Skilled labor shortage in retail – how homie's AI assistants are securing the future

A PwC study reveals alarming trends in the labor market: By 2035, up to 2.55 million retail positions could remain vacant. This means companies will have to take drastic measures to fill the staffing gaps while maintaining customer service. The shortage of skilled workers is forcing the industry to rely on innovative solutions – and this is where homie comes in.

PwC Study: One in Three Positions Could Remain Unfilled

According to PwC, demographic change could result in approximately one in three positions in the retail and consumer goods industry remaining vacant by 2035. Staff shortages are already worsening, leading to longer waiting times, overworked staff, and declining customer satisfaction. This development could become even more drastic in the coming years if appropriate countermeasures are not taken.

The study emphasizes the need to find new ways to both increase efficiency in retail and continue to offer customers a high level of service. Automation and digitalization are essential keys to bridging the looming skills shortage.

homie as a solution to the skills shortage

In times when qualified personnel are becoming scarce, homie offers an important alternative at the point of sale (POS). Our AI-based live consulting solution enables customers to communicate directly with an intelligent chatbot by simply scanning a QR code. This chatbot can not only provide information about product availability but also perform simple consulting services and tell customers where to find products in the store.

homie is already being successfully deployed at Bauhaus and Thalia and demonstrates how efficient digital consulting can be in practice. The solution is scalable, cost-effective, and frees up sales staff, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.

How digitalization is revolutionizing the POS

The PwC study highlights that the shortage of skilled workers is becoming a challenge for many companies, but also presents opportunities: By using digital solutions like homie, processes can be made more efficient and staffing gaps can be compensated for. Customers today expect quick, uncomplicated help – and that's exactly what homie offers. Our AI adapts to the individual needs of each store and ensures that the customer has a positive shopping experience despite staff shortages.

homie as an indispensable alternativeThe shortage of skilled workers is not a temporary challenge, but a long-term change that retailers must respond to. Innovative solutions like homie offer the opportunity to manage this change while shaping the POS of the future. Companies that invest in digital consulting services now are not only better prepared for the future, but can also increase customer satisfaction and secure their competitiveness.

Learn more about how homie can support your business: yourhomie.ai

Source: PWC.de