Published on: March 6, 2025 / update from: March 6, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Department chain Galeria and Bütema AG test the AI assistant “Verena” in changing rooms of the Bonn branch-Image: Bütema AG
Galeria's pilot project: AI assistance in the changing room
Smart shopping: The digital changing room at Galeria in the test
A new shopping experience at Galeria: The traditional Galeria department store chain is breaking new ground to offer your customers a modern shopping experience. In a current pilot project, the company tests the use of AI-based digital services in changing rooms. Specifically, this means that in selected changing rooms of the Galeria branch in Bonn, an artificial intelligence called "Verena" supports customers when trying on clothing. What initially sounds futuristic should already improve the service and make shopping more comfortable. But why does Galeria start this experiment, how does the technology work behind it and what opportunities and risks are associated with it? This article highlights the background of the project, the technical details of the clever changing rooms, the advantages for customers, possible challenges and examples of similar initiatives in retail - and takes an outlook into the future.
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Background: Galeria on Innovation course
Galeria (formerly Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof) is Germany's largest department store chain with around 80 branches nationwide. The company has a long tradition, but-like many classic department stores-faces the challenge of reinventing themselves in the age of online shopping and changed customer requirements. In recent years, Galeria has come under an economical pressure and even had to go through branch closures and insolvency reduction. After this difficult phase, the company now records better numbers and is working to modernize its concept and adapt to current market needs.
A central component of this realignment is the investment in digital innovations at the point of sale. Galeria wants to increase the attractiveness of the branches and enliven stationary trade in new technologies. The customers should get reasons to consciously come to the department store instead of only buying online. In particular, the shopping experience on site should be upgraded-through service that online retailers cannot offer. In this context, the pilot project with AI can be seen in the changing room. Galeria is hoping for a double effect: On the one hand, customers in the branches should feel practical added value and like to come back. On the other hand, the technology can relieve the employees by automatically answering routine questions. In short, Galeria relies on artificial intelligence in the sales room to increase service quality and at the same time improve efficiency in the shop. This pilot project is part of a more comprehensive digitization strategy with which Galeria wants to create the balancing act between tradition and modernity.
AI-supported services in the locker room: How does "Verena" work?
The heart of the pilot project is the AI assistant "Verena", which was specially developed for use in the changing room. Verena is a digital service that can be reached by chatbot via the customer's smartphone. The technical implementation is surprisingly easy for the users: QR codes were attached to the changing rooms of the Bonn Galeria branch. As a customer, if you scan this code with the camera of the smartphone, a chat interface opens through which you can communicate directly with Verena. An additional app does not have to be installed - everything runs comfortably in the browser window of the cell phone.
Verena is based on advanced AI technology. In the background, the assistant uses a voice model (according to Galeria, chatt technology is used here) in order to understand the entries of the users in natural language and generate suitable answers. The highlight: You can ask Verena normal questions or formulate requests as if you were chatting with a seller. For example: "Do you also have this blouse a number bigger?" or "Is the dress in blue too?". Verena recognizes the intention behind the request and uses the stored databases and services to help.
What specific functions does Verena offer? The digital assistant can among other things:
Calling item information
Verena provides details about the articles that have just tried it out. This can be the price, information about material and care or available sizes and colors. The customer does not have to search for a label or ask the sales staff - a short chat with Verena is enough.
Check availability
If you want to try an article in a different size or color, Verena can immediately see whether this variant is in stock in the store. The AI accesses Galeria's goods management system. In a matter of seconds, for example, the customer learns: "The pants are also available in size 40 and 42. Size 42 is in stock."
Recommend suitable items
Verena also acts as a style of shopping. The AI is able to pronounce recommendations for accessories or combinations for tested goods. If someone tried a dress, for example, Verena could suggest: "This black cardigan, which we also have in our range, fits." Or “Would you like to round off the look with a suitable belt? I would have a suggestion. " These recommendations are based on predefined assortment logic (e.g. which articles belong together) and possibly on AI analyzes about what other customers bought. So the assistant should not only help, but also inspire - similar to a human seller who puts together a complete outfit.
Sales employees call
A particularly practical feature is the integration of the sales staff. If the customer needs something that the AI cannot deliver alone - for example a different piece of clothing in the cabin - she can directly request help via Verena. In the chat interface there is an option or request such as "ask for help". If you click on this (or write it in the chat), a signal is immediately sent to the sales team that is desired in this changing room.
Communication between Verena (the customer side) and the employees runs via a separate application called "Karl". Karl is the employee app that Galeria introduces in this project. You can imagine Karl as a counterpart to Verena - while Verena chats with the customer, Karl connects to the sellers in the business. If Karl receives an inquiry (such as "Customer 3 wants to try this dress in size M"), the responsible employees are immediately notified. The message appears on your service smartphones, including relevant information such as article number, desired size or color. The Karl app offers the sales staff practical functions to react quickly: it shows the inventory and price of the desired article at a glance and can even provide information as to whether the part may hang on another floor or storage room. So the employee saves the way to the warehouse to look up first - thanks to Karl, she already knows in advance.
As soon as an employee takes over the request, you can also give the customer a short feedback from the app, for example: "I bring you size 42 to the cabin." This message appears directly in the chat at Verena, so the customer is informed that help is on the go. It is interesting that Karl ensures that every request is only edited by an employee - as soon as someone has reacted, the task is marked as "in processing" and no longer displayed for other team members. This prevents two employees from accidentally editing the same request or there is confusion.
Technically speaking, there is a combination of chat bot interface, data connection and AI language model behind Verena. The AI was "fed" with the necessary product data and rules. For example, Verena knows the product catalogs, size run, color names and current stocks. Now asks a customer something, interprets the AI model the request and pulls the right facts out of the database to formulate an exact answer. The use of chatt technology means that the answers are formulated in natural language instead of appearing stiff and inevitable. So Verena could give a friendly answer instead of a naked info such as "Size M: Yes, available": "I have good news - the blouse is also in stock. Would you like to try on? I can ask someone to bring them to them. " Such a sound should give the impression that you really chat with a helpful seller.
Another advantage of chatt integration is multilingualism. Verena is not limited to German. Customers who speak little German can simply write in their preferred language - be it English, French or even Russian or Turkish. The AI understands the request and answers in the same language. For Galeria's branch in Bonn, a city with an international audience, this is a big plus: tourists or expats can easily shop in the local branch despite language barriers. Even if the sales staff does not cover all languages on site, Verena can close this gap. In the background, Karl would still indicate the request in German (or unified language) so that the employees know what to do - the translation is taken over by the AI.
In order to draw the customers' attention to the new offer, Galeria has installed additional information in the Bonn branch. In the entrance area of the women's laundry department, for example, there is a digital info display (LED poster) that points out the new service with a friendly comic figure (the stylized "Verena"): "Hello, I'm Verena. I can help you in the changing room - try it out! " Also directly in the changing rooms stick signs or displays with a short guide: "Simply scan QR code and ask questions!" This ensures that as many customers as possible learn about the existence of the digital assistant and find the start.
In summary, the technical process works as follows: Customer scans code-\> chat with Verena opens-\> Ki understands and answers it or alerts employees-\> employee app Karl coordinates human help. This system combines the strengths of the digital world (speed, information, all-round-the-clock availability in the cabin) with the strengths of inpatient trade (personal service by expert sellers). It is an example of how man and machine can work hand in hand in retail to create a better overall experience.
Advantages for customers and the shopping experience
The integration of AI services in the changing room offers a number of advantages for customers and makes purchasing more pleasant and efficient. Here are the most important plus points that the pilot project promises:
Convenience
Customers no longer have to peek out of the cabin half -naked or try to try to get a different size. Verena takes on this task - a scan and a few clicks, and help is on the go. The annoying back and forth or waiting in front of the cabin is eliminated. Especially in large department stores, the way to a free seller or the warehouse can be long; The AI abbreviation saves time and effort.
Immediate information
Frequent questions while trying it out - "How expensive was that again?", "Is that also in red?", "Does that fit X?" - can be answered immediately. Customers receive quick access to product information without having to decipher a label or have to wait for a seller. This increases the transparency: you know immediately about prices, materials or care instructions and can decide more informed.
More selection in the cabin
The possibility of requesting other sizes or colors increases the chance to leave the cabin with the appropriate article. Often customers don't buy anything because the tried size does not fit and there was no other hand. Verena ensures that alternative options are made available immediately. This increases satisfaction - you find something that really fits - and ultimately also the sales opportunities for Galeria.
Individual advice and inspiration
Although Verena does not have a human fashion puree, she can make personalized suggestions. The AI recommends suitable items that complement the outfit. As a result, the customer may discover products that he hadn't thought of - similar to a good seller who says: "By the way, I would have a belt about pants that harmonize perfectly." These additional inspiration can enrich the shopping experience and give the customer the feeling of being comprehensively advised.
Discretion and comfort
Some people hesitate to actively ask for help in business - be it out of shyness, language barriers or because there is no seller nearby. Verena lowers the inhibition threshold: anonymously you can type in your questions without feeling observed. This can be pleasant in sensitive departments such as the laundry department, for example if someone has a question about fit or availability, which they are reluctant to ask in the shop. Digital communication in the private cabin gives customers control and privacy.
Multilingual service
As mentioned, the ability to talk in different languages is a great advantage. Tourists, foreign students or expats can use the full service without misunderstanding through language hurdles. This feels very appreciative for this customer group and can give Galeria a reputation as an international customer -friendly department store.
Continuity and memory function
Since Verena is a digital service, he could also be connected to customer accounts in perspective (provided that customers want that). It is conceivable that the AI remembers which sizes or brands the customer prefers or what was finally tried. So Verena could help even more specifically in future visits (“The last time size 38 was well fit, should I have the 38 brought again this time?”). You could also save the chat course for yourself to buy what you discovered online later. Such functions are not all live in the pilot, but show where the journey can go.
There are also advantages from the seller view and for the company that indirectly benefit customers. The sales employees can work more efficiently: You know exactly which cabin needs what and may have several wishes on one round (e.g. bring two sizes requested on the way to the warehouse). This reduces idle and frustration on both sides. In addition, the employees can dedicate their advisory time to those who need really personal advice, while routine questions (price, size, color there?) Are taken over by the AI. Ideally, this creates a better work environment: less agitation, less simple questions answer - instead, focused advice, where it counts. Satisfied sellers in turn appear friendlier, which improves the shopping experience for all customers.
Last but not least, Galeria shows with such an offer that inpatient trade can be modern and innovative. The image of a technical pioneer is valuable for a somewhat dusty department store chain. Customers, especially younger people, could be pleasantly surprised if Galeria of all people offers such a digital helper. This can attract new customer groups or at least ensure conversation ("Have you already tried the AI blade at Galeria?"). Overall, the initiative helps to make shopping in the shop more attractive-through service, speed and also a certain entertainment factor for tech-savvy customers.
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Challenges and possible risks of technology
As promising as the concept sounds, there are also challenges and risks that Galeria has to keep in mind with this pilot project. New technologies are rarely perfect - here are some aspects that could be critical:
Acceptance with all customers
The customers of a department store is very diverse. Not everyone immediately feels comfortable to pull out their smartphone while changing and chat with a AI. Older customers or technology muffles could be afraid of contact or not recognize the added value. You may prefer to use the classic "curtain call": "Sorry, could you bring me a size bigger?" So Galeria has to observe how well Verena is actually used. There can be training needs-for example, that sellers are actively pointing out: "Did you know that you can call us via QR code if you need something?" The usage rate will be a crucial factor whether the investment is worthwhile. If many QR codes remain unkanned, the concept would have to be rethinked or to apply differently.
Technical reliability
Nothing is worse than when technology fails at the crucial moment. An unstable WLAN connection in the changing room, a server failure or a software bug could make the service unusable. Customers who try out Verena and then maybe wait for minutes or see error messages would be more frustrated than enthusiastic. Therefore, Galeria has to ensure that the infrastructure is robust: sufficient cell phone reception or shop Wi in the cabins, fast backend systems and a failure-safe AI platform. Such childhood diseases can be identified in pilot operation. Nevertheless, there is always a residual risk that technology is on strike - in this case a "plan B" is needed (in other words: provide enough staff to step in).
Data quality and AI accuracy
Verena is only as smart as the data that is available to her. If, for example, the inventory in the system is wrong (classic problem: "1 piece there" is still in the system, but it has already been sold and not fully booked), the AI could incorrectly promise availability that is not given in reality. Such discrepancies would disappoint customers and reduce trust in the service. The AI also has to provide the right answers - Chatgpt is very powerful in language generation, but it can also make mistakes or "hallucinate". Galeria and Bütema (the technology partner) have to train and test the system carefully so that Verena does not spend false product information or makes nonsensical recommendations. The answers of the AI should be precise and helpful, otherwise users are annoyed. Constant quality control is required here, especially at the beginning. Possibly some inquiries that Verena cannot answer must be automatically forwarded to a real employee in order to avoid misjudges.
Data protection and privacy
As soon as digital services come into play, data protection is present in Germany. Customers must be able to trust that their interactions with Verena will not be misused. Chat courses, if they are saved, usually do not contain highly sensitive data (you usually only ask for sizes, prices, etc.), but for example, purchasing projectors or possibly personal comments could be worth protecting. Galeria has to communicate transparently, which data collects and how it is used. It is ideal if the chats are stored anonymously or only temporarily, unless the customer agrees in more (e.g. linking with a customer account for later offers). The AI platform (Chatgpt) also raises questions: Are customer input sent to servers in the USA? Correspond to the processes of the GDPR? Here the IT departments will have to look closely. A faux pas in terms of data protection could put the entire project in poor light.
Cybersecurity
Where new digital touchpoints are created, theoretically new attack options can also be created. For example, a QR code could be manipulated by ceavels (theoretically, difficult in practice, because inside). Or someone tries to "chop" the AI or get out of the concept with entries. Galeria should ensure that Verena can only access the data provided and does not reveal any unwanted information. It is conceivable that users deliberately try to dissuade the AI from the actual topic - Chatgpt is known for wanting to generate an answer to every possible question. If a customer starts, for example, to ask Verena about weather or political things, it would be interesting how the system reacts. In the best case, Verena remains polite, but determined when it comes to purchasing and hides other topics to prevent abuse.
Employee acceptance and roller change
It should also not be underestimated how your own employees react to the introduction of Verena. On the one hand, the assistant relieves you of routine tasks, on the other hand, some sellers could fear that a successful AI questions their job. Galeria has to communicate clearly that Verena is a tool to support, no substitute for human advice. In the best case, the employees like to accept Karl (the app) because they realize that it is structured their everyday work. Nevertheless, good training is necessary: the workforce must learn to deal with the new system and understand when to intervene and when Verena can cope. The team also has to discuss who is responsible for incoming chat requests so that nobody overlooks important signals. A risk would be if employees ignore Verena or consider it an annoying additional task - then the service would run into nothing. Training, motivation and maybe even new guidelines for the service process are required here.
Cost-benefit question
Finally, the question is above every technical pilot project whether the effort is worthwhile. The development and integration of a AI assistant is not cheap. Licenses for AI services, app programming, the devices for employees, maintenance-all of this costs money. Galeria will therefore measure exactly whether the pilot project in Bonn brings measurable advantages: this will increase sales in the laundry department? Do customers buy more or do they come more often? Are there positive feedback and fewer abortions? Only if these KPIs are convincing will the system be rolled out on more branches. Otherwise it may stay with a nice attempt. So there is a risk that despite all the efforts of the Return on Investment, there is not high enough - for example because only a minority of customers uses the service or because the additional sales due to recommendations remain low. The project must therefore be economically viable, not only technically exciting.
All of these challenges show that technology introductions in trade need careful planning and implementation. With the limited pilot (a department in a branch), Galeria chose a reasonable path to test and learn in a small scale before a roll-out comes. In this way, teething problems can be remedied and processes adapted without influencing the whole chain. The coming weeks and months will show how customers and employees react to Verena - and where you may have to readjust.
Comparison with similar initiatives in other retail companies
Galeria's idea of digitally upgrading the changing rooms is innovative - but not completely without role models. In fact, various trading companies with smart changing room concepts and AI services have been experimenting for some years to improve the shopping experience. A look at some similar initiatives shows how the trend emerges and where there are differences:
Adler fashion markets (Germany, 2015)
The fashion chain Adler was one of the first in Germany to test an "intelligent changing room". In a branch in Erfurt, Adler equipped cabins with RFID technology and touchscreens. Clothes were provided with RFID chips so that the cabin recognized which parts of the customer had taken in. Product information was then displayed on a screen for the respective clothing - price, available sizes, colors and even combination suggestions for suitable items. In addition, the customer was able to request other sizes by touch, which were then brought to him by the staff. This concept was similar to that of Galeria, but without chatbot: the interaction was primarily about selecting on the screen, not about free language. Despite positive response, the intelligent cabin remained a pilot at Adler; It has not prevailed (back then) - presumably because of the high hardware costs per cabin and the limited acceptance a few years ago.
Galeria Kaufhof (Germany, 2007)
Interestingly, Galeria's current project is not the company's first move in this direction. Already in 2007-at that time as a Kaufhof, as part of the Metro Group Future Store Initiative-a pilot was carried out in the Essen branch, in which the RFID cover cabinen department was tested. Similarly, customers were able to receive information about the articles via RFID and screen and use the service to have alternatives brought. This very early experiment showed over a decade before that now gains relevance again. However, the technologies were even less mature at the time (RFID was in the beginning in the fashion trade, touchscreens were expensive, there were no such as today). The project disappeared again in the sinking, but the knowledge gained should have been incorporated into today's developments.
Ralph Lauren & Oak Labs (USA, from 2015)
In the premium segment, the American fashion brand Ralph Lauren caused a sensation with its high-tech mirrors in changing rooms a few years ago. Ralph Lauren installed so-called "Smart Mirrors" in the New York flagship branch, which were developed by the startup OAK Labs. These mirrors initially look like normal large locking mirrors, but have integrated touchscreen functions and RFID readers. How it works: The clothing brought into the cabin is automatically recognized by the mirror (via RFID on the labels). An intuitive menu navigation then appears on the SPIEGEL display: The customer can change the lighting mood in the cabin (to simulate daylight or evening light and to see how the outfit works) and request other sizes or colors by touch. The mirror also shows recommendations ("This shirt is also available in these colors, and look, the pants would go well with it."). The highlight was also that the customer could choose the language - the surface could be changed in Spanish or Chinese, for example, to help international customers. As soon as you requested help, sellers were informed and brought the desired items to the cabin. This concept was well received by customers, as it was integrated very seamlessly into the usual process (trying on in front of the mirror). However, the cost is high and such smart mirrors were initially limited to a few flagship stores.
Mango & Vodafone (Spain, from 2020)
The fashion film manner was cooperated with Vodafone to introduce digital changing rooms in several branches. An intelligent mirror called "Digital Fitting Room" was used. The functionality is similar to the above: RFID chips identify the clothing, product information and mix-and-match tips are displayed on the mirror screen, and the customer can ask the staff for other sizes/items by finger. Mango planned to roll out this technology broader in its stores, as part of the strategy to drive the smart retail concept forward. It was particularly advertised here that all data and images can only be displayed to the customer on his smartphone (if he couples) to keep privacy-the dealer would not get live images from the cabin. This project shows that dealers also jump on the trend across Europe and experiment with augmented reality and networked cabins.
Amazon Style Store (USA, from 2022)
With its fashion offensive, the online giant Amazon has also shown innovative approaches in the inpatient area. In 2022 Amazon opened the first "Amazon Style" store in Los Angeles, a clothing store that is strongly supported by digital technology. The purchase runs like this: Customers see only one copy per clothing on the area. If something likes, the customer scans the QR code of the article with the Amazon app. In the app, he can then select the size/color he wants to try on. An automated system collects all selected items in the background and prepares a personal changing room. Via app, the customer will be informed of which cabin will have his selection as soon as it is free. If the customer then enters the cabin, all the parts selected hang there. In addition, there is a touchscreen in the cabin: Amazon's AI puts personalized suggestions on it, which could still like the customer (based on his online purchase behavior and the currently selected items). You can reorder additional pieces via the screen, which are then brought to the cabin quickly without having to search the shop again. Although there is no chatbot here, Amazon's concept uses Ki to recognize preferences and make the fitting room a showroom for personalized recommendations. This omnichannel approach (linking of the app and shop) has attracted a lot of attention.
Macy's on-Call (USA, 2016)
A somewhat different example was the initiative of the US goods store chain Macy's. In some branches, Macy's tested a mobile AI assistant based on IBM Watson, which they called "On Call". Customers were able to call up a special page in the shop via smartphone browser (or request a link via SMS) and type their questions there, e.g.: "Where do I find men's shoes?" or "Do you have any red cocktail dresses?". The Watson chatbot replied with directions within the business or simple product information. This service aimed to facilitate orientation in the large department store and cover simple FAQs. The project was an interesting forerunner, but also showed the limits: Many customers preferred to ask an employee directly, and the AI was not as capable of dialogue at the time as today's chatbots. Macy's on-Call therefore remained a limited test and was not introduced across the board.
These examples illustrate two things: First, there is a broad trend in retail to close the gap between online comfort and offline experience. Whether via smart mirror, RFID or chatbots-many approaches aim to give customers as much information and convenience in the branch as he is used to from online shopping (keyword: "Customers who bought this product were also interested in ..." or availability in real time). Second, the different solutions show that there is still no patent recipe. Each chain tries a little differently, depending on the budget, target group and shop concept. Galeria's way with a smartphone-based chatbot solution is comparatively new, because so far many have rely on built-in displays or fixed installations. The use of the customer martphone as an interface (via QR code) has advantages and disadvantages: it is cheaper (no expensive mirror hardware required) and according to Corona, QR codes are familiar to many people; On the other hand, it requires that the customer actively use his own device. Galeria will now find out whether the latter is better received than a touchscreen provided.
Future prospects and possible further developments
Galeria's Ki-dress project is still at the beginning-but looking into the future shows what potential such solutions can have in the long term. If the pilot in Bonn is successful, various further developments are conceivable:
Rollout on more branches
The most obvious step would be to introduce Verena (and the Karl app) in more Galeria houses. Probably one would proceed gradually, first in large branches or those with a high proportion of tourists (where multilingualism is particularly drawn). Little by little, all fashion departments in the department stores could be equipped with the QR codes and the service. In a few years, it could be normal for a digital assistant to be found in every Galeria blade. Verena could also extend to other range areas, e.g. sports clothing, men's fashion or children's departments - wherever you take place. The questions in other areas may be somewhat different, but the basic function (size availability, article information, help) remains the same.
Expansion of the functions
Verena could become even more intelligent and more versatile over time. It would be conceivable, for example, that the AI learns from the dialogues, which questions come particularly frequently and further optimizes its answers. You could also connect Verena to the Galeria customer account: If a regular customer is registered (such as the customer card number or app login), Verena could give personalized recommendations based on previous purchases ("The blouse you are trying would fit well with the pants that you bought from us last year."). Exclusive discount coupons or loyalty points could also be offered via the chat to promote use.
From a technical point of view, the AI assistant could not only work text-based, but also work voice-controlled. Many people are now used to voice assistants thanks to Siri, Alexa & Co. One could imagine that a voice interface will be set up in the cabin (e.g. a microphone/lush system or via the cell phone micro) so that the customer can say: "Verena, I need these jeans in size 32." The AI would convert the language request into text and also edit. This would be even more natural, but it also places higher demands on data protection (microphones in cabins are delicate) and ambient noise.
Visual technologies and augmented reality
Another exciting path is the connection of AI with image processing. Already today there are apps that can be recognized by a smartphone camera which garment you have in front of you or that attract the user virtual clothing (AR filter). In the future, Verena might be able to use the smartphone camera image to give the customer feedback: For example, you could film yourself in front of the mirror films and Verena: "How does this jacket sit?" - Based on the analysis of the video, the AI could answer: "The shoulders look a bit narrow, maybe one size would be more comfortable." That would be a very advanced application that still has plenty of research, but not excluded in a few years. AR could also enable Verena to show alternative colors or articles on the body virtually without having to change: you wear a dress in red, asks for "What about blue?" And on the cell phone or in the smart mirror you can see a simulated blue variant. Such virtual rehearsals are already being developed for online shopping-in the shop you could add the classic fitting (for example, to make color selection quickly before trying on everything).
Beyond the changing room: Verena could also be helpful in the long term outside the cabin. Imagine that the AI is available in the entire branch-e.g. via the Galeria app, which you have open when shopping. Customers could then ask questions on the sales area like "Do we also have this model in the branch on Alexanderplatz?" Or "Where can I find the household goods department?" - Quasi a digital concierge for the whole house. In combination with location technology (smartphone location in the shop), Verena could navigate you through the business: "Go straight ahead, then right-there is the shoe department." So the AI would become an all-round assistant for the shopping experience.
In addition, the findings from Verena's chats could provide valuable data to improve the range and service. For example, Galeria learns which sizes are most frequently in demand (and perhaps often missing - a signal for inventory management). Or which articles are often asked for suitable combis - here you could derive range recommendations. Feedback such as "The article scratches", if customers express something like that, could also be collected. Of course, such chat data would have to be evaluated anonymously, but they are a treasure to recognize customer trends.
Galeria's pilot project is likely to be observed in the industry in general. If things go well, it could have a signal effect: other dealers - especially fashion houses or large textile chains - could adapt similar solutions faster. AI technology is becoming more accessible, and services such as chatt also have smaller companies the opportunity to develop smart assistants without their own data science team. In the near future, industry-wide standards or platforms for such in-store assistants may arise, similar to how there are standard software for cash register systems today. So Galeria has the chance to perform as a pioneer in Germany. At the same time, the company has to remain flexible, because the development is dynamic: what is Chatbot by QR code today could look very different in five years. It is important that the focus is still on added value for the customer. Technology for the sake of technology will not be permanently successful - but technology that offers real service can change the retailer in a sustainable manner.
The Galeria pilot project in Bonn combines classic shopping culture with the latest AI technology. It is a brave step that should show that a traditional house can also be innovative. Customers benefit from quick help and more information directly in the changing room, the staff is supported in routine tasks. Of course there are still some hurdles to master, from acceptance to technical fine -tuning. But if Galeria uses the experience from the test clever, "Verena" could be the starting signal for a new standard in everyday shopping life. The changing room - so far often a "dead corner" in the shop, where the service ended as soon as the curtain was drawn - becomes the place of a digital dialogue. It remains to be seen whether the customers accept this offer. In any case, the future of retail is written with projects like this - and Galeria is now actively involved. There are many indications that we will meet such helpful AI assistants more often in the future, be it at Galeria or elsewhere, and that shopping will become a bit more pleasant and smarter.
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