More than half of Brits would happily accept help from AI shopping assistants, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 28% would be happy for a personal AI assistant to make purchases on their behalf, based solely on their shopping history and needs. With the majority happy to allow them to spend up to £99 without their permission.
The research showed shoppers are also hoping future stores will have smart trolleys and baskets that track the price of items automatically. They also hope shops will have smart shelves that adjust prices dynamically and show personalised offers, as well as biometric payment options.
Kingfisher, the company behind B&Q and Screwfix in the UK, which commissioned the research, has teamed up with Andrew Grill, aka the Actionable Futurist, to predict how the DIY retail space could evolve.
Andrew suggests the research shows just how comfortable shoppers are becoming with AI, and how important speed and convenience are.
Andrew said: “AI shopping agents are no longer science fiction – they’re the next retail revolution. We’re entering an age of anticipatory retail – where customers expect brands to know what they need before they do.”
The study found 24% want a bulb and fixture scanner, or app, to identify things like the right size screw, fitting, or lightbulb to use – removing the need to manually measure replacement parts.
Meanwhile, 23% would value seamless online to in-store transitions, for example telling them where items in their online shopping basket are located in-store.
Also on the list of desired features were customisation stations (14%), while 12% were keen to visit an augmented reality store, where they could hold up their phone or use smart glasses to see product reviews, sustainability scores, and personalised offers.
One in 10 (10%) were also excited to be able to have out-of-stock tools or parts 3D printed before their eyes, according to the OnePoll.com data.
With the most coveted items to print in-store identified as home décor items, such as picture frames, replacement parts for tools or appliances, and custom brackets or fittings.
But despite these futuristic desires, 45% still trust a human expert over an AI replacement to advise on home improvement purchases – with only four% choosing the latter.
Thierry Garnier, CEO Of Kingfisher, which also created a visual representation of the store of the future in partnership with Andrew Grill, said: “As the way we shop continues to evolve, customers are embracing technology to deliver greater personalisation, speed, choice, and richer experiences.
“We see our digital ecosystem as fundamental to serving our customers’ rapidly changing needs, seamlessly connecting every part of our offer.”
