Unveiled details in Aldi's business plan - a look into its inner workings
In a significant shift towards digital innovation, German discount store Aldi Süd has begun incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its product presentation, marking a notable change in the company's approach to business.
As revealed in a recent study by YouGov, Germans are more skeptical about AI compared to the international average. However, Aldi Süd is boldly embracing this technology, using it to revitalise overlooked or underperforming products and inventory in their catalogues. This strategic move aligns with the company's broader "Haltungswechsel" initiative, a digital value and innovation strategy aimed at enhancing product visibility and appeal through AI tools.
The AI implementation is not limited to in-store innovation. Aldi Süd is also using generative AI tools to improve how products are marketed in their catalogues, potentially making product descriptions more engaging and helping move inventory more effectively. This approach could be a response to a market research study that shows nearly half of Germans prefer ChatGPT over Google for shopping tips.
Peter Gentsch, a tech expert, suggests that Aldi's aim is to be transparent towards customers and potentially pioneer in AI communication. This transparency could be an attempt to address the fear and skepticism about AI among Germans, as highlighted by the fact that 37% of Germans are concerned about the importance of AI in everyday life in the next ten years, according to the same YouGov study.
Aldi Süd is openly communicating about AI-generated contents in its product presentation, a move that sets a precedent for other German businesses as AI becomes more prominent in their daily operations. The current Aldi catalog, as of July 21, 2025, features elements generated by AI.
It's important to note that Aldi's digital transformation efforts extend beyond AI. The company has previously implemented cashierless stores using AI and cameras, and electronic shelf labels to enhance the in-store customer experience. However, a separate digital project, the Aldi online shop, is closing with big discounts.
This strategic use of AI in product catalogues is part of Aldi Süd's broader commitment to digital transformation, aiming to boost sales of underperforming items, enhance customer satisfaction, and optimise operational efficiency.
Aldi Süd's strategic move to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in revitalizing overlooked products and inventory in their catalogues is a part of their broader "Haltungswechsel" initiative, a digital value and innovation strategy that aims to enhance product visibility and appeal through AI tools. Additionally, the company is also using AI tools to improve how products are marketed in their catalogues, potentially making product descriptions more engaging and helping to move inventory more effectively.
