Schnucks Introduces AI Shopping Assistant for Customers

Schnucks Markets has announced plans to launch an artificial-intelligence-powered shopping assistant, set to become available on its app and website later this summer. The tool is being rolled out in partnership with VitalityIP, a digital nutrition guidance and health data platform that leverages AI technology.

The new agentic shopping assistant will provide customers with personalized recommendations based on their lifestyle preferences, including nutrition guidance, meal ideas, and product suggestions. This move marks the latest development in the growing trend of grocers adopting AI-powered tools to enhance customer experience.

Schnucks Chief Data and Information Officer Tom Henry explained that the company’s decision to introduce this feature was driven by customer demand for trusted guidance on various aspects of their shopping trips, such as meal planning, tracking health goals, balancing special dietary needs, and budgeting. The new platform aims to help customers make informed grocery purchase decisions aligned with their health and lifestyle objectives.

The AI assistant will be powered by over 6 billion lines of data from VitalityIP’s proprietary database, which was co-developed using customer and store inventory information. Schnucks emphasized that it maintains ownership of the customer relationship, shopper data, and brand experience while leveraging VitalityIP’s expertise in AI technology.

Schnucks is set to be the first retailer to debut the VitalityIP platform, with several other grocery players having recently introduced their own AI-powered shopping assistants. This includes Albertsons, Kroger, and Associated Wholesale Grocers, among others.