64 A third of independent retailers are now using AI on a daily basis according to new research from online wholesale marketplace Faire, but one in 10 are reluctant to adopt the technology. Faire, which surveyed 300 independent retailers, found that 83 percent have begun adopting artificial intelligence and a third were now making use of it every single day. However, one in 10 small shop owners said they still have ‘no interest’ in utilising AI, with a lack of understanding, worries over cost, and lack of trust among the biggest barriers. 18 per cent of the shop keepers holding back from adopting AI said they also worry it lacks the ‘personal touch’ while 14 fear becoming too dependent on the technology. Yet those using AI most regularly said they believed were saving more than two hours in time and nearly £80 in costs daily, with marketing, research and customer service enquiries found to be its most common uses. Kate Tompsett, owner of Happy & Glorious in Canterbury, said: “AI is a real time-saver for small business owners like me. Right now, it’s letting me juggle a massive website overhaul at the same time as I ramp up my customer emails. “I mostly use it to sense-check and proofread marketing copy, but it’s also brilliant for rewriting product descriptions, coming up with snappy email subject lines, and even telling me the best time to post on social media. This is helping Happy & Glorious to grow at an otherwise challenging time and I’m sure it will boost future sales.” Nicola Eyre, owner of independent store Cissy Wears in London, added: “I’m reluctant to fully embrace AI because it often feels at odds with the values that guide my business. Authenticity, human connection, and thoughtful storytelling all risk being lost when too much is automated. I’ve worked hard to build a brand with a clear voice and creative identity, and I’m not ready to hand that over to an algorithm. “There are environmental concerns too and I also have questions around data ethics - who owns the information these tools are trained on, and how is it being used?” Charlotte Broadbent, UK general manager at Faire, said: “Despite tough economic conditions, many of the independent retailers we work with are embracing AI to save time, cut costs, and compete with bigger retailers. What’s exciting is that technology – and particularly some of the AI driven tools we offer our retailers – are helping to level the playing field, giving small businesses access to the same efficiencies and insights as much larger competitors. “We’re also seeing some resistance to AI, particularly among shop owners who don’t fully understand or trust the technology, or worry about losing many of the things that make independent shops so unique and important to our local communities. Of course, not every shop is there yet. Some are still wary, and that’s understandable because this tech is new. But the ones leaning in are showing how adaptable and innovative small businesses can be. I’m confident we’ll see even more creative uses of AI that allow retailers and small business owners to focus on what they do best: curating brilliant products and creating memorable customer experiences.” An AI revolution Britain’s high street retailers are leading an AI revolution, according to a survey conducted by Faire KEY TAKEAWAYS • A poll of 300 small retailers, found 83 per cent have adopted the tech – with the most common uses being marketing support (33 per cent), general research tasks (26 per cent) and handling customer service queries (23 per cent). • During a typical day, those polled estimate they save nearly two-anda-quarter hours through the use of AI – more than 13 hours a week. • 73 per cent also believe the tech saves their business money – those using it report average savings of £79 per day – adding up to nearly £20,000 a year for the third of retailers who use it daily. • A fifth (21 per cent) of shop owners who’ve implemented AI believe it has the potential to save struggling high streets and for 19 per cent the use of AI has led to an increase in their sales. • Interestingly, 15 per cent see AI as a way to future-proof their business against industry changes and avoid falling behind other retailers – both small and large.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=