A significant shift in consumer attitudes is underway, as new research reveals that more than half of Britons are receptive to the idea of artificial intelligence managing their shopping.
A comprehensive poll of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Kingfisher – the parent company of B&Q and Screwfix – found that 28% would be comfortable with a personal AI assistant making purchases for them. This automated shopping would be based solely on their shopping history and identified needs, with most participants willing to delegate spending authority up to £99 without requiring prior approval for each transaction.
The Store of the Future is Here
Shoppers are not just accepting of AI agents; they are actively looking forward to a revolution in physical retail spaces. The study indicates strong consumer anticipation for stores featuring smart trolleys and baskets that automatically track the prices of items as they are added.
Furthermore, respondents expressed excitement about other innovations, including smart shelves that dynamically adjust prices and display personalised offers. The integration of biometric payment options was also highlighted as a desirable feature, promising a faster and more seamless checkout experience.
Blending Digital and Physical Retail
The research, developed in collaboration with Andrew Grill, the Actionable Futurist, paints a picture of a deeply integrated retail ecosystem. Andrew believes the findings show how at ease shoppers are becoming with AI, underscoring the critical importance of speed and convenience in the modern consumer journey.
"AI shopping agents are no longer science fiction - they're the next retail revolution," Andrew stated. "We're entering an age of anticipatory retail - where customers expect brands to know what they need before they do."
Practical tools are also in high demand. The study found that 24% of respondents want a bulb and fixture scanner app to identify the correct size screws, fittings, or lightbulbs, eliminating the hassle of manual measurement.
Meanwhile, 23% of customers desire a smooth transition from online to in-store shopping, such as being guided directly to the location of items already in their online basket. Other sought-after technologies include customisation stations (14%) and augmented reality stores (12%), where shoppers could use a phone or smart glasses to view product reviews, sustainability scores, and personalised offers.
3D Printing and the Enduring Value of Human Expertise
Perhaps one of the most futuristic revelations is the appetite for in-store 3D printing. Data from OnePoll.com showed that one in ten (10%) respondents were thrilled by the prospect of having out-of-stock tools or parts printed on demand right before their eyes.
The most popular items identified for in-store 3D printing were home décor items like picture frames, replacement parts for tools or appliances, and custom brackets or fittings.
However, despite this enthusiasm for technology, the human touch remains vital in certain areas. When it comes to advice on home improvement purchases, 45% of people still prefer human expertise over AI, with a mere 4% opting for the latter.
Thierry Garnier, CEO of Kingfisher, which created a visual representation of the future store, said: "As the way we shop continues to evolve, customers are embracing technology to deliver greater personalisation, speed, choice, and richer experiences. We see our digital ecosystem as fundamental to serving our customers' rapidly changing needs, seamlessly connecting every part of our offer."
