Boots to launch AI ‘personal shopper’ service

Boots is planning to introduce a ChatGPT "personal shopper" service for its website users in an effort to drive online sales.

The health and beauty retailer is in the early stages of testing an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, according to The Telegraph.

It is expected to focus on beauty products rather than pharmacy sales, including recommendations for lipsticks and beauty gifts.

The move signals an attempt by Boots to improve the customer experience on its website, with the retailer's digital team expected to ramp up work on the project after Christmas.

It comes as more and more beauty businesses are welcoming AI to entice consumers and stand-out amongst the competition.

The news follows reports last week that the owner of Boots is considering a £7 billion London listing of the high street chain.

Walgreens Boots Alliance is understood to be exploring options for Boots, after it abandoned the sale of the British business last year.

It comes just weeks after Boots offloaded its pension scheme to financial services company Legal & General in a £4.8 billion deal.