Old Navy Partners with RADAR to Elevate Customer Experience Through AI-Powered RFID Technology
Old Navy, a flagship brand under the Gap Inc. umbrella, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with RADAR, an advanced technology platform integrating RFID, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer vision. This collaboration aims to revolutionize Old Navy’s in-store operations by providing real-time inventory tracking, thereby enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. The phased implementation of RADAR’s AI-powered RFID technology across Old Navy’s nationwide stores aligns with Gap Inc.’s broader strategy to leverage technological advancements for a more seamless shopping experience.
Strategic Vision Behind the Partnership
In an era where retail efficiency and customer satisfaction are paramount, Old Navy’s investment in RADAR’s cutting-edge technology is a significant step toward modernizing its inventory management. The AI-powered RFID system will enable store associates to locate items with precision, reducing customer wait times and improving inventory accuracy. Haio Barbeito, Old Navy’s President and CEO, emphasized that this initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to providing on-trend style, consistent quality, and a frictionless shopping experience at accessible prices.
“Building on the rigor and discipline that is now core to how we operate, this new technology can place power in the hands of our frontline teams to better serve our customers,” Barbeito stated. “Our goal is to make Old Navy the most loved apparel brand in North America, and this partnership is a key step in that direction.”
Technological Innovation and Retail Optimization
RADAR’s RFID and AI platform offers a sophisticated solution to a persistent challenge in retail: real-time inventory visibility. Traditional inventory management methods often rely on manual processes, which can lead to inaccuracies, misplaced stock, and inefficiencies. RADAR’s system transforms stores into highly connected spaces where continuous product tracking optimizes inventory replenishment and enhances customer interactions.
Sven Gerjets, Chief Technology Officer at Gap Inc., highlighted the long-term impact of this technology: “With RADAR’s always-on RFID technology, we are poised to transform our stores into truly connected spaces. Continuous product tracking will not only optimize inventory replenishment but also improve customer and team member experiences while generating valuable real-time insights for product design and innovation.”
How RADAR’s AI-Powered RFID Technology Works
RADAR’s system integrates RFID, AI, and computer vision to track and locate every item in a store with unparalleled accuracy. The platform provides store associates with real-time data, enabling them to quickly find products on the sales floor or in the backroom. This capability enhances several key areas:
- Customer Experience: Shoppers can locate desired items faster, reducing frustration and increasing satisfaction.
- Operational Efficiency: Employees can more effectively manage restocking and fulfilling online orders for in-store pickup.
- Omnichannel Fulfillment: By improving inventory accuracy, the technology ensures that items listed as available online are actually in stock in stores, reducing order cancellations and improving fulfillment rates.
- Shrinkage Reduction: Real-time tracking minimizes lost or misplaced inventory, leading to better stock management and loss prevention.
Spencer Hewett, Founder and CEO of RADAR, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership: “Old Navy is one of the most iconic American brands, and we could not be prouder to officially launch this partnership following successful pilots in select stores. Our goal is to provide store teams with e-commerce-level inventory and product insights, enabling them to manage physical stores with the same precision as online operations.”
Enhancing Inventory Management and Product Insights
One of the most significant advantages of RADAR’s technology is its ability to provide granular data on product movement. By leveraging AI and data science, the platform helps retailers make informed inventory decisions, ensuring that the right products are stocked in the right locations at the right times. This data-driven approach minimizes stockouts, overstocks, and shrinkage, ultimately boosting sales and customer satisfaction.
Hewett further explained, “RADAR’s platform enables measurement of product movement down to the shelf level. This allows retailers to optimize floor sets and item placement for more effective sell-through. While this level of precision has been a staple in e-commerce for years, we are excited to bring the same capabilities to physical retail, with Old Navy leading the way.”
A Multi-Year, Phased Rollout
Old Navy’s adoption of RADAR’s technology will take place over multiple years, ensuring a smooth integration that maximizes the benefits for customers and employees. The phased rollout allows for iterative improvements, ensuring that the technology is optimized for each store’s unique layout and operational needs.
The implementation process includes:
- Initial Pilot Phase: Testing the technology in select stores to gather insights and refine system functionality.
- Gradual Expansion: Rolling out the system across more locations, incorporating feedback from store teams.
- Full-Scale Implementation: Deploying the technology across the entire Old Navy fleet, ensuring consistency in inventory management and customer service improvements.
Broader Implications for the Retail Industry
Old Navy’s partnership with RADAR sets a new benchmark for how technology can enhance brick-and-mortar retail. As e-commerce continues to reshape consumer expectations, physical stores must evolve to offer seamless, tech-enabled experiences. This collaboration demonstrates how AI-driven inventory management can bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping, creating a more integrated and efficient retail ecosystem.
For Gap Inc., this initiative aligns with its broader strategy of leveraging digital transformation to drive long-term growth. By integrating RADAR’s technology, Old Navy is not only improving current operations but also laying the foundation for future innovations in retail technology.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, companies must embrace innovation to stay competitive. Old Navy’s partnership with RADAR represents a forward-thinking approach to inventory management, customer service, and operational efficiency. By deploying AI-powered RFID technology, Old Navy is enhancing the shopping experience, empowering employees, and optimizing store operations for the future.
With a strategic, multi-year rollout, this partnership positions Old Navy at the forefront of technological advancements in retail. As more brands recognize the value of AI-driven inventory solutions, RADAR’s technology could become a game-changer for the industry, transforming how retailers manage their stores and engage with customers. Through this collaboration, Old Navy is not only modernizing its operations but also redefining what it means to offer a frictionless and customer-centric shopping experience.
