Data Analytics
NRF 2025: When Implementing AI Use Cases, Don’t Forget the Human Touch
At NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show in New York City, retailers and leading IT companies alike were eager to demonstrate newly implemented use cases for artificial intelligence in the retail sector. However, some leaders urged caution about balancing the demand for AI and other emerging technology with the need for a human component in the retail experience.
CDW's Andy Szanger, director of strategic industries, spoke with BizTech about the power of human interaction and the personal touch, especially for retail customers. Other experts, including Kate Ancketill, CEO and founder of GDR Creative Intelligence, Paul Woodward, global vice president of retail product for Oracle, and Brent Blawat, AI strategist at CDW, agreed about remaining mindful of the human contribution to the retail shopping experience.
To learn more about NRF 2025, visit our conference page. You can also follow us on the social platform X at @BizTechMagazine to see behind-the-scenes moments.
Participants
Andy Szanger, Director of Strategic Industries, CDW
Paul Woodward, Global Vice President, Retail Product, Oracle
Kate Ancketill, CEO and Founder, GDR Creative Intelligence
Brent Blawat, AI Strategist, CDW
Video Highlights
- Although fears about artificial intelligence creating job losses persist, AI is actually creating jobs in some instances and making others more efficient.
- Many retailers are looking forward to reaching a state of AI implementation where its use is understood and doesn't need to be called out.
- Some retailers and their customers still lack the trust to make AI as successful as it could be.
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