Sears Holdings has introduced the Kenmore Alfie voice-controlled intelligent shopping link, a connected smart device that researches potential purchases for the consumer and provides suggestions regardless of retailer.
Sears is rolling out the Alfie device with its own app and Shop Your Way technology platform to support the related service. The retailer is positioning the Alfie device as a money and time-saver that can shop everyday products such as groceries to replacement purchases such as printer ink to special occasion items such as birthday presents. For example, all the consumer has to do is say to the device, “Alfie, give me some ideas for a birthday gift for dad.”
To begin shopping, a consumer just presses a button on the device, and Alfie shops the online marketplace to provide a tailored recommendation based on characteristics and price. The company designed Alfie to learn user tastes based on previous purchases, and to facilitate shopping from history, which can simplify the task of reordering frequently purchased items.
The company emphasized that it would provide the Alfie service without charging use fees and the required Kenmore Alfie application is available free in the app store. Consumers can purchase the device for $49.99 at AlfieFetch.com, Sears.com or select local Sears stores.
“The Kenmore brand is woven into the fabric of the American home by delivering trusted performance with smart and stylish innovations that help our members do things quicker, better and easier,” said Tom Park, president of Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard brands at Sears Holdings. “Alfie is no exception: We are able to provide a best-in-class, concierge-like service at an affordable price so our members can get back to their everyday lives.”
