The new year is only a few hours old. The opportunity to discuss one of the most important subjects of the time in the economy in general and retail in particular: AI, for artificial intelligence. Put in all the sauces, AI opens up – according to its promoters, more or less interested – a field of immense possibilities. On the verge of pouring a coffee while my brain is barely preparing to express the desire… AI here, AI that.
So just to grumble for the first time this year… A little message to those who, at Leclerc, Carrefour, Auchan, Intermarché and others, promise a retail 4.0 boosted by AI: start by sorting out what must be. Pricing, for example. With this slew of aberrant prices that I observe everywhere (with their effect on the customer). AI and its computing power (because that’s what it’s all about) must still be able to automatically identify these aberrant prices, right? Because on my scale (that of an ordinary natural intelligence), I achieve it. Take this example… Excluding promotions, 79% price difference between the most expensive Marie shepherd’s pie and the – expensive one. One is 30% more expensive than the average for its brand, the other 30% less expensive. Friends of AI, this is a very concrete project. And much more useful than a number of fantastical use cases that will turn your head elsewhere.
Come on, I (already) complained and provoked for the first time this year. But that doesn't stop me from wishing you a sweet and beautiful year.
