According to a study carried out by OnePoll for the Marketplace Make, For 40 % of independent French merchants, AI could even reshuffle the competition cards with the big chains. A quarter of them already say they save time and money thanks to it.
While artificial intelligence is investing in large companies to optimize employee productivity, a study conducted by OnePoll for the FAIRE marketplace reveals that local French businesses have already started to adopt AI-powered tools. This trend challenges preconceived ideas that smaller businesses struggle to embrace the latest innovations, and marks a watershed moment in how small retailers harness the power of now-accessible technology. For local businesses, AI seems to be a new ally to evolve in a very competitive market : one in four believe that it saves them money. According to this study carried out among 250 small French retailers, 84% of them have already adopted artificial intelligence, particularly for uses in the context of marketing activities (33 %), sales (33 %) and sending emails (30 %). According to the same study, 77% also believe that this technology saves their business money.
Convinced traders
At a time when the return on investment of AI is the subject of much debate, 24% of retailers surveyed reported an average saving of €91 per day, or almost €20,000 per year. During a normal day, surveyed merchants estimate they save one hour and 48 minutes thanks to AI, or nine hours during a work week. While they face competition from both large chains and e-commerce, almost a quarter (24 %) of store owners who have implemented AI are convinced that it has given them “new ways” to compete with the big players and 26% said their sales have increased thanks to this technology.
Daily uses of AI
AI adoption comes as 45% of small retailers say the biggest challenge their business faces is increasing costs. Next comes the drop in consumer spending (39 %) and competition from large retailers and e-commerce giants (36 %). In reaction, 3 out of 10 traders (31 %) are turning to AI to save time and automate repetitive or time-consuming tasks. Others see it as a way to boost their efficiency (28 %) or to stay at the forefront of trends (22 %). “I use one of the most well-known generative AI tools on the market. Especially to organize my days, write job offers, plan my work and also have points of view to resolve conflicts. AI does not replace the human connection, it just allows me to be more present where it really matters”, testifies Anna Pedelaborde, founder and manager of the historic Bordeaux grocery store Échoppe de la Lune.
A need for advice and support
However, Not all independent retailers are convinced by the power of AI. Some 18% of merchants surveyed who have adopted this technology “do not fully trust it”. While 14% are worried about the excessive dependence it could cause, 18% fear it lacks a personal touch. The study also showed that 14% have doubts in general when it comes to adopting new business tools or software. 70% of independent retailers would like more support and advice on the advantages of this technology. otherwise, 56% of those who have not yet adopted this technology admit that they fear being left behind if they do not adopt AI quickly.
L'IA, for what to do ?
The main reasons cited by retailers.
• To save time and reduce repetitive tasks.
• To make their business more productive overall.
• To experiment with new tools and stay at the forefront of trends.
• To remain competitive with large groups.
• To avoid getting left behind by other retailers, young and old, who make better use of technology and AI.
• To automate marketing and improve customer engagement.
• To improve decision-making through better data and information.
• To prepare the company for changes in the sector.
• To improve the personalization of interactions with customers.
• To streamline inventory management and reduce waste.
