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Can AI Save the High Street? Retailers Invest in Innovation to Drive Footfall In-Store and Online

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on September 21, 2018

4 min read

Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Retailers using AI and technology to enhance customer experience - Global Banking & Finance Review — An image depicting retail technology in action, showcasing AI and virtual assistants driving foot traffic both in-store and online. This visual captures the essence of innovation in the retail sector as highlighted in the article.

Over 90% of retailers will have AI / virtual assistant technology in-store and online over the next five years
67% of retailers are currently using geofence technology to drive shoppers in-store
Omnichannel consistency and recruiting talent considered biggest challenges to creating a personalised shopper experience

A new report from VoucherCodes.co.uk and WBR Insights has revealed that over 90% of retailers expect to have Artificial Intelligence (AI) or virtual assistant technology operating in-store and online within the next five years.

In a report interviewing 200 senior executives at major UK and French retailers,VoucherCodes.co.uk has revealed that retailers are investing in AI, Virtual Reality (VR) and geofence technology to drive footfall in-store and drive continued sales growth online.

Investing in innovation

From chatbots to help streamline customer service operations to AI powered recommendation engines, retailers are embracing technology to simplify and enrich the user experience. In fact, 77% of retailers revealed that simplifying the customer experience is their core ambition and actively designed their e-commerce presence primarily based on simplicity and convenience.

The report also revealed retailers priorities for tech investment, highlighting potential areas for growth over the next five years. Unsurprisingly, AI technology looks set for continued growth as it was deemed the second most important area for tech investment, behind traditional mobile applications. Meanwhile, 27% of retailers confirmed that they had invested in Augmented Reality (AR) technology over the last 12 months as retailers rush to engage consumers both in-store and via mobile.

Other top priorities included:

37% of retailers confirmed that they had invested in Virtual Reality technology over the last 12 months
38% have already introduced virtual assistants and 53% are planning on doing so
44% of retailers surveyed offer AI powered chatbots to help shoppers; 54% are planning to in the next five years

Revolutionising the in-store experience

Over the past five years retailers have continued to invest in expanding and improving the in-store experience to increase customer loyalty. As the popularity of the traditional physical store fades, high street retailers have come under increasing pressure to compete with the ease and stress-free experience that online shopping offers.

The VoucherCodes.co.uk report clearly indicates that retailers believe technology will give them the edge they need to drive further footfall in-store. 67% of retailers confirmed they are already using geofence technology to connect online shopping to the high street; while a further 33% are planning to do so within the next five years.

The top challenges for retailers

However, as retailers continue to embrace technology and data to transform both the in-store and online shopping experience, several challenges arise. Firstly, is the challenge of multi-platform delivery – making sure that the customer has a consistent brand experience regardless of channel or platform. Secondly, retailers are often struggling to make sure that they have the requisite talent within the business to best maximise digital investment. Competition for the best people in the industry is fierce and recruitment of digital and technology experts can be a long and difficult process.

Jimmy New, Director of Marketing at VoucherCodes.co.uk commented:

“These latest figures highlight how retailers are continuing to adapt to the growth of online and mobile spending. Technology and digital investment will be key to ensure this growth does not come at the expense of traditional high street spend, as Artificial Intelligence and other popular innovations transform the shopping experience.

“To remain competitive and respond to customer demands, it is more vital than ever for retailers to evolve their in-store and online offering and create a sense of occasion and experience. Fortunately, thanks to the rapid developments in both AI and AR technology, retailers can create an even more immersive experience for customers – helping them to build stronger connections and encourage loyalty.

“At VoucherCodes.co.uk we work with thousands of retailers and brands to ensure they can effectively harness the power of technology and personalisation to create a focused and customer-centric approach to their marketing. Whilst the future of the high street remains unpredictable, over the next 12 months we expect to see retailers continue to invest in tech and mine for more intelligent data to create a more personalised approach. AI, AR and many other exciting developments will no doubt be at the forefront of upcoming changes; however, meeting customer needs and expectations will be what drives activity and investment moving forward.”