🔍 Study Overview
EHI conducted a survey with 200 German-speaking retail executives online, from May 21 to June 25, 2024.
The study focused on how executives view artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI technologies.
Findings reveal widespread familiarity and acceptance of AI as a powerful tool in business, especially for e-commerce, IT, and logistics sectors.
🚀 Gen AI Adoption in Key Areas
95.5% of executives believe generative AI will significantly impact e-commerce.
Key departments for adoption include e-commerce, IT, logistics, marketing, and category management.
Retailers see potential in using AI for both operations and customer service, positioning it as a critical tool for future growth.
📊 Knowledge and Investment Gaps
While 80% are familiar with AI, 22% lack an understanding of generative AI.
60% have a partial understanding, and 18% don’t recognize the term "generative AI."
Despite these gaps, 80% of executives plan to invest in AI within two years, expecting it to impact the industry strongly over the next five years.
⚖️ Challenges in AI Adoption
Major barriers include staffing shortages, privacy issues, and rigid processes.
30% cite workforce shortages as the top hurdle to implementing AI.
Privacy and regulatory concerns, especially EU laws, are cited as significant obstacles.
What role will AI play in shaping e-commerce in Europe?
