According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Happy Returns 2024 Customer Returns in the Retail Industry Report, retailers estimated that 16.9% of their annual sales in 2024 were returned, making customer returns a headache for many retailers, regardless of …
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Walmart Launches AI Shopping Assistant for Customers
Walmart recently announced the launch of a new GenAI-powered shopping assistant, Sparky. Using the smiling, “Ask Sparky” button in the Walmart app, Walmart customers can use Sparky to search for items, synthesize reviews and answer product questions. Walmart also announced …
Read More »Lowe’s Launches Mylow Companion AI Tool
Lowe’s announced the launch of Mylow Companion, an AI tool aimed at improving customer service and accelerating associate onboarding using retail technology. The app provides quick access to product details, project advice and inventory information for sales floor associate devices. Lowe’s …
Read More »HIRI Fast Facts: Professional Technology Trends
The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) Contractor Technology Adoption in Home Improvement Report explores how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the home improvement industry. This study sheds light on the current state of technology adoption among home improvement professionals. AI Adoption According to …
Read More »James Hardie Launches AI Design Tool
James Hardie Building Products Inc., a subsidiary of James Hardie Industries, and Hover, a 3D property technology company, announced the launch of the AI design tool, Hardie™ Designer. With this technology, independent retailers who sell James Hardie products can help …
Read More »Retailer Implements Cutting-Edge AI Technology to Improve Customer Service
With an aptitude for technology and a desire to continually improve efficiencies across his operation’s seven stores, Hassett Hardware president Eric Hassett has been exploring the ways artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in the independent channel. Located in the …
Read More »Big Box Stores Launch AI Tools
The Home Depot and Lowe’s recently launched their respective AI tools to provide personalized assistance in home improvement projects. Home Depot’s “Magic Apron” Home Depot is launching its suite of generative AI tools, named Magic Apron. The tools will help …
Read More »NRF’s Top 5 Retail Predictions for 2025
The National Retail Federation (NRF) recently released a list of 25 predictions for the retail industry in 2025. As independent hardware and paint retailers, here are the most significant predictions to prepare for this year. NRF predicts generative AI will …
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