SAN FRANCISCO and BONN, GERMANY — December 9, 2024 — In a move set to transform the online rug retail landscape, Benuta, Europe’s largest online rug store, has partnered with Constructor to implement cutting-edge AI technology. This collaboration aims to elevate the customer experience by personalizing product discovery and introducing an innovative AI Shopping Assistant.
A New Era of Personalized Shopping
Founded in 2008, Benuta has grown to become a dominant force in the European online rug market. With a vast inventory of over 20,000 items spanning various styles and designs, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of e-commerce innovation. Now, Benuta is taking a significant leap forward by integrating Constructor’s advanced ecommerce search and product discovery platform.
Andreas Fischer, Head of Ecommerce Technologies at Benuta, emphasized the importance of this development: “Our customers are all unique, and their interior spaces reflect their styles and lives. With Constructor’s personalization features, we can help shoppers quickly and enjoyably discover their dream rugs.”
The AI Advantage in E-commerce
Constructor’s platform goes beyond traditional search functionality. It focuses not just on relevance but also on attractiveness, ensuring that shoppers see products that genuinely appeal to their tastes. This approach is particularly crucial for Benuta, given the visual and personal nature of home decor choices.
The implementation of Constructor’s technology across Benuta’s multiple European domains represents a significant step in localizing and personalizing the shopping experience. Customers in Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and other European countries will now enjoy tailored results in their native languages.
Streamlining Operations and Enhancing Customer Experience
One of the key benefits of this new system is its ability to automate time-consuming tasks. By handling challenges like synonym detection and typo correction, Constructor frees up Benuta’s merchandisers to focus on more strategic initiatives. This efficiency gain is expected to have a positive impact on both the company’s operations and the overall customer experience.
Actionable Insights for Better Decision Making
The partnership also brings powerful analytics tools to Benuta’s arsenal. Constructor’s Merchant Controls and Intelligence provide actionable insights into how merchandising decisions affect site metrics. This data-driven approach allows Benuta to make informed choices about product placement and promotion, potentially leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
The Future of Rug Shopping: AI Shopping Assistant
Looking ahead, Benuta plans to roll out even more advanced features, including personalized product recommendations and an AI Shopping Assistant (ASA). The ASA is set to revolutionize how customers interact with the site, supporting conversational queries like:
- “Can you suggest a trendy rug with blue and gold hues for our living room?”
- “Help me find a durable, absorbent and bright carpet for my child’s bathroom.”
- “What should I consider when buying an outdoor rug?”
This feature promises to make the shopping experience more intuitive and engaging, potentially increasing conversion rates and customer loyalty.
Impact on the E-commerce Landscape
Bernd Maehrlein, Constructor’s VP for EMEA, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “As they look to increase customer satisfaction, forward-looking retailers like Benuta are increasingly personalizing shoppers’ interactions. We’re incredibly excited to be working with the Benuta team on this.”
For e-commerce businesses, Benuta’s move signals the growing importance of AI-powered personalization in the industry. As online shopping continues to evolve, companies that can offer tailored experiences are likely to gain a competitive edge.
A New Chapter in Benuta’s Success Story
This latest development comes at a time of strong performance for Benuta. Despite challenges in the online carpet retail sector, the company maintained its revenue at 86 million euros in the 2022/23 fiscal year and increased its profit by 75%. With plans for further expansion, including a new 34,000 square meter warehouse in Dormagen, Benuta is positioning itself for continued growth and innovation.
As the e-commerce landscape becomes increasingly competitive, Benuta’s investment in AI-powered personalization sets a new standard for online retail. By providing a more intuitive and tailored shopping experience, the company is not just selling rugs – it’s crafting individual home stories, one personalized search at a time.
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