Retail has long embraced automation, but now it’s taking a leap into a new frontier—autonomous decision-making. Enter agentic AI, a technology that doesn’t just automate tasks but makes real-time, intelligent decisions. With major retailers like Walmart integrating AI-driven fulfillment robots and brands such as Bath & Body Works rolling out personalized AI-powered shopping assistants, the industry is undergoing a massive transformation. As AI continues to evolve, businesses must balance technological innovation with practical implementation to maximize its benefits.
IBM has been a key player in this transformation, with its Watsonx platform helping businesses implement AI solutions that extend beyond automation and into real-time decision-making. According to IBM’s research, agentic AI is poised to redefine AI applications by combining the adaptability of large language models (LLMs) with the precision of traditional programming.
So, what does it take to move from simple automation to truly intelligent, decision-making AI? And how can retailers ensure these technologies create real value while maintaining control over operations and customer experiences?
In this episode of Experts Talk, host Daniel Litwin, the voice of B2B, sits down with Ricardo Belmar, Director of Partner Marketing for Retail & Consumer Goods at Microsoft, to discuss how agentic AI is transforming retail. They explore how businesses are integrating AI into decision-making, the cultural and operational shifts required, and the evolving role of human oversight in an AI-driven landscape.
Key takeaways from the episode…
- Agentic AI is redefining retail: Unlike traditional automation, this next-gen AI can assess situations, make decisions, and execute actions—without human intervention.
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Real-world applications are taking off: Walmart’s AI-powered warehouses, Bath & Body Works’ Gingham Genius assistant, and IBM’s watsonx.ai platform showcase how AI is already making an impact.
- Cultural shifts are critical: AI adoption requires executive buy-in, cross-functional collaboration, and a mindset shift—from fearing job loss to embracing AI as a tool that enhances human capabilities.
Ricardo Belmar is a retail technology leader with over 25 years of experience, currently serving as the Director of Partner Marketing for Retail & Consumer Goods at Microsoft, where he helps businesses integrate AI-driven solutions for enhanced operations and customer experiences. Recognized as a top retail thought leader by Rethink Retail and Thinkers360, he advises retailers on digital transformation, automation, and go-to-market strategies. As the host and producer of the award-winning Retail Razor Podcast Network, he shares expert insights on emerging retail technologies, industry trends, and AI’s evolving role in the sector.
Article written by MarketScale.
