Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the trajectory of the retail industry as it embraces digital transformation. My most recent research evaluates 23 potential use cases in retail based on feasibility and business value to help Gartner clients target resources on the most beneficial use cases for their organization.
Artificial Intelligence Use Cases
Figure 1 shows the high level use cases applied to the Prism Framework:

Each of these use cases can be found in pilot mode, scaling or fully implemented in large multichannel retailers. Gartner has found that there are 5 top use cases implemented in retail.
Figure 2 – Top Retail Use Cases

Retailers understandably focus on demand forecasting as a way to dramatically improve performance of sales, inventory, associate scheduling and supply chain services. Call Center support and more robust customer experience solutions are surging in importance based on Gartner’s 2021 CIO Agenda: 5 Digital Business Acceleration Trends for Retail
How to Use the Infographic:
Gartner clients can download the entire infographic which includes details on how the AI use cases intersect with 4 high level customer processes, and see how we evaluated each for placement on the prism. The research also includes detailed descriptions that align with each of the high level use cases.
The entire research can be found here: Infographic: Artificial Intelligence Use Case Prism for Retail
The Gartner Blog Network provides an opportunity for Gartner analysts to test ideas and move research forward. Because the content posted by Gartner analysts on this site does not undergo our standard editorial review, all comments or opinions expressed hereunder are those of the individual contributors and do not represent the views of Gartner, Inc. or its management.