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Writer's pictureJon Allen

AI in Retail: A Blessing or a HAL 9000 Waiting to Happen?


AI Bot.

When the classic film “2001: A Space Odyssey” premiered in 1968, few could have predicted how relevant its exploration of artificial intelligence would remain over half a century later.


Those memorable words the HAL 9000 supercomputer uttered, “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that,” painted a bleak picture of what AI might look like if left unchecked. As we rapidly integrate AI into our daily lives, we're pondering how much we can trust these machines.

From Smart Fridges to Auto-Negotiations

The progression of AI is undeniable. AI seems omnipresent, from dictating our car's GPS routes to controlling our smart home devices. But, as with anything, the effectiveness of this tech is only as reliable as its programming. Remember: “Garbage in. Garbage out.”


Yet, a new frontier looms as we comfortably automate our homes and vehicles: AI in business negotiations.

The AI Negotiation Landscape

Recent advancements have seen companies, including giants like Walmart, tapping into the power of AI for contract negotiations. The promise is of streamlined, efficient, and unbiased contract discussions using AI-driven chatbots to interact with human suppliers.

While some have embraced this brave new world, others are more reticent. The nuances of human communication and the intricacies of contract negotiations make this a contentious space for AI's involvement.

Proceed with Caution

Industry experts advocate caution. As Rohit Tandon from Deloitte rightly suggests, dabbling in AI for supply chain negotiations should start on a smaller scale, refining the process as accuracy and value are proven. The 'one-size-fits-all' approach may only suit some businesses, and what's optimal for a retail giant might not be for a smaller supplier.

The Human Touch

Through our partnership with the leader in retail deduction recovery, HRG, we champion innovation and value the human touch. We believe in assisting our clients through a meticulous blend of proprietary technology and seasoned auditors to reclaim their dues from retailers, whether they be erroneous deductions, fines, or underpayments.


In a world where AI is fast becoming a mainstay, Woodridge Retail Group’s deduction recovery solutions, powered by HRG, stand out through our comprehensive approach, covering all categories across top retailers. When entering a negotiation, you should never hear, “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

Need help? Let's talk.


About Us Woodridge Retail Group is a sales and marketing agency focused on accelerating business growth and profits online and in stores. We meet clients where they are and commit to growing their businesses. That commitment is core to who we are.

From national retailers like Walmart, Target, CVS, and online giant Amazon to regional retailers like Texas’ H-E-B, Woodridge is with you every step of the way.





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