- May 8
- 2 min read

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE VS AGENTIC AI
The 10 things every grocery retailer MUST do in the New Age of Agentic AI
For grocery retailers, there are essentially TWO foundational applications of AI:
Cost Reduction
Enhanced CX
AI in Grocery: Cost Reduction
The most valuable AI investment in food retail (prioritized):
Demand forecasting / inventory
Waste reduction
Labor optimization
Supply chain optimization
Checkout automation

AI in Grocery: Customer Experience

Loblaw PC Express ChatGPT app
So, What's a Grocery Retailer To Do?
Stores must dominate:
Freshness confidence
Inspiration & discovery
Immediate problem-solving
Sensory experience
Socia & emotional connection
... and here are TEN WAYS to do it!
1 Your store as "Home of the FRESHEST"



TAKEAWAY: Not just fresh in store, but help to keep it fresh at home.
Because if it looks like the image on the right after three days, they will blame YOU!
2 Manage the HOLISTIC experience of everything you sell

TAKEAWAY: Sure, it looks and tastes great ... in your test kitchen.
But your job's not done when they buy it.
3 Develop, then promote the excellence of your Own Brands

TAKEAWAY: It's more difficult (impossible?) for Agentic AI to compare your own brand products vs competitors than it is for national brands.
4 Introduce unique, crafted offers you can only get in the store

TAKEAWAY: Incorporate interactive elements that foster unique and differentiated experiences and allow customers their purchases.
5 Smart cross-merchandising takes shoppers by the hand

TAKEAWAY: AI can only go so far ... the store is the place to inspire; use your expertise to help customers get the most joy out of their food!
6 Food as Theatre

TAKEAWAY: Inject excitement in-store with live events, active sampling, cooking demos, etc. that disrupt the norm.
7 Be THE Destination for all of Life's Celebrations

TAKEAWAY: Celebrations have elevated expectations - make a trip to your store a MUST for anyone looking to make things special.
8 Showcase Newness

TAKEAWAY: Profiling "newness" is not only inspiring, but reminds customers to come back to check out the latest.
9 Manage the Message

TAKEAWAY: Orchestrate your shopping experience with focused, benefit-driven, communications that create your distinct narrative.
10 Craft your unique human connection

TAKEAWAY: People will be the big difference-maker in the new world of Agentic AI.


