Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to revolutionize the retail industry, but one question remains: do consumers want it? The National Retail Federation's annual trade show showcased a plethora of AI-powered tools and services designed to transform the shopping experience. From chatbots that can autofill orders to holographic characters that attempt to engage customers, the future of retail seems to be all about AI.
But while some companies are optimistic about the potential benefits of AI in retail, others are more cautious. Equapack, a packaging company, took a different approach at the trade show. Instead of showcasing AI-powered solutions, they focused on creating beautiful, reusable bags that consumers can take home with them. The RealReal, a secondhand clothing marketplace, has long used similar dustbags for its products.
"We prefer making samples and making that tactility," said Eran Rothschild, Equapack's founder and CEO. "No one's going to purchase something that they can't see." This approach may be more effective in the long run, as consumers increasingly prioritize experiences over technology. The humble shopping bag, for example, will likely linger in memory, while AI-powered chatbots may soon become a distant memory.
The use of AI in retail is already widespread, from personalized product recommendations to automated customer service. But with companies like Google and Alibaba announcing new AI-powered solutions at the trade show, it's clear that the industry is committed to embracing this technology.
However, not everyone is convinced that AI is the key to success in retail. Some exhibitors touted "smart people counting" and "AI customer flow analysis," but these tools may ultimately be seen as an invasion of consumers' privacy. As one shopper noted during a demo of SpaceVision's digital display technology, "Asian people don't give a fuck." This comment highlights the need for companies to consider cultural sensitivities when implementing AI-powered solutions.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, it's essential to remember that consumers have different needs and priorities. While some may welcome the convenience of AI-powered shopping assistants, others will likely prefer more traditional experiences. By prioritizing tactility, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, companies like Equapack are positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly changing retail landscape.
Ultimately, the future of retail is uncertain, but one thing is clear: consumers will have a say in the technology that shapes their shopping experience. As Eran Rothschild put it, "We'll probably never use AI visualization because it's not true to the product that we're going to be delivering." This focus on authenticity and customer-centricity may be the key to success in a world where AI is increasingly prevalent.
But while some companies are optimistic about the potential benefits of AI in retail, others are more cautious. Equapack, a packaging company, took a different approach at the trade show. Instead of showcasing AI-powered solutions, they focused on creating beautiful, reusable bags that consumers can take home with them. The RealReal, a secondhand clothing marketplace, has long used similar dustbags for its products.
"We prefer making samples and making that tactility," said Eran Rothschild, Equapack's founder and CEO. "No one's going to purchase something that they can't see." This approach may be more effective in the long run, as consumers increasingly prioritize experiences over technology. The humble shopping bag, for example, will likely linger in memory, while AI-powered chatbots may soon become a distant memory.
The use of AI in retail is already widespread, from personalized product recommendations to automated customer service. But with companies like Google and Alibaba announcing new AI-powered solutions at the trade show, it's clear that the industry is committed to embracing this technology.
However, not everyone is convinced that AI is the key to success in retail. Some exhibitors touted "smart people counting" and "AI customer flow analysis," but these tools may ultimately be seen as an invasion of consumers' privacy. As one shopper noted during a demo of SpaceVision's digital display technology, "Asian people don't give a fuck." This comment highlights the need for companies to consider cultural sensitivities when implementing AI-powered solutions.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, it's essential to remember that consumers have different needs and priorities. While some may welcome the convenience of AI-powered shopping assistants, others will likely prefer more traditional experiences. By prioritizing tactility, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, companies like Equapack are positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly changing retail landscape.
Ultimately, the future of retail is uncertain, but one thing is clear: consumers will have a say in the technology that shapes their shopping experience. As Eran Rothschild put it, "We'll probably never use AI visualization because it's not true to the product that we're going to be delivering." This focus on authenticity and customer-centricity may be the key to success in a world where AI is increasingly prevalent.
... People are always saying how much they love technology, but when it comes down to it, do we really want robots talking to us about stuff? 
I mean, what's the point of having a holographic character waving at you while you shop? It just seems like a bunch of gimmicks 
. And don't even get me started on the whole "smart people counting" thing... that's just creepy 
. But I do love the idea behind Equapack's reusable bags - who wouldn't want to take home something made with care and attention? 
Maybe we've been focusing too much on tech and not enough on what really matters: making stuff that means something 
.
. Those holographic characters might look cool at first, but how many times can you interact with them before they start feeling like ads? 
And what about when the novelty wears off and you're left with a bunch of useless tech? Give me a nice bag that I can use again anytime over some fancy AI-powered gimmick any day 
. Plus, sustainability is huge right now - companies that prioritize eco-friendliness will always be ahead of the curve 
I mean, who needs some robot telling you what's best for you when you can have someone actually looking at you while you try on clothes? 
And those holographic characters? Just gonna scare people off. Companies are so caught up in trying to be "future-proof" that they're forgetting about the little things that make shopping human. We're not just buying stuff, we're experiencing a vibe... and AI's just not getting it. 
! I mean, think about it, we're living in a time where everyone's always connected and staring at their screens, but when you take away all that tech, people actually want to hold something real in their hands. It's like, yes please, a simple shopping bag can be so much more satisfying than some fancy hologram trying to sell me stuff.
. Companies need to think about what's truly important: making products people want to buy, or just impressing them with some fancy tech. For me, it's always going to be the former.
. People want to feel something when they shop. And yeah, companies gotta think about how their tech is gonna affect people's lives - if someone says "Asian people don't give a fuck", that's not cool 
. It's all about finding that balance between progress and being considerate of human feelings.
they got a whole section at this trade show showing off these holographic characters that r just gonna scare ppl 
but for real tho equapack's approach is SO on point 
those reusable bags are literally the coolest and it's all about creating an experience, not just about tech 
i mean who needs personalized product recs when u can just get a beautiful bag to remember?