Retailers today face a hard truth: If you do not implement AI, you risk falling behind.
Consider a new report from the National Retail Federation (NRF), which argues that AI did not just become omnipresent in 2025; rather, it became omnipotent. That assertion is not far off. The evolution of generative AI agents for customer service and automated processes for supply chains fundamentally changes retail operations.
To keep pace with the paradigm shift of AI for retail operations, retail teams everywhere need AI-powered devices that provide a powerful and practical means to adapt. Here is how they can achieve that goal.
Market changes fueling the AI shift in retail
For the retail industry, change is the only constant. From products and services to delivery and returns, buyer preferences are a moving target. AI-powered mobile devices, such as the latest Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, better prepare retailers to meet three major changes:
1. Value-seeking consumers
Deloitte notes in its 2026 Retail Industry Global Outlook that a lasting, foundational shift is underway with the emergence of value-seeking consumers. For these customers, price is no longer the primary way to measure value. Instead, they prioritize factors such as:
- Product quality
- Customer service
- Simple checkouts
- Employee attitude
Retail leaders see this as more than a temporary circumstance. For almost 70% of those surveyed, this change is structural, not short term. Navigating this change requires retailers to compete on more than just price and find ways to capture customer interest upfront.
2. Transforming supply chains
Supply chains also face rapid transformations. The Deloitte outlook found that 95% of executives anticipate rising costs this year. To combat this, 66% plan to restructure their supply chains by keeping them closer to home through onshoring or nearshoring if prices increase.
For retail staff, these supply chain shifts highlight the critical need for accurate, real-time inventory data. Even if the price is right, consumers will not wait around for out-of-stock items; instead, they will take their business to a competitor.
3. The back-to-the-mall movement
The mall is back. According to the NRF report, mall visits and durations are increasing. In large part, this stems from the development of mixed experiences — retail stores that go beyond simply putting products on racks.
Instead, modern locations offer immersive solutions, such as Galaxy XR, and interactive touchpoints enabled by geolocation tracking.
How AI-powered mobile devices help retail employees
AI-powered devices including Galaxy A17 5G deliver the features and functions retailers need to keep pace. Here are some ways these devices empower staff:
Context-aware conversations
Devices equipped with AI assistants like Google Gemini allow employees to ask questions and receive relevant, context-aware answers. Using secure integrations, retailers can connect Gemini to inventory and sales data to provide actionable, real-time insights.
Consider a staff member asking about the impact of new marketing promotions on the sales volume of a specific item. Gemini can use various data points to provide a complete answer, including:
- Marketing projections
- Current inventory levels
- Short-term sales data
- Social media metrics
Because Gemini uses large language models and natural language processing to parse conversations, employees do not need special skills or training. They can speak to the device exactly as if they are talking to another human being.
Circle to Search function
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G features a powerful tool in Circle to Search. Staff members can pull up an image, circle what they need and let AI take it from there.
This capability makes it easier for frontline staff to track down specific items and manage inventory. Instead of manually searching for items by name, product number or keyword, they can simply pull up a product page and circle the item in question.
Enhanced durability and charging
Cutting-edge mobile devices offer improved durability and advanced charging options that support long-term use in less-than-ideal conditions. For example, Samsung’s Super Fast Charging and extended battery lives let teams focus on their work rather than worrying that their devices will lose power.
Additionally, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus covers the Galaxy A17 screen, and it boasts an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, making it durable enough for many demanding stockroom and warehouse environments.
Galaxy A17 also includes six years of OS upgrades and security updates. Built-in protection from Samsung Knox and Knox Cloud Security ensures that all sensitive data remains safely under lock and key.
Navigating the new retail reality
Retailers want to lead the pack, not chase it. To do so, they must adapt to a new reality. That journey starts with recognizing key consumer shifts and providing robust AI tools so retail employees can successfully address those changes.
AI underpins adaptation at both speed and scale. By equipping staff with AI-enabled mobile tools that help them work faster and smarter, companies better prepare themselves to meet consumers where they are, capture their attention and convert that interest into sales.
Discover how Samsung Galaxy A17 5G helps streamline retail operations. Also, learn more about the psychology of change in retail and how to respond effectively.
