AI for Retail: Why Most Implementations Fail (And How to Fix It) with Kurt Johnston

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

Kurt Johnston, founder of Pallet Analytics, shares how businesses can use data to optimize retail assortment, pricing, and decision-making. He explains why understanding data in context is crucial for long-term success.

About Kurt Johnston:

Kurt is the founder and CEO of Pallet Analytics, a retail optimization firm that helps businesses refine their product selection, pricing, and inventory strategies using AI-driven analytics.

In this episode, Thomas and Kurt discuss:

• The Power of Context in Data

Data alone isn’t enough—interpretation is everything. Kurt explains how companies often misread their own data, leading to poor decisions and wasted resources.

• From Home Depot to Entrepreneurship

Kurt's career started at Home Depot, where he gained first-hand experience with optimization at scale. Over time, he realized smaller retailers lacked the same data-driven decision-making power, leading him to start Pallet Analytics.

• Breaking into Retail Analytics

Unlike big data firms chasing major brands, Kurt built his business to serve mid-sized retailers who lacked the resources for traditional analytics. He discusses how solving overlooked problems created a niche for Pallet.

• The Fallacy of AI in Retail

AI can’t replace expertise. Kurt shares how generative AI lacks the ability to predict retail trends accurately and why relying solely on automation without human insight can be a mistake.

Key Takeaways:

• Data Needs Business Context

Numbers can tell any story you want—but only when paired with business acumen do they drive real results.

• Retail Optimization is More Than Pricing

Success in retail comes from understanding inventory, demand, and pricing dynamics, not just lowering prices.

• Small Businesses Can Benefit from Analytics

You don’t need an enterprise budget to use data effectively. Pallet Analytics provides affordable solutions tailored for mid-sized retailers.

"Data without context is just numbers. The real power comes from knowing what to do with it." — Kurt Johnston

CONNECT WITH KURT JOHNSTON:

Website: https://www.paletteanalytics.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-johnston-61824137/

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