How machine learning can drive retail success - Dataconomy

After retailers suffered a bad year with bankruptcies, store closures and lower store footfall, we discuss why now is the time for retailers to invest in data and advanced technologies to boost consumer relations. Bricks and mortar retailers would sooner forget 2018. The year that brought 16 U.S. bankruptcies, falling share prices for leading European brands, and the UK's worst festive sales in 10 years isn't an industry high point. But it does offer a crucial lesson for those struggling in a tough climate: the need to harness digital. While footfall in stores continues to decline, online retail continues to thrive globally, with annual sales exceeding $2.4 trillion.