Gap Inc. is unveiling a suite of AI-powered shopping tools across all its brands, marking a significant evolution three decades after launching its first e-commerce website in 1996 (Retail Dive - Technology). Starting Monday, customers can discover items via Alta Daily, which curates outfit suggestions based on schedule, budget, and weather, and Daydream, a conversational platform that provides fashion ideas using natural language across all Gap Inc. brands (Retail Dive - Technology). Old Navy and Banana Republic are also launching conversational shopping agents on their websites and apps.
Gap Inc. Chief Technology Officer Sven Gerjets acknowledges that consumers can be wary of AI-assisted shopping experiences, with some 45% of purchases that consumers regret making with AI help being apparel and footwear (Retail Dive - Technology). Consumers are more likely to shop with AI at retailers they already trust but are concerned about data usage and want to maintain control over their shopping journey. Gerjets emphasized that the goal is to reduce friction and provide genuinely useful experiences while keeping customers in control and supporting rather than replacing their relationship with the brands.
The announcement coincides with SF Tech Week, and Gap Inc. is hosting a panel event featuring Alta founder and CEO Jenny Wang, Daydream co-founder and CEO Julie Bornstein, and other industry leaders to discuss the next chapter of retail innovation (Retail Dive - Technology).