How retailers can lead with AI and agentic technology for next-level innovation and customer experience

How Retailers Can Lead the Charge in the AI Future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is shifting from a tool for efficiency to the core of business transformation. Forward-thinking retailers are redesigning customer journeys and operating models with AI at the center, enabling faster innovation and tailored experiences.

Agentic AI stands out in this shift. These AI agents operate with a degree of autonomy, capable of reasoning and engaging with systems and people more effectively. They analyze sales history, seasonal trends, and real-time market data to optimize inventory dynamically. The result? Reduced stockouts, quicker product turnover, and precise product availability aligned with consumer demand—all while cutting costs.

These AI agents handle day-to-day decisions like inventory replenishment but allow human oversight for critical choices. This balance is becoming essential as AI and data analytics rise in strategic priority. Nearly half of consumer product manufacturers and over half of retailers worldwide prioritize these capabilities in the next few years.

Strengthening Data Infrastructure

Despite growing interest, many businesses remain at early AI stages, with two-thirds still piloting or testing AI solutions. Only a small fraction have fully embedded AI into their core workflows.

For product development teams, a solid data infrastructure is crucial. It supports data collection, storage, and integration from diverse sources—whether legacy systems, cloud platforms, or third-party apps. As AI adoption expands, so does data volume and complexity. A well-structured data setup ensures high-quality inputs for AI training and smooth interoperability between AI tools and data systems.

Building this infrastructure means treating data as a strategic asset. Leaders must craft enterprise-wide data strategies backed by governance and aligned with business goals. While absolute perfection is unrealistic, scalable and adaptable systems provide the foundation for agentic AI to deliver real impact in retail.

Addressing Talent and Technology Gaps

The rise of agentic AI highlights two critical needs: skilled talent and appropriate technology choices.

The shortage of AI expertise calls for upskilling current employees to build AI literacy across teams. This accelerates adoption and strengthens internal capabilities, creating a lasting competitive edge. Attracting and retaining AI-savvy professionals is equally important to maximize emerging technology benefits.

On the technology side, companies must decide whether to build, buy, or combine AI solutions. While some wait for AI features embedded in enterprise systems, others gain an edge by investing early in specific AI tools addressing challenges throughout the product lifecycle. Success requires planning aligned with business priorities and fostering a culture that encourages experimentation.

Deep and strategic AI integration across functions enables businesses to become more adaptive and innovation-driven, making faster decisions and responding better to shifting consumer expectations.

Disruption Is More Than the Sum of Its Parts

The true potential lies in combining traditional AI, generative AI, agentic AI, and technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G. When these interact, they allow retailers to rethink outdated models in unprecedented ways.

To tap this potential, businesses must spot unexpected disruption sources and adopt flexible strategies. Future-back planning helps prepare for changes ahead. Leaders should invest broadly—in data management, governance, skills, and technology innovation—to build agility.

This approach supports continuous growth, sharper decision-making, and smarter consumer experiences in a fast-moving digital environment.

For product development professionals ready to deepen AI skills and knowledge, exploring specialized training can accelerate this journey. Resources like Complete AI Training's latest AI courses offer practical pathways to build expertise that aligns with evolving industry demands.