Simon, a renowned retail and mixed-use real estate firm, has unveiled its latest innovation, “HolidAI,” leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to assist shoppers in discovering ideal gifts. This pioneering tool will debut at Roosevelt Field in Garden City, New York, and Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, California, commencing on 24th November.
Powered by ChatGPT 4.0, HolidAI aims to seamlessly connect customers with products housed within its gift database. Termed “HolidAI helper elves,” Simon’s staff will utilise digital tablets to aid shoppers. By engaging in personalised, AI-driven interactions, the tool will efficiently pinpoint and locate desired items within the shopping centers.
In an effort to elevate the shopping experience, these helpers will not only offer assistance but also provide spontaneous dancing and singing performances.
Lee Sterling, Chief Marketing Officer at Simon, emphasised that shopping at their centers during the holiday season is marked by festivity and special experiences. “As holiday shoppers interact with our animated and well-informed helper elves, they will delight in discovering the perfect gift, courtesy of the latest AI advancements,” Sterling affirmed.
Previously, Simon Property Group introduced the Simon Search tool, a pilot project enabling customers to locate in-stock items across participating retailers within their properties. This successful initiative expanded earlier this year, encompassing 187 properties and facilitating shopping across more than 3,300 stores.
Joining a league of retailers and corporations exploring AI in retail, Simon aligns itself with industry giants like eBay, Amazon, Google, and Walmart. Notably, in the United States, the National Retail Federation recently unveiled four guiding principles for retailers adopting AI, focusing on governance, risk management, and partner accountability. This underscores the increasing prominence of AI, with major companies frequently launching new experiments in this domain.
