Over two-thirds of retailers have already partially deployed AI agents for efficiency (www.techradar.com)

A recent Fluent Commerce report reveals that over two-thirds (70%) of retailers have adopted agentic AI, primarily for enhancing customer service and personalized marketing. Despite this enthusiasm, only 12% have noted significant impacts, and a mere 8% have fully integrated AI into their operations. The study highlights an industry-wide recognition of AI’s potential, with 88% of retailers believing it is crucial for remaining competitive. However, challenges such as ethical and regulatory concerns, data quality issues, and skills shortages hinder broader implementation. Looking forward, nearly one-third of retailers are planning to leverage AI for inventory management (30%) and supply chain optimization (32%), indicating a shift toward AI's role in operational efficiency beyond customer-facing applications. Chief Strategy Officer Nicola Kinsella emphasizes that agentic AI can provide a holistic view of operations, improving processes like order exceptions and delivery timelines. With proper data management and strategic implementation, retailers anticipate realizing substantial benefits, showcasing a significant opportunity for growth in the AI-powered retail landscape.