– AI-users recorded an average uplift of £118 per basket compared with non-AI users.

– 41% of respondents discovered their favourite brand of the past year via AI platforms.68% say AI tools prompted them to try brands they had not previously considered.

– 62% believe AI finds suitable products faster than a human can.

– 65% of respondents used Large Language Models (LLMs) early in their journey — when beginning to think about a purchase or after choosing a category but before selecting a specific product.

– Nearly one in six (17%) complete entire product searches on AI tools.

What this means for retailers

– AI as a discovery channel For many consumers, AI tools like LLMs (for example ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) are becoming destinations for brand discovery and product research. If your brand isn’t visible in those contexts, you risk being filtered out early.

– Increased basket sizes: The survey shows a material difference in average order value for AI-adopters, translating directly into revenue potential for retailers who optimise accordingly.

– Early touch-point optimisation: Because many shoppers begin interacting with AI early in their process (before they’ve decided on a specific product), the opportunity lies in being present at the “category” phase, not just at the “product choice” phase.

– Segmenting the shoppers: Adopters vs Rejecters The study distinguishes two shopper types: AI Adopters, who are optimistic, open to exploring new brands and more confident in their purchase decisions; and AI Rejecters, who are more cautious and more loyal to familiar brands. Retailers must tailor strategies to both segments.

– The strategic imperative for brands: As Debbie Ellison (CEO EMEA, Croud) puts it: “AI is the new battleground for consumer choice. … LLM readiness is a must-have for brands who wish to stay competitive.”

Practical steps for retailers

– Ensure your brand and product content are optimised for AI discovery: clear descriptions, structured data, compatibility with AI tools.

– Leverage AI-driven recommendations within your own channels to mimic what consumers are experiencing externally.

– Use behavioural and intent data to identify “AI Adopter” segments and provide tailored incentives/experiences.

– Monitor AI platforms and emerging consumer behaviour: discovery may shift away from traditional search.

– Track metrics: basket value, conversion rate, frequency of AI-led sessions, versus non-AI sessions.

Conclusion

The integration of AI into the customer journey is no longer optional — for retailers seeking growth, particularly in basket size and brand discovery, AI should be central to strategy. The data from Croud and ImpactSense make clear that AI-driven shoppers spend more and behave differently. Retailers who act now will capture the advantage.

The post Why retailers must integrate AI into the customer journey to boost basket value appeared first on https://storegeni.com/.

From Destination Shopping to Everyday Convenience

Historically, IKEA visits were events: a weekend trip to a distant suburban location. The Oxford Street concept flips that model. With its highly central location, consumers can now integrate IKEA into their regular urban routines. But a smaller store means a limited inventory display, making the role of digital technology absolutely critical to the experience.

Shoppers can browse curated displays but rely heavily on digital screens, QR codes, and mobile apps to explore the full product range, check stock availability, place orders, or schedule home delivery. The seamless integration of digital and physical channels transforms the store into a highly efficient showroom rather than a pure sales floor.

The Rise of the Assisted Self-Service Shopper

What IKEA understands is that today’s shoppers want autonomy but not isolation. They want to discover, compare, and transact at their own pace — while knowing assistance is instantly available when needed. This is where in-store digital tools become essential.

Imagine a customer entering the Oxford Street IKEA with StoreGeni installed on their smartphone. The app recognizes their entry, offers tailored promotions based on browsing history, and helps them locate specific items within the compact showroom layout. As they navigate, real-time stock updates, personalized product suggestions, and instant access to customer reviews are all at their fingertips.

If a customer wants a deeper consultation, they can instantly request an associate via the app or even initiate a live video consultation with remote experts. This is the future IKEA is nudging toward, and it’s exactly the user experience StoreGeni is designed to deliver for retailers of all sizes.

Personalization at Scale Without Overwhelming the Customer

One of the great strengths of StoreGeni is its ability to drive personalization without being intrusive. Unlike one-size-fits-all loyalty apps, StoreGeni leverages contextual data—location, previous purchases, search behavior—to serve up relevant recommendations that enhance rather than interrupt the shopping experience.

In a setting like IKEA Oxford Street, where physical shelf space is limited, this kind of hyper-targeted digital layer compensates by making the entire IKEA inventory virtually available, while guiding each customer toward what matters most to them.

A Powerful Signal for Small and Independent Retailers

IKEA’s investment in digital augmentation is not only a strategic decision for a global brand, but also a clear signal to smaller retailers: consumer expectations have fundamentally shifted. Shoppers now assume a level of digital support, convenience, and personalization, even in physical stores. For independent retailers, the challenge is clear: how to meet these rising expectations without the massive budgets of global giants.

This is where StoreGeni provides the perfect solution. It bridges the gap between embracing new technology and working within the realistic resource constraints of small and mid-sized businesses. StoreGeni allows independent retailers to adopt best-in-class digital capabilities — from in-store navigation, real-time inventory visibility, to personalized promotions — all without complex IT integrations or heavy investments.

By adopting solutions like StoreGeni, smaller retailers signal to their customers that they are keeping pace with the best in the industry. They offer shoppers the same level of autonomy, personalization, and assisted service that brands like IKEA are introducing—but in a format that is accessible, affordable, and manageable.

The post How IKEA’s New Oxford Street City Store illustrates the future of retail — And Why StoreGeni Is perfectly positioned appeared first on https://storegeni.com/.

Local search = real sales. An up-to-date Google listing ensures your store is visible when it matters most — when nearby shoppers are actively searching. Your business hours, product categories, photos, and reviews all play a role in converting digital intent into real-world footfall.
 Integration with Google Merchant Center now allows your products — with prices and availability — to appear directly in search results. This is a major advantage when customers compare options on the fly.
One of the most fascinating shifts from Google recently is its move into agentic AI shopping experiences. The newly introduced AI Mode in Shopping acts like a personal shopping assistant — helping users refine their choices, accelerate their decision-making, and even make one-click purchases straight from the search page. If your products and business information aren’t indexed and accurate, you’re simply not part of that conversation.
Rich customer reviews, clear product data, and optimized listings help build trust and maximize exposure in both traditional and AI-driven search environments.

But what if you’re not online yet?
For retailers without a digital presence, a solution like Click & Collect by StoreGeni offers a fast, affordable, and intuitive way to get started — no digital team required. StoreGeni gives you everything you need to be found online, offer click & collect, and connect with your local customers via platforms like Google.
No digital skills needed
No complicated integrations
Just more visibility and more sales

Bottom line: AI is changing how people shop — and where they shop. Make sure they can find you.

The post 🛍️ Why your Google Business Profile matters more than ever in 2025 appeared first on https://storegeni.com/.

How WhatsApp push notifications improve in-store shopping?
With an open rate of 98%, WhatsApp outperforms traditional SMS while offering interactive capabilities that make it an ideal tool for real-time engagement. Here’s how retailers are using it:
 Personalized Offers: Customers receive tailored promotions and discounts based on their preferences and past purchases.
 Geo-Targeted Notifications: Retailers can send messages as customers enter the store, guiding them to specific sections or highlighting time-sensitive deals.
 Customer Assistance: Shoppers can message a store assistant via WhatsApp for help locating a product or checking stock availability.
Retailers leveraging WhatsApp for in-store communication have seen higher conversion rates, as customers are more engaged and appreciate the personalized, real-time interaction.

Why StoreGeni + WhatsApp is a game-changer for retailers ?
The StoreGeni app enhances in-store shopping by integrating WhatsApp-powered push notifications, creating an all-in-one digital retail experience. With this combination, retailers can:
 Boost customer engagement
 Drive sales with real-time promotions
 Offer a seamless, hyper-personalised shopping journey
Retailers ready to embrace the next level of digital transformation can unlock the full potential of in-store engagement with StoreGeni + WhatsApp.

 Are you ready to enhance your in-store experience? Let’s talk!

The post Why StoreGeni + WhatsApp is a game-changer for retailers ? appeared first on https://storegeni.com/.

First-party data also empowers retailers to create highly targeted marketing strategies. By focusing on customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing history, brands can deliver the right message to the right person at the right time—something increasingly critical in a privacy-conscious world. With third-party cookies phasing out, the reliance on first-party data is only expected to grow, making it essential for retailers to adopt this strategy now.

The app from StoreGeni provides retailers with tools to leverage this valuable first-party data effectively. By integrating click-and-collect services into retail operations, StoreGeni helps businesses gather data from each customer interaction, both online and offline. This integration allows retailers to track customer preferences, optimize inventory, and provide seamless shopping experiences across channels. Moreover, the app’s AI-driven analytics offer insights that can help businesses personalize offers and promotions, improving customer retention and driving sales.

Additionally, StoreGeni’s technology aids in operational efficiencies, such as reducing loss prevention during peak times, allowing staff to focus more on customer service. With personalized, data-driven approaches powered by tools like StoreGeni, retailers are better positioned to compete in today’s marketplace, fostering customer loyalty and unlocking new revenue streams.

The post Maximising retail success: How first-party data can transform your business appeared first on https://storegeni.com/.

Minimizing In-Store Theft
One of the primary ways click-and-collect helps with loss prevention is by reducing the need for customers to spend time in the store, thereby minimizing the risk of in-store theft. Since items are pre-ordered and prepared for pickup, retailers can manage and secure products from the moment they are requested until they are handed over.

Mitigating Internal Theft
Click-and-collect services create an opportunity for tighter control over inventory and staff handling. With clearly defined workflows, video surveillance, and automated systems tracking the fulfillment process, any discrepancies or suspicious activity, such as appeasement fraud (where employees manipulate return processes), can be detected quickly. This level of transparency helps reduce both employee-related shrinkage.

Using Technology to Combat Fraud
Retailers can further strengthen their loss prevention strategies by integrating advanced technologies like real-time data analytics and surveillance with click-and-collect services. Data from click-and-collect orders can be tracked to identify suspicious patterns, such as multiple high-value purchases from the same account or device. Advanced security solutions, such as alarmed anti-theft devices and real-time tracking systems, ensure that even as orders are processed for pickup, any anomalies can be flagged for further review.

Protecting High-Value Items
Retailers often face theft related to high-value goods, but by utilizing click-and-collect, these items can be stored securely until they are picked up. Unlike in-store shopping where these products may be openly displayed, click-and-collect minimizes the need for such exposure. With real-time inventory tracking and secure pickup points, retailers can ensure that valuable items remain secure until they reach the rightful customer.

Reducing Shrinkage Through Automation
By removing the need for physical checkout processes, these systems reduce the risk of theft during checkout. Moreover, with package audits and employee training specific to click-and-collect workflows, retailers can ensure that every order is accurately fulfilled, reducing potential losses due to mishandling or fraudulent activities.

As retail crime evolves, click-and-collect offers an adaptable, customer-friendly solution that also serves as a critical defense in the broader strategy against loss prevention.

The post Click & Collect, a tool against loss prevention? appeared first on https://storegeni.com/.

This trend reflects a shift in consumer behavior where smartphones have become integral to the shopping experience. Shoppers now rely heavily on their devices for everything from creating shopping lists to comparing prices and accessing promotions. Retailers who integrate mobile and digital features into the in-store experience see higher customer satisfaction, as these tools make the shopping process smoother and more efficient.

Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are one technology that retailers are increasingly adopting to enhance this mobile-assisted shopping experience. ESLs ensure real-time pricing accuracy and can display detailed product information and dynamic price adjustments, which align with the growing consumer expectation for seamless, digital-first shopping experiences. Retailers that keep pace with this technological shift are more likely to attract and retain customers who value these modern conveniences. Ultimately, the rise in smartphone use among consumers is not just changing shopping behaviors but also pushing retailers to innovate to remain competitive.

There is another technology that provides real-time product information, personalised promotions, and an efficient Scan, Pay & Go process. The StoreGeni app empowers customers with access to detailed product information, loyalty programs, and stock availability directly on their smartphones, creating a frictionless shopping journey. Retailers who will adopt this technology will not only streamline operations but also provide a superior customer experience. Retailers will stay ahead of the competition, offering a technologically advanced shopping experience that resonates with today’s digital-savvy consumers and aligns with modern consumer behavior. This approach not only meets customer expectations but also drives greater engagement and satisfaction, making the StoreGeni app a tool that will become essential in the modern retail environment.

The post Talk To The Hand: Mobiles In-Stores appeared first on https://storegeni.com/.

Despite the risks, QR codes remain a secure and effective tool for retailers. Here’s why:
Controlled Environment: In-store QR codes are typically placed in secure, monitored locations, reducing the risk of tampering. Retailers have control over the placement and maintenance of these codes.
Enhanced Customer Engagement: QR codes streamline the customer experience, allowing quick access to product information, reviews, or special offers. This enhances customer satisfaction and encourages engagement​.
Secure Transactions: When used for payments or loyalty programs, QR codes facilitate secure and efficient transactions. Retailers can integrate QR codes with secure payment gateways, ensuring customer data protection.
Real-Time Updates: Dynamic QR codes allow retailers to update the destination URL without changing the physical code. This flexibility ensures that customers always access current and relevant information​.

The post How to spot fake QR codes and why they remain a safe tool for retailers appeared first on https://storegeni.com/.

StoreGeni’s solutions, including their advanced mobile apps, merge physical and digital touchpoints, enhancing the shopping experience through personalised, dynamic, and interactive services. This integration of technology and data offers customers personalised services and recommendations, revolutionising the in-store journey.
With StoreGeni, retailers can leverage the power of mobile to provide a seamless, efficient, and engaging shopping experience. The platform’s ability to offer real-time analytics and data-driven insights helps retailers make informed decisions, targeting customers more effectively and creating customised experiences.

Deploying mobile technology in retail stores is a win-win. It enables retailers to reduce operational costs while enhancing the customer experience. For customers, it offers convenience and personalization, significantly boosting their satisfaction. This dual benefit streamlines store operations and fosters stronger customer loyalty.

Why Is Mobile the Cornerstone in Unifying Retail Experiences?

The post The mobile advantage appeared first on https://storegeni.com/.

StoreGeni is at the forefront of current retail trends, seamlessly integrating the best aspects of both physical and digital shopping experiences. Recognising the complexities of AI, StoreGeni offers an accessible alternative, particularly beneficial for medium and small retailers. Its technology is designed for easy integration with existing retail systems, making it an ideal starting point for those looking to personalize the in-store shopping experience without delving into the complexities and resource demands of AI.

Focused on user-friendliness, StoreGeni simplifies the incorporation and management of technology, providing a practical option compared to more intricate AI systems. This positions StoreGeni as an invaluable asset for retailers aiming to transform the retail landscape. By combining personalisation with technological innovation, StoreGeni meets the evolving needs and expectations of today’s consumers, making it a key player in the future of retail.

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