At Target, Store Workers Become A.I. Conduits

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses how Target is rolling out a chatbot called "Store Companion" to help its store workers answer questions from shoppers and other employees.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Target's Chatbot "Store Companion"

1. What is the purpose of Target's new chatbot "Store Companion"?

• The chatbot is designed to provide guidance to Target store workers on tasks like rebooting cash registers or enrolling customers in the retailer's loyalty program.
• The goal is to give workers more confidence and ability to serve customers better.

2. How is Target implementing the chatbot?

• Target is currently testing the chatbot in 400 stores.
• The company plans to make the chatbot app available to most of its workers across nearly 2,000 locations by August.

[02] Adoption of AI by Retailers

1. How is Target's use of the chatbot part of a broader trend in retail?

• Target is the latest retailer to put generative artificial intelligence tools in the hands of its workers, with the goal of improving the in-store experience.
• This reflects a broader trend of retailers adopting AI technologies to assist their frontline workers.