AI is not optional for retail

Most people don't realize that they're likely exposed to AI each and every time they shop online -- whether it's on eBay, Nordstrom.com, When you are searching for an item and a merchandising strip appears saying something like "similar items" -- that's AI in its simplest terms. It's what gives retailers the ability to automatically make informed recommendations. AI has been around for many years, but recent advancements have moved AI out of the realm of science fiction and made it a business imperative. The game changers: powerful new GPUs, dedicated hardware, new algorithms, and platforms for deep learning.