Almost one third of Australian online retailers plan to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their e-commerce strategies, according to research from SLI Systems.
Figures from the third quarterly 2017 E-commerce Performance Indicators and Confidence (EPIC) report highlighted 56% of global e-commerce retailers are turning to AI now or in the future.
The Australian and New Zealand markets mirrored the global trend, with 15% of ANZ respondents reporting that AI is already in use and 15% indicating they would apply AI within the next year.
SLI Systems VP sales Americas and Australia Carter Perez said the research would greatly benefit online retailers as the Christmas period draws closer.
“We have found strong revenue growth forecasted this quarter among AU-NZ retailers, with 20% predicting rises of 21% or more. And Christmas sales bode well, with 80% of AU-NZ retailers forecasting increases in sales compared with last Christmas.
“This quarter Replatforming edged out Customer Experience as the top priority for e-commerce globally, as well as in our local AU-NZ market.
"We’re seeing retailers working to ensure their platform and search strategies are in peak shape for driving Christmas site traffic and optimising merchandising and conversion.”