The Retail Technology Show 2025: With Cegid Pulse, Exploit the Full Power of AI

AI in Action: Seamless Conversations and Instant Answers

During the demo at RTS, the spotlight was on the practical applications of Agentic AI. Christian Taltas, Chief AI Product Officer at Cegid, led the session by demonstrating how Agentic AI makes it possible for users to simply ask questions in natural human language and receive instant answers. Whether it’s retrieving reports, sending emails or generating articles, users can expect AI to provide detailed and relevant responses in real-time, exactly as if they were having a conversation with another human.

This level of interactivity is made possible by the integration of Large Language Models (LLM), which allow the AI to understand and process text in a contextual manner. Unlike traditional AI systems, which often require specific queries or commands, Agentic AI can optimise retail task management by handling complex tasks and conversations that are typically reserved for human employees.

Transforming Store Operations with AI

In a typical retail environment, time is often wasted searching for information or performing repetitive tasks. But with Agentic AI, this becomes a thing of the past. For example, retail staff no longer need to manually check schedules or track trading figures. Instead, they can simply ask their AI assistant, “Which staff are scheduled for the next day, and are there any gaps in coverage?” The AI instantly identifies scheduling conflicts, especially during peak times, or “golden hours,” and provides actionable insights to address any shortfalls in coverage.

This solution doesn’t just benefit stores; head office operations can also be transformed. By sitting atop a retailer’s existing technology stack and connecting through APIs, Agentic AI acts as a bridge between different systems, making it easier for everyone in the company to access crucial information. Whether it’s tracking performance against weekly sales targets or understanding HR metrics like staff attendance, Agentic AI streamlines the process, saving time and improving decision-making.

Empowering HR Teams with AI-Driven Insights

Cegid has also set the bar high for HR innovation within retail. Their Cegid HR solutions enable retailers to attract, nurture and retain top talent, and with the addition of Agentic AI, the potential to transform human resource management is even greater. In the demonstration, Alan Holcroft, Country Manager at Cegid, showcased how a user could inquire about the most important emails received over the last 24 hours and receive detailed responses about what actions were required. This ability to prioritise tasks and manage communications efficiently can vastly improve productivity for HR and other teams within the organisation.

AI Revolutionises Customer Experience and Store Performance

What’s even more exciting is the way AI can be used to create hyper-personalised customer experiences. With AI agents accessing trading and marketing data in real time, they can provide virtual assistants that offer relevant purchasing recommendations, thus driving conversions. The focus on customer personalisation goes hand-in-hand with Cegid’s broader vision for unified commerce through its Cegid Retail platform, which supports retailers in providing seamless, customised experiences across all touchpoints.

Moreover, retail teams can harness the power of AI to enhance the performance of their stores. By automatically generating high-quality content, using AI-enabled visual merchandising software for brand compliance, and managing inventory or stock requests, employees are free to focus on creative, growth-driven tasks. With AI handling repetitive or time-consuming duties, store associates and managers can spend more time developing strategies that foster business growth.

AI Driving Retail Innovation in 2025

The demand for AI solutions is more apparent than ever, as highlighted by recent research conducted by RTS. According to a survey of over 2,000 senior UK retail professionals, AI is seen as the most impactful technology for accelerating business growth in 2025. Over half of respondents identified AI as a top priority, with generative AI and personalisation technologies also ranking highly. This growing emphasis on AI reflects the broader trend in retail, where businesses are looking to enhance operational efficiency, customer experiences, and decision-making through the power of advanced technology.

The Future of Retail: Streamlined Operations and Data-Driven Growth

Cegid’s innovative use of AI is part of a broader trend in retail technology that is set to shape the future of the industry. As retailers increasingly adopt AI-powered solutions, the sector is poised for a transformation in how it operates, interacts with customers and makes data-driven decisions. From enhanced customer personalisation to improved operational efficiency, the potential for AI to drive growth is boundless.

In conclusion, Cegid’s Agentic AI is a game-changer for the retail sector. By integrating AI into the retail workflow, businesses can unlock new levels of productivity, creativity, and customer satisfaction. As the industry continues to evolve, solutions like Cegid’s will be at the forefront, helping retailers navigate the challenges of the future while remaining competitive in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.