Retail Analytics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics are revolutionizing the retail landscape. According to industry leaders such as Gartner and Wall Street analysts, AI adoption is poised to become a fundamental driver of retail profitability. From direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands to leading fashion houses, grocers, and specialty retailers, AI and analytics are reshaping the retail supply chain and customer experience. Retail, one of the world’s oldest industries, is undergoing a transformation unlike any before. This course is designed for those who are interested in pursuing a career in or gaining a deeper understanding of the largest sector in the U.S. and global economy. The course will examine AI and analytics applications in traditional retail, e-commerce, and emerging D2C brands, with a dedicated session on Generative AI (GenAI) and its potential to redefine the industry. Through a blend of lectures, case discussions, and team-based data exercises, students will learn how AI-driven techniques are applied across critical retail functions, including customer analytics, forecasting, pricing optimization, and inventory management. The course is structured to build foundational knowledge of AI applications in retail, culminating in a forward-looking perspective on GenAI. In addition, students will engage hands-on with real data through a capstone project that allows them to apply and integrate the course concepts practically.