Exploring AI in the APAC retail sector

AI in the APAC retail sector is transitioning from analytics and pilots into workflows and daily operations.

Dense urban stores, high labour churn, and competitive quick-commerce ecosystems are driving the uptake. A Q4 2025 survey by GlobalData found that 45 percent of consumers in Asia and Australasia are very or quite likely to purchase a product based on AI recommendations or endorsements.

Jaya Dandey, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, said: “Whether shoppers realise it or not, machine-learning systems have long been deciding when to encourage consumers to make purchases, which products they can see, and what discounts they can avail.

“Now, agentic systems can also complete shopping-related tasks end-to-end.” 

Computer vision and store automation

Enterprises evaluating computer vision and machine learning can observe early implementations in the region.

Lawson, for example, introduced AI-enabled ‘Lawson Go’ stores in Japan during 2022. The retailer collaborated with technology provider CloudPick in 2025 to integrate AI, machine learning, and computer vision. This integration eliminates check-out lines and cashiers to enhance the customer experience....