AI has become a crucial channel for restaurant discovery, with 22% of consumers using AI tools, such as Google Gemini or ChatGPT, to choose dining options, according to a DoorDash report. However, only 28% of restaurant operators are utilizing AI for managing reservations and customer service, leading to a sector-wide call abandonment rate of 40% and a gap between operator readiness and consumer adoption. The findings suggest that improving digital presence and leveraging AI could enhance discoverability and operational efficiency as well as free up staff to improve the guest experience.

During its first-quarter earnings call, Home Depot revealed that its AI-powered tools for Pro customers are fully integrated and boosting performance. Material List Builder AI, an AI ecosystem tool developed with Google Cloud that launched in January, simplifies project planning by generating material lists quickly, enhancing the Pro segment's efficiency. The Pro segment's strong performance contributed to a 4.8% increase in total sales, underscoring the impact of Home Depot's targeted technology investments.

Warby Parker, in collaboration with Google and Samsung, is set to launch its first line of smart glasses later this year. These glasses, featuring the Gemini assistant, will be compatible with Android and iOS, provide audio information privately and can perform tasks like order food from DoorDash. This move positions Google against competitors like Meta, which has seen success with its AI glasses, and Apple, which is reportedly developing its own smart eyewear.

Retailer WHSmith has introduced an AI-powered assistant named IMo at its InMotion shops in Melbourne Airport. The tool aims to help travelers make faster and more confident buying decisions by providing personalized product recommendations, with customers interacting with IMo via their phones by scanning a QR code in-store. The pilot, supported by Melbourne Airport, focuses on analyzing customer behavior and enhancing the shopping experience in busy airport environments.

Unilever is harnessing AI to accelerate research and development in its Beauty & Wellbeing division, which includes haircare, skincare and supplements. Using AI, automation and machine learning, Unilever's R&D team analyzes consumer insights 60% faster, identifies trends in real time and reduces formulation cycles.

Addressing the persistent challenge of inventory distortion—which costs retailers $1.73 trillion annually—the Merchmix OS leverages AI to optimize stock allocation and utilization. The platform helps businesses avoid both overstocking and understocking by using real-time demand signals and performance analytics, resulting in improved margins and better inventory management across multiple channels and regions.