Giant retailer Target Corporation announced plans to introduce a new generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tool, Store Companion, to team members at nearly 2,000 stores by August.
As per the announcement, Store Companion is designed to assist team members with on-the-job process questions, coaching, store operation management, and more. This GenAI aims to simplify team members’ tasks to provide quicker services and more thorough guest management for a better shopping experience.
Store Companion will be available as an app on the store team members’ handheld devices and will provide immediate answers to process and procedure questions. The tool can be helpful for the new and seasonal team members.
To develop the tool, Target’s internal team went through documents from the initial testing phase and used actual frequently asked questions. The team shifted to a rollout plan from initial testing in six months. The tool is now being tested in 400 or so stores, and feedback suggests that it is having a positive effect on day-to-day tasks.
Brett Craig, executive vice president and chief information officer, said, “The transformative nature of GenAI is helping us accelerate the rate of innovation across our operations, and we’re excited about the role these new tools and applications will play in driving growth.”
Mark Schindele, executive vice president and chief store officer of Target, referred to generative AI as “game-changing” technology. He said that Store Companion will simplify daily tasks and help the team respond to guests efficiently.
Mark added, “The tool frees up time and attention for our team to serve guests with care and to create a shopping destination that invites discovery, ease and moments of everyday joy.”
The retailer plans to introduce another GenAI tool for headquarters team members. Additionally, Target is using GenAI to enhance its digital experience with AI-powered product pages and search capabilities, making it easier for consumers to find what they need on Target.com.
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