TLDR: Hyundai Department Store has officially launched ‘HEYDI,’ an AI-powered shopping assistant, for domestic customers in Korea. HEYDI, which was initially introduced for foreigners in July, utilizes generative AI and real-time store data to offer personalized recommendations for stores, restaurants, pop-up events, and exhibitions, aiming to enhance the offline shopping experience with customized guidance and expand the gift-giving culture.
SEOUL, South Korea – Hyundai Department Store has officially rolled out its innovative artificial intelligence (AI) shopping assistant, ‘HEYDI,’ to its domestic clientele across Korea. This marks a significant expansion for the service, which was initially launched exclusively for foreign visitors in July, and underscores the growing integration of AI technology into the retail sector.
HEYDI, powered by generative AI, is designed to revolutionize the offline shopping experience by providing personalized recommendations for a wide array of retail content, including stores, restaurants, pop-up events, and exhibitions. Unlike conventional generative AI models that rely solely on publicly available information, HEYDI leverages real-time operational data from Hyundai Department Store and Outlet locations, ensuring accurate and timely guidance for shoppers.
Customers can access HEYDI by scanning a QR code at any offline store or through the Hyundai Department Store’s official website and mobile application. The interactive assistant allows users to design their own shopping itineraries by engaging in conversations about their desired shopping experience and selecting their preferred stores.
The initial three-month pilot program with foreign customers yielded promising results, demonstrating HEYDI’s effectiveness in increasing accessibility to shopping content and boosting overall satisfaction. During this period, HEYDI averaged 9,000 monthly users, with approximately 2.5% of all foreign buyers utilizing the service. Key search terms among foreign users, excluding basic operational inquiries, included ‘gift,’ ‘pop-up,’ and ‘restaurant,’ indicating a strong demand for curated experiences tailored to specific visit purposes.
Feedback from early adopters highlights HEYDI’s value as a personalized shopping guide. Sarah Miller, a 21-year-old visitor from the U.S., praised HEYDI for recommending a ‘leisurely course’ that included a walk in the rooftop garden at the Trade Center branch. Maisuzuki, a 28-year-old Japanese visitor, appreciated the assistance with waiting reservations and recommendations for restaurants and cafes, particularly given language barriers.
Building on these insights and considering the shopping patterns of domestic customers, the integrated version of HEYDI introduces enhanced functionalities. It now recommends brands and products suitable for gift-giving, factoring in the desired price range. Furthermore, by providing information on the recipient’s gender, age, and preferences, customers can receive more detailed product recommendations and justifications.
Also Read:
- Hyundai Department Store Extends AI Shopping Assistant ‘HEYDI’ to All Customers
- KB Life Launches Generative AI Agent Service to Revolutionize Operations and Customer Experience
Looking ahead, Hyundai Department Store plans to further refine HEYDI’s personalization capabilities by integrating additional data sources, such as online and offline purchase histories, shopping cart data, and location information. A Hyundai Department Store official stated, “HEYDI is the first in the department store industry to integrate AI technology, traditionally used for online shopping, into offline spaces. It offers a new alternative for customers seeking a personalized retail experience.” The official added, “We anticipate HEYDI will elevate the gift-giving culture by transforming the often vague experience of purchasing gifts into a more enjoyable and informed process.”
