Japanese convenience stores use AI in determining products for discounts

Japan's convenience stores and supermarkets are letting artificial intelligence analyze data to increase sales and reduce food waste.

Analyzing data such as past sales figures helps convenience stores decide what discounts to apply to perishable products.

Lawson convenience store branch in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward uses an in-store computer to decide every 3 pm, which food products should be discounted and by how much.

To calculate how far to cut prices, the software considers a store's sales, delivery times, and the local weather conditions to propose a price that gives the product the best chance at being sold.

Major supermarket chain Aeon Retail Co has also developed an AI discounting system that scans barcodes of the remaining items on the deli produce shelves at 5 pm each day

The system analyzes the sales performance of each store and works to price in-store-prepared products at a level that ensures they are sold by closing time.