Microsoft, M&S sign new transformational AI partnership

Global technology provider Microsoft and leading British retail company Marks & Spencer (M&S) have signed a new partnership that will look to test the capabilities of artificial intelligence within the retail industry.

The agreement will see Microsoft’s AI engineers collaborating with the M&S technology team whilst maintaining the end goal of accelerating M&S’s Digital First transformation initiative.

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“We firmly believe that AI has the power to amplify human ingenuity,” says Cindy Rose, CEO, Microsoft UK.

“The retail sector is one of the most challenging landscapes in the UK right now and we are thrilled to be working with M&S to explore how AI can help such an iconic brand transform the customer experience and improve wider operations.”

The partnership marks a significant step forward for the company, building on its Technology Transformation Programme that was outlined previously by the retailer in January.

The aim of this is to create an agile, faster and more commercial technology function within the business to help deliver operational growth.

“We want to be at the forefront of driving value into the customer experience using the power of technology,” said Steve Rowe, CEO of M&S.

“Working together with Microsoft to understand the full potential of how technology and artificial intelligence can improve the in-store experience for our customers and the efficiencies of our wider operations could be a game changer for M&S – and for retail.”