Boots unveils plans to launch AI ‘personal shopper’

Boots is planning to launch a ChatGPT “personal shopper” tool for its website users in aims to boost online sales.

The healthcare company is thought to be testing an artificial intelligence chatbot which would be able to make recommendations for lipsticks and beauty gifts.

The chatbot is expected to focus on beauty products rather than pharmacy sales, with the testing believed to be at a very early stage.

However, the Boots digital team is expected to ramp up work on the tool after Christmas.

The move would make the chatbot among the first mainstream consumer applications of the software taking over the technology world during the past year.

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Boots has a long-established partnership with commercial distributor of ChatGPT, Microsoft, and implements the chatbot in other areas of its business.

The news comes as Boots seeks to reclaim its role as a retail pioneer, after facing years of underinvestment and financial pressure.

Last week, the company’s owner Walgreens revealed it was considering a £7bn UK listing of the high street chain after efforts to sell the business failed last year.

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