Microsoft announces new retail-focused AI and data tools and partnerships

Microsoft announced a range of retail-focused tools and features ahead of the NRF 2024 Big Show. The company will be adding new retail-focused AI templates for Azure OpenAI Service, a retail data solution for Microsoft Fabric, and new copilot features in both Dynamics 365 Customer Insights and Microsoft Cloud for Retail.

A prebuilt “copilot template” in Cloud for Retail is now in preview and works with a retailer’s current systems and data. It can be embedded into online experiences for shoppers, who can ask questions and explain what they are looking for via text input. Microsoft shared the following example:

A first-time camper shopping for a camping trip…in early March can visit a sporting goods retailer’s website and state in the chat, “I’m going camping in to Yosemite this March, and I have never camped before. Help me find the right gear.” Shoppers receive a response in natural language with recommendations for essentials. The copilot template for personalized shopping can also surface complementary items to increase basket size and customer satisfaction.

Shelly Bransten, Microsoft CVP for Global Retail, Consumer Goods & Gaming Industries, explained this template offers one way for retailers to build copilot experiences with the platform.