Target Piloting Generative AI-Powered Chatbot for Store Staffers’ Questions
Target is revolutionizing the retail industry once again with the introduction of a new generative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot called Store Companion. This innovative tool is designed to assist store employees with on-the-job processes, making daily tasks easier and more efficient.
The Store Companion chatbot is currently being piloted at approximately 400 Target stores, with plans to roll it out to nearly all 2,000 stores by August. The chatbot will be accessible via an app on handheld devices used by store team members, allowing them to quickly access information and get answers to questions about various tasks, such as signing up guests for a Target Circle card or troubleshooting a cash register.
According to Mark Schindele, executive vice president and chief stores officer at Target, generative AI is a game-changing technology that will enable the store team to respond to guests’ requests with confidence and efficiency. The development of Store Companion involved using frequently asked questions and process documents from store teams across the United States, with feedback from the pilot being used to further refine the tool.
Brett Craig, executive vice president and chief information officer at Target, noted that technology will continue to play a significant role in the future of retail, and the company is constantly exploring new tools to make it easier for team members to do their jobs and enhance the shopping experience for guests.
The deployment of generative AI in the retail industry is gaining traction, with 77% of business leaders ranking it as the most impactful emerging technology, according to a recent report by PYMNTS Intelligence. Other companies, such as Klarna, have also implemented internal AI assistants that are being widely utilized by employees for daily tasks.
Overall, Target’s introduction of the Store Companion chatbot reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the employee experience and provide exceptional service to customers. As generative AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see more retailers adopting similar tools to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency in the retail environment.