most U.S. consumers are optimistic about AI’s retail potential, 71% haven’t realized they’re already using it when shopping.

Walmart Chile launches AI-powered smart shopping carts

Walmart Chile is deploying AI-equipped shopping carts in five Lider Express stores, making it the first supermarket chain in the country to implement computer vision-based smart cart technology, according to a press release on Tuesday (December 3).

The system, branded “Al Carro de Líder,” uses removable devices with dual cameras that attach to standard shopping carts. According to Shopic, the manufacturer of the technology, the system can recognize thousands of products with over 95% accuracy.

“We are committed to helping our customers save money and live better. “Implementing new technologies that save our customers time is one of the ways we bring this mission to life,” said Frank Eckert, central operations manager at Walmart Chile, in the press release.

Smart shopping carts allow customers to scan items while shopping, view running totals, and skip traditional checkout lines. Company data shows shoppers can complete their purchases in less than a minute, compared to typical nine-minute checkout wait times, the release said.

The program will launch in stores in five districts of the metropolitan area: La Florida, Quilicura, Las Condes, Lo Barnechea and Padre Hurtado.

Bain Study: Most Online Shoppers Are Unaware of AI Encounters

According to a new study from Bain & Company, most online shoppers in the U.S. interact with AI without knowing it.

The survey of 700 online shoppers found that 71% did not know they had used generative AI when shopping, although most had recently visited retailers that used the technology.

Despite this lack of awareness, customers remained optimistic about the potential of AI, with about half of respondents seeing it as transformative. The study found that 41% would feel comfortable using AI tools from trusted brands.

The main barriers to AI adoption were not privacy concerns, but satisfaction with current purchasing methods without AI (47%) and perceived lack of need (39%). Only 22% cited distrust of AI as a factor.

“The online shopping experience has become so fine-tuned over the past few decades that retailers’ near-term generative AI priorities should be to complement existing shopping habits rather than replace them,” said Merritt Robinson, global head of design at Bain, in a press release .

The study also found that more than half of shoppers viewed inaccurate product information and obvious errors as the biggest negative impact on user experience.

Thai retail giant launches AI shopping assistant

Central Food Retail has unveiled Thailand’s first AI-powered supermarket shopping assistant, marking a significant shift in the country’s retail landscape.

The company launched the Tops Chef Bot on Monday (December 2) at its Tops Food Hall at Central Chidlom, a department store in Bangkok. The service integrates Google Cloud’s generative AI technology with the retailer’s Personal Shopper service through LINE, a messaging application.

The AI ​​assistant offers four main features: personalized product recommendations, food preparation guidance with ingredient quantities, special offer notifications, and connection to human staff when needed.

“We are prioritizing the integration of digital technology and AI to refine our operations and improve the customer experience,” said Stephane Coum, CEO of Central Retail’s Food Group, in a press release.

The system uses Google Cloud’s Gemini 1.5 Flash model and is designed to help urban customers who lack time for store visits and food preparation. It can accommodate dietary restrictions and religious requirements, manage inventory, and suggest complementary products.

The company plans to expand the service to its Tops supermarket chain nationwide. The move is part of Central Retail’s broader strategy to become a premier omnichannel grocery retailer.

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