If you shop at a Macy’s in Bethesda, Md., Woodbridge, N.J., Portland, Ore; or Miami, Fla., you are in for a big surprise. These Macy’s locations will be giving out digital assistant gadgets to all customers so they can roam around on their own, without having to stop to ask questions from real live employees about “where certain departments are located” or “if a specific garment is in stock.” The gadgets will provide all the answers.  

All this might mean the end to live retail sales assistants (if you can find one), forever. If this pilot program works, Macy’s will be rolling it out across the country. The digital assistants are being powered by IBM Watson. 

 
I bet in a year or two, many more retailers will offer the digital tools as well. No more searching for someone to help you. You can now help yourself.