At the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2025 event, Google Cloud unveiled a suite of generative AI tools aimed at addressing the unique challenges of the retail industry.
These tools, including the Agentspace platform and enhancements to the Vertex AI platform’s Search for commerce tool, promise to transform both customer experiences and internal retail operations.
Agentspace
Google’s Agentspace platform empowers retailers to create customized AI agents that automate diverse tasks, enhancing both customer-facing and backend processes.
Customer-Facing Features
- Delivering tailored product recommendations.
- Providing real-time answers to customer queries.
- Guiding shoppers through their purchasing journey.
Backend Efficiency
- Streamlining inventory management.
- Improving customer service workflows.
- Integrating seamlessly with tools like Slack, GitHub, Google Drive, and Outlook for smoother enterprise operations.
Vertex AI’s Search for Commerce
Google Cloud has enhanced its Search for commerce tool within the Vertex AI platform, embedding advanced search capabilities into e-commerce websites to simplify product discovery.
Core Features
- Advanced AI Models: Precision search functionality for faster product navigation.
- Connected Stores Tool: An omnichannel solution linking in-store systems with user devices, enabling:
- Browsing physical store catalogs.
- Streamlined checkouts.
- Real-time inventory visibility.
These upgrades aim to improve customer satisfaction and boost conversion rates.
Transforming Retail Operations
Google Cloud’s AI tools directly address critical retail challenges, such as rising operational costs, supply chain complexities, and the demand for seamless omnichannel experiences.
Agentspace for Operational Optimization
Retailers can deploy intelligent AI agents to:
- Automate inventory management and loss prevention.
- Enhance customer interactions with personalized assistance.
- Allow employees to focus on strategic initiatives.
AI-Powered Marketing
Retailers can unlock value from data through personalized campaigns and predictive audience segmentation. Tools like Eagle Eye and LiveRamp enable real-time promotions and deeper customer engagement, fostering loyalty.
Innovations Driving Retail Success
Retailer Success Stories
- Wayfair: Leveraging Vertex AI and Gemini, Wayfair reduced catalog launch times by 80% through automated product tagging.
- Standard.ai: Using AI for in-store customer behavior analysis, Standard.ai helps brick-and-mortar stores optimize layouts and improve the shopping experience.
Collaboration with Nvidia
Google Cloud’s partnership with Nvidia offers scalable AI solutions for retail. Nvidia’s AI Enterprise software enables efficient management of complex AI tasks, such as customer support cost reduction and advanced in-store analytics.
Everseen Vision AI
In collaboration with Google Cloud, Everseen employs AI-powered computer vision to enhance physical retail operations. This includes theft prevention, real-time inventory management, and improved customer experiences.
Sustainability and Physical Retail Innovations
Google’s tools also prioritize sustainable practices and physical store enhancements:
- Sustainability: AI-enabled supply chain tools from platforms like Manhattan and o9 Solutions optimize inventory management, fulfillment, and planning while reducing carbon footprints.
- Physical Store Optimization: Partners like VusionGroup and Zebra focus on intelligent pricing and connected worker systems to improve in-store operations.
Strategic Partnerships and Integration
Google Cloud collaborates with firms like Accenture, Deloitte, and Tredence to provide tailored AI solutions for retailers.
These partnerships ensure seamless integration across marketing, operations, and supply chain domains, helping businesses stay competitive in an evolving retail landscape.
Enterprise Accessibility and Pricing
Both Agentspace and the Search for commerce tool are enterprise-driven solutions tailored to retailers’ unique needs.
While Google Cloud has not disclosed standard pricing, customized quotes are available upon request, ensuring flexibility for businesses of all sizes.
