Ron Johnson doubts AI shopping agents will replace stores

ron johnson, the former head of apple's retail business, is skeptical about the role of ai in shopping. he thinks that while ai will improve the online shopping experience, it won't change how people shop, especially for big-ticket items like laptops. johnson believes that physical stores will continue to thrive because people want to experience products firsthand, feel their weight, see the display, and decide which size works for them. he expects ai agents to better inform consumers before they walk into a store, but not replace the human experience. johnson's conviction stems from his experience building apple's retail stores, which were designed as places where people could try products, learn how to use them, and return for help when something went wrong.