Retail CEO Warns Industry Must Prioritize AI Education or Face Competitive Disadvantage

Brett Beveridge, founder and CEO of The Revenue Optimization Companies (T-ROC Global), is warning CEOs to take immediate action on AI education, particularly in the retail industry, as businesses that fail to utilize artificial intelligence risk falling behind with potentially irreversible consequences. The strategic use of AI enables companies to gather and analyze customer data, predict buying behaviors, automate routine tasks, forecast trends, and improve the overall customer experience, creating significant competitive advantages for early adopters.

Beveridge has observed that AI effectiveness requires more than just technology availability—it demands a workforce that understands its potential, limitations, and practical applications for improving processes and driving innovation. He cautions that without proper training, businesses could face long-term disruptions as employees struggle to adapt to new technologies or miss optimization opportunities. The urgency stems from AI's transformation from a trend to a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, communicate with customers, and make data-driven decisions.

As evidence of this commitment, T-ROC embraced AI over four years ago during the pandemic with the introduction of VIBA, the world's first Virtual Interactive Brand Ambassador available at https://www.trocglobal.com. This first-of-its-kind in-store customer engagement solution provides a Facetime-like experience for shoppers while they are physically present in stores. T-ROC employees recently participated in AI training sessions followed by a 30-day workshop to explore how Generative AI (GenAI) can transform business operations, uncover new opportunities, and enhance customer service capabilities.

Retail CEOs who invest in comprehensive AI education for their employees are essentially investing in their organizations' future success. By developing an AI-literate workforce, companies can maintain competitiveness, operational efficiency, and innovation capacity while empowering employees to confidently navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape. The warning comes with a specific timeline, as companies that fail to adopt AI solutions may find themselves at a severe competitive disadvantage before the end of 2025, making immediate action critical for retail industry survival and growth.