Gen Z and Millennials Embrace AI-Enabled Shopping
Artificial intelligence (AI) in commerce still meets some hesitation, but younger consumers are more open to its use. Research from PYMNTS Intelligence highlights that Gen Z and millennials show stronger interest in AI-powered shopping experiences compared to the general population.
Interest by the Numbers
The study, done in partnership with ACI Worldwide, surveyed thousands of consumers about their familiarity and interest in AI technologies. Overall, 44% of consumers expressed at least some interest in integrating AI into shopping. However, that number jumps to 69% among Gen Z and 54% among millennials and bridge millennials.
What This Means for Sales Professionals
Retailers and brands are increasingly using AI to engage shoppers and boost sales. Etsy’s recent launch of “Gift Mode” combines AI and human curation to help customers find personalized gifts. Amazon and Walmart have also expanded their AI applications to improve customer experience.
For sales teams, this means AI tools can assist in creating more personalized interactions and streamline how customers find and purchase products. AI chatbots and recommendation engines can answer specific questions, provide customized suggestions, and help customers complete purchases efficiently.
Real-World Example: AI in Direct-to-Consumer Sales
Tamara Jarrar, CEO of the children’s sleepwear brand Bellabu Bear, shared how AI has improved customer service on their website. AI-powered chatbots can handle requests such as adding items to carts or explaining product features like eczema-friendly pajamas. This reduces friction and makes the shopping process smoother for customers.
Sales professionals should consider how AI can simplify the buying journey and respond to customer inquiries quickly and accurately. This approach can improve conversion rates and build stronger customer loyalty.
Take Action
- Explore AI tools that enhance customer interaction and product recommendations.
- Use AI chat features to provide instant support and personalized shopping advice.
- Stay informed about AI trends to better meet the expectations of younger consumers.
If you want to sharpen your AI knowledge and skills relevant to sales and customer engagement, check out Complete AI Training’s courses by job role. These can help you leverage AI technologies effectively in your sales career.
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