Zobrist Software Group Launches Smart Merchandiser AI to Help Retailers Adapt Faster Without Sacrificing Privacy or Control
SM AI brings plug-and-play intelligence into the product grid page–driving discovery, protecting revenue, and saving merchandisers time.
Woodland Hills, California — September 16, 2025 –Zobrist Software Group, the company behind Smart Merchandiser, the advanced AI-powered visual merchandising platform, today announced Smart Merchandiser AI (SM AI), a purpose-built module that reduces digital merchandisers’ manual effort, reacts to real-time signals, and enables faster product decisions using a privacy-first, AI model.
AI that delivers results without sacrificing control
Built for teams managing Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) storefronts, SM AI combines a pre-trained catalog-only AI model with performance signals from Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Omniture to deliver three high-impact features:
- AI-powered substitutions for out-of-stock items
- Boost & Bury product ranking suggestions
- Plug-and-play recommendation APIs, including Bestsellers, Trending, and Frequently Bought Together
These APIs can be easily embedded into product detail pages to drive discovery and increase average order value–without custom development.
Privacy-first AI by design
Unlike tools that rely on session tracking or behavioral data, SM AI operates solely on product information and analytics, addressing privacy concerns and accelerating time to value. All recommendations are embedded directly within the Smart Merchandiser interface, allowing teams to preview, apply, or automate changes–without ever leaving their workflow.
“Merchandisers need AI that works with the data they already trust,” said Teresa Zobrist, CEO of Zobrist Software Group. “SM AI focuses on the moments that move the needle–protecting revenue when items stock out, boosting high performers, and helping shoppers discover relevant alternatives. And most importantly, it does this without replacing the merchandiser’s judgment.”
Your workflow, your control
The Boost & Bury recommendations in the module remain fully merchandiser-controlled: insights are offered, not enforced. Teams can choose to take action manually, in bulk, or through automation, staying in control every step of the way.
Built for real-world agility
The result is a merchandising system that responds to real-time market conditions, and replicates the instincts of experienced teams–whether responding to seasonality, supply chain shifts, or sudden demand spikes.
SM AI reflects Zobrist’s commitment to empowering merchandising teams with actionable AI.
About Zobrist Software Group
Zobrist Software Group is the creator of Smart Merchandiser, the advanced AI-powered visual merchandising platform for enterprise eCommerce teams. Designed to unify inventory, analytics, and shopper insights in a single drag-and-drop interface, Smart Merchandiser streamlines product management and trend spotting, enabling teams to work smarter–not harder. Retailers using the platform reduce up to seven hours of manual effort per day, boost productivity by up to 70%, and lift conversions by up to 20%. The platform is trusted by leading brands including 5.11 Tactical, J.Jill, and Sorel. Learn more at smartmerchandiser.com
