This year, AI went from a buzzword to a necessary tool retailers and brands implement into their marketing strategies to better connect with customers and drive innovation. Read on for top highlights from CommerceNext webinars; execs at brands like Forever 21, J. Crew, e.l.f. Beauty and more shared essential AI tips and tricks. For more insight into real AI implementations, make sure to register for our 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show, June 24-26 in NYC.
Silent Signals: How AI Hears What Customers Don’t Say
Key Takeaways:
How AI is Transforming Ecommerce
AI is reshaping ecommerce by enabling smarter, more personalized interactions. Tools like ChatGPT will soon assist customers in finding products, requiring businesses to adapt strategies for both human and AI audiences.
Unlocking Behavioral AI
As privacy regulations tighten, behavioral AI uses real-time clickstream data to predict and influence anonymous visitor actions. This privacy-conscious approach drives conversions and enhances customer experiences.
How Industry Leaders Are Embracing AI
- Omaha Steaks: Leverage AI to personalize phone orders, reduce costs and boost efficiency.
- Houzer: Use AI for long-tail SEO and dynamic Google Shopping feed optimization while preparing datasets for future applications.
- Forever 21: Leverage AI to work more efficiently and attract more customers. Clear goals help them measure success and stay aligned with the marketing and sales plans.
Unlock Your Year With AI: The Playbook for Ecommerce
Key Takeaways:
AI’s Impact on Personalization
AI makes customer experiences better by helping people find products faster and offering more personalized recommendations. There’s still a lot of potential to enhance.
Overcoming Challenges in AI Adoption
Adopting AI can be tricky due to concerns like trust, security and lack of data. Experts recommend starting with quick wins and building partnerships to gain support from leadership.
Smart AI Tools for Limited Data
Tools like Session AI can predict what customers might want, even with little data, helping businesses engage with visitors who haven’t shared much information.
AI for Sustainability and Efficiency
AI helps online stores improve logistics, cut down on waste and meet sustainability goals, while also saving money through better marketing and forecasting.
Gaining a Competitive Edge: Embracing AI for a Seamless Customer Journey
Key Takeaways:
Turning Data into AI Retail Power: AI can transform retail, but it requires a strong data foundation. Many businesses struggle with scattered data, making it hard to use AI effectively. Two ways to fix this:
- Unified Data Platform: Centralize data for easy access.
- Data Mesh: Connect separate data systems for better AI insights.
AI Insights from Industry Leaders
J.Crew leverages AI to analyze customer browsing behavior, identifying reasons why they don’t make purchases and crafting personalized experiences to increase conversions.
Lands’ End employs AI to enhance SEO strategies and optimize influencer marketing, driving organic traffic and predicting campaign success.
e.l.f. Beauty utilizes AI to generate and adapt personalized content for various platforms, boosting customer engagement across channels.
GNC applies AI to simulate target audiences, refine product design and optimize product content, leading to improved performance and resonance with customers.
For a deeper dive into how AI can create efficiencies and improve your marketing strategy, sign up for the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show, taking place in NYC on June 24-26, 2025. Sign up here.
