Google Cloud and The Home Depot extended their multi-year cloud partnership. The companies said the extension will expand Home Depot’s digital transformation and provide customers with “enhanced shopping experiences” by blending physical and digital environments.
After migrating its website to the cloud, Home Depot has built upon Google Cloud’s expertise in infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics to enhance customer experiences across in-store, online, and mobile shopping experiences.
Home Depot’s digital sales grew by 86% in 2020 and the retailer relied on Google Cloud’s flexible and scalable technology infrastructure to meet the surge in online customer demand. The retailer continues to build and deploy new capabilities to meet the rapidly evolving needs of its customers and associates.
Home Depot recently launched a “Rent Online, Pick Up In Store” reservation service for equipment rental. The service, available on the retailer’s website and mobile app, is designed to save pro and DIY customers time and trips to the stores, because they can now check availability and reserve what they need in advance.
“To provide our customers with the flexibility to shop whenever and however they want, we’ve been intensely focused on building an innovative foundation for our systems and applications,” Matt Carey, CIO of Home Depot, said in a news release. “We’ve built on Google Cloud since 2015, giving us the scalability and flexibility we need to meet growing demand and quickly introduce more personalized experiences for customers.”
Home Depot uses Google Cloud’s AI/ML tools and BigQuery database, which allows its team of data scientists to provide real-time insights more quickly across the enterprise, including more flexible assortment planning, advanced predictive inventory management, and more robust logistical insights to help enable a fast, efficient, and reliable supply chain. The retailer also uses Google Cloud’s AI capabilities to power the voice search feature in the Home Depot app. The Home Depot’s new Interactive Voice Recognition system uses Google’s DialogFlow to create a more efficient self-service experience when customers are searching for post-purchase assistance.
“As shoppers become even more interconnected, The Home Depot has consistently improved customer experiences in-store and online through AI-powered services,” Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said. “The Home Depot’s long-standing focus on technology and early adoption of cloud allowed it to adapt quickly to support customers and associates during the pandemic. We’re proud to expand our partnership with The Home Depot tomake home improvement faster and more convenient.”
