NEW YORK (AP) – Macy’s is testing a mobile tool using artificial intelligence that lets shoppers get answers customized to the store they’re in – like where a particular brand is located or what’s in stock – that they would normally ask a sales associate face-to-face.
The tool, which the nation’s largest department store chain calls a “mobile companion,” can be accessed for now through a browser and will accept questions in 10 U.S. locations about products, services and facilities. It uses natural language and offers feedback in seconds.
It’s developed by IBM Watson – the Jeopardy-winning “cognitive computing” service and is designed to keep learning more about the store’s customers. That’s a key element as Macy’s seeks to spur sluggish sales, make being at the store more enjoyable and distinguish itself from online portals and specialty retailers.
“We want to improve the shopping experience. We want the customers to shop at Macy’s and come back,” Serena Potter, Macy’s group vice president of digital media strategy told The Associated Press. The goal: Boost sales while freeing up employees to focus on more complicated customer requests.
Potter said Macy’s worked with sales associates to compile the most common inquires per store. Macy’s then fed the system questions and information so it can recognize what’s being asked and what the answer is. Since the pilot was quietly launched last month, the number of queries ballooned to the low thousands per store.