Strategies Spring 2026_No Crops

OPERATIONS

Retail AI Reality How Independent Home Improvement Retailers Can Use AI to Their Advantage T The use of artificial intelligence

Improve in-store events and promotions • Choose event dates based on store traffic patterns • Build signage and promotional materials quickly • Create follow-up messaging after events • Build store calendars for events and store resets Streamline HR • Creating job descriptions, requirements and expectations • Develop standard operating procedures for all aspects of your business • Manage scheduling conflicts and preferred schedules for employees Strengthen inventory management • Surface inventory issues quickly • Forecast demand and reduce overstock • Support reordering using sales trends • Improve merchandising layouts and planograms • Manage endcaps tied to seasons and promotions Use AI with clear guardrails • Avoid HR, legal and financial data • Limit inputs to sales, inventory and marketing • Use AI to support staff, not replace them • Create clear guidelines around AI usage

in retail is growing fast, and for many small businesses, it can become a natural part of your daily operation. When used properly, AI supports staff, speeds up routine work and improves customer experience without touching HR, legal or finances. As you continue to improve your operation, here are five ways you can begin utilizing AI in your business. Run smarter marketing campaigns • Draft email, SMS and in-store promo copy faster • Segment customers using POS sales data • Test offers and timing before launching • Personalize customer offerings

Best AI Tools to Use in Your Operation

Microsoft Copilot • Works with Outlook, Excel and Teams • Speeds up reports and presentations • Analyze POS reports and spreadsheets

Claude • Handle longer documents and planning notes • Clean up vendor content and training material • Support policy-friendly internal writing Canva • Create signs, flyers and social graphics • Resize designs for print and digital • Keep branding consistent across stores Scribe • Document store processes step-by-step • Build training guides quickly • Reduce repeat questions from staff ChatGPT • Draft marketing copy, emails and signage • Summarize reports and sales notes • Brainstorm promotions and event ideas

36 Spring 2026 • Hardlines Strategies