Transforming Retail with AI-Driven Customer Engagement: The European Perspective

In the dynamic landscape of European retail, the convergence of shifting consumer expectations, omnichannel commerce, and stringent data regulations is reshaping the industry at an unprecedented pace. Retailers are under pressure to deliver seamless, personalized experiences across every touchpoint while maintaining operational agility and compliance. At the heart of this transformation is the strategic partnership between Publicis Sapient and Salesforce—a collaboration that is redefining how retailers engage customers, foster loyalty, and achieve operational excellence through AI-powered solutions.

The New Retail Imperative: Omnichannel, Agile, and Data-Driven

European retailers today face a complex environment shaped by:

Success in this environment hinges on the ability to unify customer data, deliver consistent experiences, and respond quickly to market changes. Publicis Sapient, through its SPEED capabilities—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI—empowers retailers to not only adapt to these demands but to lead the way in digital transformation.

Joint Ventures and Localized Expertise: The Sapient.i7 Advantage

A standout example of this commitment is Sapient.i7, a joint venture with TQI Ventures. Sapient.i7 delivers a robust suite of Salesforce-powered services tailored to the unique needs of large European enterprises. By combining deep industry expertise with Salesforce’s world-class cloud and AI platforms, Sapient.i7 helps retailers unlock new levels of personalization, loyalty, and operational efficiency across the customer journey.

Salesforce and AI: Powering the Next Generation of Customer Engagement

Salesforce’s AI ecosystem is at the core of Publicis Sapient’s retail transformation strategy. The platform’s capabilities extend far beyond traditional CRM, offering:

Real-World Impact: Success Stories from European Retail

Leading UK Supermarket: Digital Growth and Frictionless Experience

For a major UK supermarket, Publicis Sapient created a new e-commerce business, platform, and delivery model. This enabled the retailer to rapidly scale digital operations, maintain high service levels, and deliver a frictionless shopping experience—online and in-store. The transformation allowed for quick adaptation to market changes and streamlined operations, setting a new standard for omnichannel retail.

L’Oréal: Accelerating Time-to-Market and Driving Loyalty

Publicis Sapient’s work with L’Oréal exemplifies the power of agile, AI-driven transformation. By defining a new commerce strategy and supporting it with Salesforce Commerce Cloud, L’Oréal launched over 60 direct-to-consumer sites across the Americas. Agile product delivery teams reduced time-to-market for brand launches from months to weeks, while automated build and release processes delivered significant cost savings. The result: a faster, more efficient path to purchase and a scalable foundation for future growth.

Dynamic Pricing with AI/ML Platforms

Through its partnership with Quicklizard, Publicis Sapient brings advanced AI/ML pricing platforms to European retailers. These solutions enable dynamic pricing strategies that maximize profit, minimize markdowns, and respond in real time to market conditions—crucial in an era of heightened price sensitivity and fierce competition.

Meeting European Retailers’ Unique Needs

Omnichannel Integration and Composable Commerce

Publicis Sapient’s expertise in composable commerce—leveraging modular, API-first architectures—enables rapid innovation and integration of new capabilities. Retailers can evolve their business models and customer experiences without being constrained by legacy systems.

Rapid Time-to-Market

Agile delivery models and automated processes ensure that new features, campaigns, and channels can be launched quickly, keeping pace with changing consumer demands and market opportunities.

Data Privacy and Compliance

With the EU’s strict data regulations, compliance is non-negotiable. Salesforce’s Einstein Trust Layer and robust data governance frameworks ensure that sensitive customer information remains secure and compliant, while still enabling powerful AI-driven personalization and insights.

The Power of Partnership and Talent

Publicis Sapient’s collaborative approach—working hand-in-hand with clients and technology partners—ensures that solutions are co-created for real business outcomes. Investments in talent, including engineering leaders from top global retailers and technology firms, bring world-class expertise and relentless innovation to every engagement.

Actionable Steps for Retail Leaders

  1. Assess AI Readiness: Evaluate your current data, technology, and organizational maturity. Publicis Sapient’s AI Scorecard and Value Alignment Labs provide structured frameworks to identify gaps and opportunities.
  2. Prioritize High-Impact Use Cases: Focus on initiatives that deliver measurable value—such as personalized marketing, dynamic pricing, and omnichannel service.
  3. Strengthen Data Governance: Invest in data quality, privacy, and integration to unlock the full potential of AI-driven engagement.
  4. Embrace Agile and Composable Architectures: Enable rapid innovation and adaptability by moving to modular, API-first platforms.
  5. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning: Equip teams with the skills and resources needed to harness AI and Salesforce’s evolving capabilities.

Why Publicis Sapient?

Retailers across Europe choose Publicis Sapient and its joint ventures for their ability to deliver end-to-end transformation—combining strategic vision, deep industry knowledge, and technical excellence. Whether launching new digital businesses, optimizing omnichannel operations, or harnessing the power of AI for personalization and pricing, Publicis Sapient is the partner of choice for retailers seeking to thrive in the digital age.

Ready to transform your retail business? Discover how Publicis Sapient’s Salesforce and AI-driven solutions can help you deliver seamless experiences, accelerate growth, and build lasting customer loyalty.