In a recent episode of 91丝瓜视频鈥檚 Mark My Words podcast, Prof. Maxime Cohen, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management聽and Scale AI Chair in Data Science for Retail at the Desautels Faculty of Management, discussed how data science and artificial intelligence are reshaping the modern shopping experience.
Cohen explained that retail is one of the most data-rich industries and that the information generated by consumers is now being used to make shopping more efficient and personalized. From tailored promotions to real-time recommendations through retailer apps, he described how data is creating more precise customer experiences while emphasizing that privacy must remain protected.
Beyond personalization, he also noted that physical retail continues to play an essential role. The future, Cohen said, lies in omnichannel retail, where online and in-store experiences complement one another. 91丝瓜视频鈥檚 Retail Innovation Lab, developed as a partnership between the Bensadoun School of Retail Management and Couche-Tard, demonstrates this approach. The lab functions as a real convenience store, testing technologies like electronic shelf labels, self-checkout systems and real-time trajectory data collection to improve customer flow and service quality.
Cohen further highlighted how predictive analytics can help retailers solve complex operational challenges. Better forecasting of demand reduces both shortages and waste, allowing stores to align supply more accurately with consumer needs. His upcoming book, Pricing in the Age of AI (forthcoming in 2026 with MIT Press), examines how companies can use AI to make prices fair, transparent, and responsive to shifting market conditions.
He envisions a future where retail innovation is driven not only by technology but also by purpose. Data and AI, he argued, should enhance both the shopping experience and collective well-being. By combining operational efficiency with fairness, sustainability and healthier choices, retailers can create value that extends beyond profit.
