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Retail & The Future of Work: How Technology Will Reshape Retail Jobs


Written By: Gargi Sarma 


The retail industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technological advancements. From inventory management to customer service, every aspect of retail is being reshaped by innovations. Among these changes, pricing and promotions stand out as areas where technology is having a particularly significant impact. As retailers adapt to a digital-first world, the future of work in retail will be increasingly defined by how well they leverage technology to optimize pricing strategies and promotional activities.

Figure 1: Expected Retail Technology Growth (2022) Automation and Efficiency: The integration of automation in retail pricing and promotions is another key trend reshaping the workforce. Automated systems can manage large volumes of pricing data, execute price changes across multiple platforms instantaneously, and ensure consistency in promotional messaging. This reduces the need for manual intervention, allowing retail employees to focus on more strategic tasks, such as analyzing campaign performance and refining marketing strategies.


For instance, markdown optimization software can automatically adjust prices for end-of-season sales, clearance items, and slow-moving stock, ensuring that inventory levels are maintained efficiently without sacrificing margins. Retailers can also automate promotional campaigns, using software to schedule and launch promotions at optimal times based on predictive analytics.


Figure 2: Innovation in the Retail Robotics Industry Workforce Implications:

As technology continues to drive change in retail, the workforce will need to adapt. Employees will require new skills to manage and leverage advanced technologies effectively. Training programs focused on data analysis, AI, and digital marketing will become essential. Retail roles will evolve, with a greater emphasis on strategic decision-making, creativity, and customer relationship management.


Moreover, technology can enhance employee productivity and satisfaction by automating repetitive tasks and providing tools for better customer engagement. For example, augmented reality (AR) can assist sales associates in visualizing how products fit into a customer's lifestyle, while chatbots can handle routine customer inquiries, freeing up staff to handle more complex issues.


Figure 3: Average Hourly Retail Wage of Labors Across Different Countries (2023)


Figure 4: Generative AI will Transform Work Across Industries (Worldwide) - 2022


Dynamic Pricing and AI:


One of the most revolutionary technologies in retail is dynamic pricing, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms. Unlike traditional pricing methods, which rely on periodic adjustments based on market trends and competitor analysis, dynamic pricing allows retailers to adjust prices in real-time based on a myriad of factors. These factors include supply and demand fluctuations, competitor pricing, customer browsing behavior, and even weather conditions.


For instance, AI can analyze historical sales data and predict future demand with high accuracy. This enables retailers to optimize their pricing strategies dynamically, ensuring that prices are always set at the optimal level to maximize revenue and profit. Moreover, AI-driven pricing models can help retailers identify the best times to run promotions, tailor discounts to individual customers, and even segment customers based on their price sensitivity.


Personalized Promotions:


Technology is also transforming how retailers approach promotions. With the rise of big data analytics, retailers now have unprecedented insights into customer behavior and preferences. This data allows for highly personalized promotional strategies that can significantly increase conversion rates and customer loyalty.


For example, by analyzing a customer’s purchase history and browsing behavior, retailers can create personalized offers that are more likely to resonate with the individual. If a customer frequently buys organic products, they can receive targeted promotions for organic items, which not only drives sales but also enhances the customer’s shopping experience. Additionally, advanced CRM systems and loyalty programs can track customer interactions across multiple channels, providing a seamless and cohesive promotional strategy that spans online and offline touchpoints.


Figure 5: Grocery Executives See Potential Gen AI "Killer Applications" in Both the Front and Back Office (2023) Examples:


  • Walmart employs autonomous floor scrubbers and shelf-scanning robots to handle repetitive tasks, freeing up employees to focus on customer service and complex problem-solving.


  • Amazon uses AI to predict inventory needs and manage stock levels efficiently. This reduces the workload on employees, allowing them to focus on fulfillment and customer support.


  • IKEA’s AR app allows customers to visualize furniture in their homes before purchase, reducing the need for in-store consultations and empowering employees to assist with more personalized design advice.

  • Amazon Go stores use sensors and cameras to track items customers take, eliminating the need for traditional cashier roles. Employees can then be redeployed to enhance customer experience and store management.


  • Target uses data analytics to optimize product placements and marketing strategies, which helps employees make informed decisions about inventory management and customer interactions.

  • Walmart integrates its e-commerce platform with physical stores, enabling employees to manage online orders, in-store pickups, and deliveries efficiently.


  • Tesco equips employees with wearable devices to streamline communication and task management, improving efficiency and responsiveness on the sales floor.


  • Sephora uses CRM to track customer preferences and purchase history, enabling employees to provide personalized recommendations and enhance the shopping experience.


  • Lowe’s uses IoT sensors to monitor stock levels and environmental conditions, ensuring timely restocking and reducing the manual workload on employees.


  • Apple Store employees use mPOS devices to assist customers anywhere in the store, speeding up transactions and improving customer satisfaction.


Figure 6: Frontline Retail Worker’s Opinion on by percentage technology will create new job opportunities by subsector


Conclusion


The future of retail is undeniably intertwined with technological advancement. As pricing and promotion strategies become more sophisticated and data-driven, retailers who embrace these changes will be better positioned to thrive in a competitive market. The workforce, too, will evolve, with new opportunities arising from the integration of technology. By focusing on continuous learning and adaptability, retail employees can ensure they remain valuable contributors in this dynamic industry. Ultimately, technology will not only reshape retail jobs but will also enhance the overall shopping experience for consumers, creating a win-win scenario for all stakeholders.


RapidPricer, a dynamic pricing and inventory optimization platform, leverages AI and machine learning to adjust prices in real-time based on market demand and competition. By automating these processes, RapidPricer helps retailers enhance profitability, reduce manual pricing tasks, and optimize stock levels, thereby allowing employees to focus on more strategic activities such as customer engagement and personalized service. 


About RapidPricer

RapidPricer helps automate pricing and promotions for retailers. The company has capabilities in retail pricing, artificial intelligence, and deep learning to compute merchandising actions for real-time execution in a retail environment.


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