AI-Powered Retail — Central Retail Corporation's Approach to Personalization, Efficiency, and Growth

This IDC case study explores how Central Retail Corporation (CRC) is using AI and digital partnerships to scale innovation while maintaining operational efficiency. By implementing an AI-powered customer data platform, hyper-personalization strategies, and application programming interface (API)–driven systems integrations, the company optimized inventory, enhanced delivery efficiency, and deepened customer relationships. This study underscores the importance of an ecosystem-first approach, ensuring seamless data exchange, secure collaboration, and a strong technological foundation for long-term competitiveness in the evolving retail landscape."AI-powered ecosystems are transforming retail, but they also introduce new complexities in data integration, security, and partner collaborations," says Stephanie Krishnan, associate VP, IDC Insights. "CRC's approach demonstrates how strategic AI adoption and strong partnerships can drive efficiency and personalization at scale. The real differentiators will be the retailers that successfully balance these innovations with operational agility, ensuring that interconnected digital ecosystems enhance — not constrain — their ability to adapt to evolving market demands."