How big data and AI help online retailers compete in the digital era

As brick-and-mortar retailers continue to struggle against online competitors, some are seeking out services that leverage big data and personalization to increase e-commerce sales. "During the rise of big data, it was said that data was the new oil," Brian Solis, principal analyst at Altimeter, told TechRepublic. "In an era of AI and machine learning however, personalized data is the new competitive advantage and will only become standard CX on the horizon." Indeed, 72% of retailers reported that AI will be a "competitive necessity" in the next five years, according to a recent Oxford Economics survey. One such tech option for retailers looking to fight off the competition is uSizy, a recommendation technology for fashion apparel and footwear businesses, which unveiled its latest product, uSizy Smart Business, on Wednesday.