AI's Grocery GPS: Morrisons
Hello, amazing readers! Today, I've brought a truly fascinating topic to you that's set to revolutionize our everyday grocery runs! We've all been there: wandering aimlessly through supermarket aisles, hunting for that one elusive item, or trying to navigate a store whose layout seems to change every other week. It's frustrating, time-consuming, and can turn a quick shop into a full-blown expedition.
But what if I told you that one major supermarket chain is using the power of Artificial Intelligence to make that a thing of the past? Get ready to say goodbye to the supermarket maze, because we're diving into Morrisons' game-changing AI-powered Product Finder!
☆ The Hunt is Over: Morrisons Solves the Supermarket Maze!
For years, the "where is it?" question has plagued shoppers. Whether you're in a hurry to grab dinner ingredients or simply trying to locate a new seasonal item, finding what you need in a sprawling supermarket can feel like a treasure hunt without a map.
Morrisons, one of the UK's leading supermarket chains, has stepped up to the plate with an incredible solution: a brand-new Product Finder feature integrated directly into their mobile app. This isn't just a simple search bar; it's a smart, AI-driven tool designed to significantly enhance your in-store shopping experience. Imagine typing in "artisan sourdough bread" and instantly seeing which aisle, and even which shelf, it's waiting for you on! No more guesswork, no more endless laps.
☆ Unpacking the AI Magic: How It Works Behind the Aisles
So, how exactly does Morrisons pull off this technological feat? It’s all thanks to a powerful collaboration with Google Cloud and their cutting-edge AI.
At its core, the Product Finder is built using Google's Gemini AI models running on Google Cloud's robust platforms, specifically BigQuery and Cloud Run. Here's a simplified breakdown of the magic:
- Your Search, Their AI: When you type a product name into the Morrisons app, Cloud Run efficiently processes your search terms.
- Gemini's Brainpower: The Gemini AI models then analyze these terms with incredible precision, matching them to Morrisons' extensive and detailed product codes.
- Big Data, Big Help: These product codes are then cross-referenced against BigQuery, which holds a massive database of real-time product availability and exact location data for all Morrisons supermarkets.
- Instant Gratification: The relevant information – like the aisle number and precise spot – is quickly sent back to your app, giving you directions almost instantly.
Morrisons Chief Data Officer Peter Laflin perfectly summed it up, stating, "Having all our data in BigQuery has allowed Morrisons to create new solutions for customers that wouldn't have been possible before." It's a testament to how leveraging data can directly translate into tangible customer benefits.
☆ Real-World Impact: Removing Friction, One Shop at a Time
This isn't just a fancy tech demonstration; it's already making a real difference for thousands of shoppers. During the busy Easter 2025 period, the Product Finder recorded an astounding 50,000 uses per day! That's 50,000 instances of customers finding what they need quickly and efficiently, bypassing potential stress.
Mauren Costello, Google Cloud's UK and Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa vice-president, highlighted the core benefit: "This is about removing friction from the shopping journey. By combining the power of Google Cloud's data platform with the reasoning capabilities of Gemini, Morrisons can now directly answer a customer's most immediate need — 'where is this item?' — in a simple and intuitive way."
Imagine yourself during a holiday rush, trying to find that last-minute ingredient. Instead of panicking, you whip out your phone, tap, and voila! Instant directions to your desired item. That's the power of AI at work, enhancing daily life.
Beyond this impressive app, Morrisons is a retail powerhouse, operating 500 large supermarkets and 1,600 smaller Morrisons Daily stores across the UK, plus an online delivery service reaching over 97% of UK postcodes. Their commitment to innovation is paying off, as they recently reported a healthy 3.9% increase in like-for-like sales for Q2, with total sales up 4.2% to £3.9 billion. This shows that investing in customer experience through technology truly drives success!
☆ Questions
Q1. What specific AI technology is Morrisons using for its Product Finder?
A. Morrisons is leveraging Google's Gemini AI models, powered by Google Cloud's BigQuery and Cloud Run platforms.
Q2. How does the Morrisons Product Finder benefit shoppers?
A. It allows shoppers to quickly and accurately find specific products within the store by providing aisle and exact location details, significantly reducing search time and stress, especially during busy periods or when store layouts change.
Q3. What was the observed usage of the Product Finder during the Easter 2025 period?
A. The Product Finder was used 50,000 times per day during the Easter 2025 period, indicating strong adoption and usefulness among shoppers.
☆ Conclusion
Morrisons' AI-powered Product Finder is a shining example of how technology can genuinely improve our daily lives. By tackling a common frustration with a smart, intuitive solution, they've not only enhanced the shopping experience for their customers but also set a new standard for retail innovation. This is more than just a convenience; it's a peek into the future of retail, where smart technology makes every trip to the store smoother, faster, and far less stressful.
What do you think about AI in supermarkets? Let us know in the comments!