Tariffs, Inflation, and the Retail Dilemma: The Case for Smarter, Faster Decision-Making

Retail is once again in the middle of a cost crisis. As new tariffs drive up expenses across manufacturing, supply chains, and operations, brands and retailers are forced into impossible decisions. Do we absorb the costs? Pass them on to customers? Cut elsewhere—and at what risk?

There’s no single right answer. Some categories can take a price increase, others may require SKU rationalization, and some promotions might need to be rethought. The challenge isn’t just where to adjust—it’s how quickly you can respond.

Historically, retailers and manufacturers have relied on the best data available, making informed decisions and then waiting—sometimes weeks—to see the impact in sales numbers. But by the time a major shift in consumer behavior is fully recognized, the damage may already be done. This is where real-time visibility and leading indicators become essential.

Standard AI delivers the first real-time retail metrics for physical stores, leveraging security cameras to provide immediate insights into shopper behavior, product engagement, and conversion. This isn’t just about innovation—it’s about speed. Retailers and brands don’t need another experimental technology; they need tools that measure performance with precision, allowing them to collaborate in order to make better, faster decisions when it matters most.

As the industry navigates yet another period of uncertainty, those who move with agility—who can test, iterate, and adapt in real time—will be the ones who emerge stronger. Standard AI ensures you’re not reacting to the past, but optimizing for the future, before your competitors dictate the landscape.

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