Kingfisher Introduces AI-Powered DIY Assistant
Kingfisher, the home improvement retailer housing renowned brands like B&Q and Castorama, has introduced an industry-first artificial intelligence (AI) powered assistant to assist customers in their do-it-yourself (DIY) endeavors.
In a quest for cost efficiency and increased revenue, many retailers are turning to AI to enhance personalized shopping experiences for their customers.
Innovative Virtual Assistance
On Tuesday, FTSE 100 company Kingfisher announced the launch of a virtual assistant designed to address customers’ DIY inquiries online. This AI-driven assistant offers step-by-step guidance on various home improvement projects along with product recommendations.
Customers can pose questions such as “how do I install a worktop in my kitchen?” or “which saw should I choose to cut my worktop?” The virtual assistant promptly responds with pertinent advice.
Beyond text-based interactions, the assistant is set to incorporate visual capabilities, allowing it to analyze photos for visual searches and respond to visual queries.
Initially debuting on the Castorama France unit’s website and app, the virtual assistant, adaptable to multiple languages, will be expanded to other Kingfisher businesses—including B&Q and Screwfix in Britain and Brico Dépôt in France—if the initial implementation proves successful.
Tom Betts, Kingfisher’s group data director, expressed great enthusiasm about the technology’s potential. The company’s e-commerce sales saw a 7.1% growth in the first half, constituting 16.8% of total sales.
Quarterly results for the third quarter are scheduled to be disclosed on November 22.
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