In the rapidly evolving world of retail and ecommerce, artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it's a driving force behind some of the most exciting innovations today. Two startups, New Generation and Freshflow, are at the forefront of this transformation, each tackling unique challenges with cutting-edge AI solutions.
Imagine a shopping experience where you no longer have to sift through endless product pages or wait for slow website responses. New Generation, co-founded by Harvard Business School alumni Adam Behrens and Jonathan Arena, is making this a reality. Their platform empowers brands to create digital storefronts that cater not just to human shoppers, but also to AI agents—think of virtual assistants or shopping bots that can interact directly with a brand’s product catalog.
Why does this matter? According to recent data, traffic to U.S. retail websites from generative AI sources has skyrocketed by 1,200% in just a few months. Consumers are increasingly turning to conversational interfaces, expecting quick, direct answers rather than the traditional online scavenger hunt. New Generation’s solution transforms static product catalogs into AI-readable data and overlays a generative AI interface, allowing both people and machines to get instant, visual responses to their queries. For brands, this means they can engage with high-intent shoppers—whether human or AI—without having to completely rebuild their existing websites. A dedicated subdomain (like ai.brand.com) serves as a gateway for AI-driven traffic, making the transition to AI-native commerce seamless.
On the other side of the retail spectrum, Freshflow is revolutionizing how grocers manage their fresh produce inventory. Traditionally, supermarkets rely on manual ordering based on intuition, which often leads to overstock, shortages, and significant food waste. Freshflow’s AI-powered platform uses advanced forecasting and optimization to automate the ordering process, taking into account the unpredictable nature of fresh produce. The results speak for themselves: retailers using Freshflow have cut food waste by over 20% and increased sales by up to 5%.
What sets Freshflow apart is its commitment to building its AI technology from the ground up, rather than simply adapting existing models. This tailored approach allows for more accurate predictions and better integration with the unique needs of grocery retailers. As the company grows, it aims to reduce food waste by 50% across the entire supply chain—a goal that benefits both businesses and the environment.
For brands and retailers looking to stay ahead, the message is clear: embracing AI-driven solutions isn’t just about keeping up with trends—it’s about unlocking new levels of efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Whether it’s through conversational digital storefronts or smarter inventory management, the future of commerce is being shaped by those willing to innovate.
Key Takeaways:
- AI is enabling brands to build digital storefronts for both humans and AI agents, enhancing engagement and sales.
- Conversational commerce is on the rise, with consumers seeking direct, instant answers.
- Platforms like New Generation allow brands to adopt AI-native capabilities without overhauling their websites.
- Freshflow’s AI-driven ordering system helps grocers reduce food waste and boost sales.
- Embracing AI in retail leads to greater efficiency, sustainability, and improved customer experiences.