Maximizing Retail Success: Leveraging Small Language Models | ShiSh Shridhar

The retail industry is undergoing a significant transformation through the adoption of specialized technology solutions that enhance personalization and streamline operations. ShiSh Shridhar, Global Retail Lead at Microsoft for Startups, discusses how retailers are shifting from large, general-purpose models to small, domain-specific ones. These specialized models reduce complexity, lower costs, improve security, and offer more precise responses tailored to retailers' needs. Examples include personalized meal planning in grocery stores, customized fashion recommendations, and CarMax's use of technology to simplify car buying. Microsoft's tools like Azure AI Studio empower retailers to innovate without extensive technical resources. While still experimental, these technologies represent a fundamental shift in retail, and leaders must embrace them proactively to gain a competitive edge.