Google Cloud’s Gemini AI Powers Ask Mike, Michaels’ New Shopping Assistant
A few months after its debut, the data is in on how Michaels’ online shoppers are using the AI-powered tool.
Ask Mike is the name of Michaels’ AI assistant, launched in May with Google Cloud’s Gemini technology. The idea was to help customers find products on the retailer’s website, but early results suggest it’s doing a lot more than that.
71% of users have asked Ask Mike multiple questions in a single session, according to Michaels’ data. This implies that customers are finding value in the assistant’s ability to provide personalized product recommendations and help with navigation on the website.
The most common tasks users have asked Ask Mike to do are product research and gift shopping. Michaels’ shoppers are using the AI assistant to find specific products, read reviews, and compare prices. They’re also using Ask Mike to find gifts for friends and family.
But what’s perhaps most interesting about the data is that users are having trouble trusting Ask Mike’s recommendations. While the AI assistant is able to suggest relevant products, some users are skeptical about its ability to provide the most helpful options.
What this means: Michaels is likely to continue refining Ask Mike’s capabilities to address user trust issues. The retailer may also need to educate customers about the benefits of using the AI assistant. By doing so, Michaels can improve the overall shopping experience and drive more sales online.
The early results from Ask Mike suggest that the Gemini AI technology has potential for retailers looking to boost online engagement and conversion rates. However, the success of the AI assistant ultimately depends on how well it can balance user trust with the benefits of its personalized recommendations.
Michaels will continue to monitor user behavior and refine Ask Mike’s capabilities to ensure the AI assistant remains a valuable resource for its online shoppers.
