A recent survey by First Insight reveals a potential "AI perception gap" between retail CEOs and their teams. While both parties see value in AI, their priorities differ:

  • Management prioritizes predictive analytics (demand forecasting, inventory management) significantly more than CEOs (63% vs. 33%).
  • CEOs are more focused on cost savings, customer experience, and business transformation using AI, compared to management.

The survey also identifies contrasting concerns:

  • Management worries about infrastructure limitations for AI adoption, while CEOs prioritize building a business case and managing risks and workforce impact.

These findings suggest the need for improved communication and collaboration between leadership and teams to unlock the full potential of AI in retail.