Australian retailers could face growing pressure to win over price-conscious shoppers this Black Friday and Christmas shopping period, with 85% of Australians willing to switch retailers if artificial intelligence (AI) found the same product for a better price elsewhere, according to new research commissioned by supply chain and commerce technology leader Manhattan Associates Inc. (NASDAQ: MANH).
The findings come after Australians spent a record $23.8 billion over the extended Black Friday shopping period last year, according to CommBank iQ, setting the stage for another competitive sales period.
The survey of Australian consumers found that 83% expect AI to play a role in their shopping activities over the coming months. Finding the best deals or lowest prices (35%) and comparing products, brands or retailers (36%) were the two leading ways respondents expected to use the technology.
With AI making it easier for shoppers to compare offers from different retailers, businesses could find themselves competing for customers who might previously have gone straight to their preferred brands or stores. However, while a lower price might attract a shopper’s attention, it won’t necessarily be enough to secure the purchase.
“AI is giving consumers another way to compare retailers, and that could make it harder for businesses to rely on established customer loyalty. If a shopper can find the same product for less elsewhere, they may be more willing to consider a retailer they haven’t purchased from before,” said Raghav Sibal, Vice President APAC at Manhattan Associates.
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