It Might Not Sound Sexy, but AI and AR are What's Hot in Retail

When you go to Fashion Week, the talk is all about what's trending in colors, cuts, hemlines and finishes. When you go to retail seminars, it's about data and how artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and even augmented reality (AR) are moving the needle in transforming the customer experience and the future of the commerce. While these tech-oriented terms might not have the headline appeal of Philipp Plein's cabaret runway show, they are defining the future of retail. Lori Mitchell-Keller, global general manager of consumer industries for software solutions firm SAP, says AI and AR will help retailers provide not only a seamless shopping experience, but convenience in today's fast-paced economy. "With personalized recommendations, consumers get the best of both worlds," Mitchell-Keller says. "Consumers continue to respond well to targeted recommendations through email, text and push notifications, and, according to Accenture, 65 percent are more likely to shop at a retailer that knows their purchase history and offers relevant recommendations."