22 January 2026
Independent retailers have a major opportunity to stand out using artificial intelligence, a new podcast has revealed.
The latest episode of 'High Street Matters' from Bira explores how AI tools, once exclusive to major chains, are now accessible to businesses of all sizes - and reveals striking new research showing consumers are already using AI to shop but can't identify any retailers delivering memorable AI experiences.
The episode, titled 'Smart Retail Revolution - How AI is Levelling the Playing Field for Independent Retailers', features consumer data that should galvanise every independent retailer into action.
Research from global AI and tech acceleration partner CI&T surveying 2,000 consumers across the UK and Ireland found that 61% have used AI tools when shopping, with 53% doing so often or very often. Yet 68% cannot name a single retailer delivering a memorable AI experience.
Melissa Minkow, Global Director of Retail Strategy and Insights at CI&T, said: "Consumers are embracing this technology but there's a huge gap. Independent retailers who get this right now have a real chance to stand out."
The research also revealed what consumers want from AI in retail: 63% want it to save them time, 61% want it to make finding products easier, and 58% want help getting better prices.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said independent retailers are perfectly positioned to seize this opportunity: "What I love about independent retailers is they already know their existing customers really well. But AI is going to afford them the opportunity to reach a whole new customer that they may not know currently."
However, trust remains crucial. The research found 83% of consumers say data breaches impact their shopping decisions, with data privacy the top concern about AI shopping experiences.
"Independent retailers can position themselves as the trustworthy alternative by being transparent about how they use AI," Melissa added.
Thomas Akintan, co-founder of Avalon Insights, which specialises in helping SMEs adopt AI, urged retailers to start small: "Start with simple things, test the use case, make sure your customers are happy with it, and make sure it works before you roll it out."
The podcast reveals practical first steps including using free tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Jasper for creating social media content, writing product descriptions, and managing customer communications.
Andrew said: "If you haven't explored ChatGPT, if you haven't heard of Claude or Jasper, go and visit them, see what they can do. Above all else, be brave. Retailers are naturally brave - they just need to explore the opportunity this accessible technology can bring."
The episode addresses common concerns about AI replacing staff, emphasising that the technology should augment human capabilities rather than replace them, freeing staff to focus on customer relationships.
Thomas said: "Yes, AI is accessible, but it's also powerful. With that power comes responsibility, and we have to be responsible when using it."
Catch up on key industry insights with podcast episodes available now
In this special Budget reaction episode, recorded shortly after the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, Andrew Goodacre and John Jones from Philip Morris & Son examine what the Government's promised "transformation" really means for independent retailers.
Watch and listen today, and listen back to Season 1.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
Image credit: Daenin/stock.adobe.com
Latest News
Read more-
Falling employment figures prove shops need same business rates relief as pubs, says Bira
Independent retailers are facing the same crippling pressures as pubs but remain excluded from discussions about additional business rates support, Bira has warned following the latest employment figures.
-
Welsh retail businesses among those offered 40 per cent rates relief in 2025-26
Retailers across Wales are set to receive a 40% cut to their business rates under a new Welsh Government support scheme.
-
FCA sets out changes to allow contactless limits to be set by banks and payment providers
The Financial Conduct Authority has announced changes to its rules on contactless payments, giving banks and payment providers greater flexibility over transaction limits.
-
Scottish Budget falls short for independent retailers, warns Bira
Independent retailers across Scotland have been left disappointed by the Scottish Budget, with Bira warning that the measures announced fall short of what is needed.