NEWS
21 MARCH 2025 ASIAN TRADER 7
NEWS
Two years ago, I wrote about
artificial intelligence (AI) and its
potential impact on independ-
ent retail. Looking back, even
the most optimistic predictions
have been surpassed by the
speed and scale of AI adoption in
our sector.
What began as a buzzword
has evolved into an essential
business tool. Independent
retailers who initially viewed AI
with scepticism are now
embracing it to compete more
efectively in an increasingly
digital marketplace.
The most dramatic change
has been in customer interac-
tion. AI-powered chatbots have
evolved from simple query
handlers to sophisticated
virtual assistants. Many of our
members report that customers
often now can’t distinguish
between AI and human.
Inventory management has
been another success story. AI
systems now predict seasonal
demand with remarkable
accuracy, helping independent
retailers optimise stock levels
and reduce waste.
Social media management,
once a time-consuming task for
independent retailers, has been
transformed by AI tools.
Through our partnership with
Maybe, we’ve seen members
dramatically improve their
digital presence without
increasing their workload. The
AI now understands local
market nuances and can
generate content that reso-
nates.
Perhaps the most significant
development has been in data
analysis. AI systems now
provide independent retailers
with insights previously
available only to major chains.
From customer behaviour
patterns to pricing optimisa-
tion, from store layouts to
opening hours, these tools have
levelled the playing field
considerably.
However, the rise of AI hasn’t
been without challenges.
Privacy concerns and data
security remain important
considerations, and we’ve
learned that AI works best when
complementing human
expertise rather than replacing
it.
Looking ahead, we’re seeing
exciting developments in
augmented reality and
personalised shopping
experiences powered by AI. The
technology is becoming more
sophisticated in understanding
local market conditions and
community needs – crucial for
independent retailers who pride
themselves on their communi-
ty connections.
For those who haven’t yet
embraced AI, the message is
clear - this isn’t a passing trend.
Through Bira’s partnerships and
resources, we’re committed to
helping our members navigate
this technological transforma-
tion.
The past two years have
shown us that AI is empowering
independent retailers to focus
on what they do best: providing
personal service and building
community relationships. As
we move forward, the challenge
is how to use AI most efectively.
You also can listen to one of
our recent podcasts about AI -
search High Street Matters on
your streaming platform to find
out more.
In his regular column, Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre surveys the
damage done to retail so far in 2025.
AI and retail, two years on
AI and retail, two years on
– what have we learned?
– what have we learned?
BP launches EV
BP launches EV
convenience hub
convenience hub
Marking a major shift in its retail
strategy, bp has launched its first
dedicated EV charging and conveni-
ence hub at Cromwell Road on the A4
in Hammersmith, London.
The site has been completely
transformed, with fuel removed and
five ultra-fast BP Pulse 300kW charg-
ers installed, each capable of
charging two vehicles simultaneous-
ly under newly designed canopies.
Inside, a redesigned convenience
store features an upgraded Wild Bean
Café and an expanded M&S Food
range, tailored to meet the needs of
EV drivers and customers on the go.
HEINEKEN revamps
HEINEKEN revamps
c-store retailer scheme
c-store retailer scheme
HEINEKEN is revamping its Star
Retailer programme with a new
participation and rewards framework
for and a redesigned website.
With many of the biggest brands
forming a part of HEINEKEN’s
portfolio, Star Retailer helpS retailers
by providing category advice tailored
to c-stores, ofering rewards based
on their level of participation.
The new iteration of the loyalty
scheme will provide three reward
levels – Star Retailer, Star Plus and
Star Platinum.
Retailers will unlock a tiered set of
benefits and incentives, up to £100
per bimonthly cycle, starting in April.
Co-op breaches land
Co-op breaches land
rules 107 times
rules 107 times
The Competition and Markets
Authority (CMA) has identified 107
breaches of the Groceries Market
Investigation (Controlled Land)
Order 2010 by Co-op, raising serious
concerns about the retailer’s
compliance with competition
regulations.
The breaches relate to agree-
ments restricting rival supermarkets
from opening nearby. The Order was
introduced to prevent large grocery
retailers from using such agreements
to limit consumer choice and stifle
competition.
Following a previous case
involving Tesco in 2020, the CMA had
instructed all large grocery retailers,
including Co-op, to review their
compliance with the Order.
By Andrew
Goodacre, CEO
of Bira (British
Independent
Retailers
Association)