AI-Driven Retail Media Networks: The Future of APAC Commerce

28 Mar 2025 | By MarketingTNT Team

Retail in APAC is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in history, driven by artificial intelligence (AI). What was once a fragmented landscape of digital and in-store experiences is now evolving into a seamless, AI-powered ecosystem where brands can engage consumers with unprecedented precision.

The numbers tell a compelling story:

90% of retail solutions will incorporate AI by 2026, with over 30% adopting modular AI models to enhance personalization and efficiency.
Retail Media Network (RMN) ad spend in Southeast Asia is projected to reach $4.7 billion by 2030, proving that RMNs are becoming a dominant force in digital advertising.

But here’s the real game-changer: AI is no longer just optimizing Retail Media Networks—it’s completely redefining how brands connect with consumers.

How AI is Transforming Retail Media Networks (RMNs)

Retailers and brands have always sought ways to better understand consumers, but AI has taken this to an entirely new level. Let’s explore how AI-driven RMNs are reshaping commerce in APAC:

Hyper-Personalization at Scale

Consumers today expect relevant and timely advertising, and AI-powered RMNs deliver just that. These networks analyze real-time shopping behaviors, purchase histories, and intent signals to create dynamic, hyper-personalized advertising.

🔹 Example: E-commerce giants like Shopee and Lazada are integrating AI to show highly personalized product recommendations based on recent searches, browsing history, and purchase patterns—leading to higher conversion rates.

🔹 Why it matters: Traditional advertising relied on broad targeting segments. AI, however, understands individual intent in real-time and delivers personalized messages that drive engagement and sales.

Effortless Content Production with AI

Creating high-quality, engaging ad content at scale has always been a challenge for retailers. AI-powered RMNs are solving this by automating ad production, enabling brands to create, test, and optimize ad creatives faster than ever before.

🔹 Example: Endeavour Group, a leading Australian retailer, is leveraging AI-driven production agencies to scale ad content efficiently, ensuring their ads remain fresh, engaging, and relevant.

🔹 Why it matters: Instead of manually designing different creatives for multiple platforms, AI automates and customizes content in seconds—allowing brands to test different versions and optimize performance in real-time.

AI-Powered In-Store Digital Engagement

Retailers are also bridging the gap between online and offline shopping through AI-driven in-store experiences. Digital displays powered by AI can now adapt promotions based on real-time store traffic, weather conditions, and shopper demographics.

🔹 Example: Bunnings, a major Australian home improvement retailer, is implementing AI-powered LED displays to deliver context-aware promotions—offering personalized deals based on customer preferences and store inventory.

🔹 Why it matters: AI transforms in-store retail by making digital signage dynamic and responsive, ensuring customers see the most relevant offers in real-time—driving higher engagement and sales.

The Urgency: AI-Driven RMNs Are No Longer Optional

Retailers that fail to invest in AI-driven RMNs risk being left behind. The question is no longer if AI should be part of your strategy, but how fast you can implement it.

What Retailers Should Do Now

To stay competitive in this AI-driven retail landscape, brands must act now:

Invest in AI for Smarter Targeting & Content Automation

Leverage AI-driven analytics to understand customer intent in real-time.
Automate content creation and optimization for more relevant and engaging ads.

Develop a Retail Media Network (RMN) Strategy

Monetize first-party data to build a powerful, AI-driven advertising platform.
Use AI insights to offer brands and advertisers highly precise ad placements.

Collaborate with Tech Partners to Stay Ahead

Work with AI technology providers to integrate machine learning models into your RMN.
Adopt modular AI solutions to ensure scalability and adaptability as trends evolve.

The Future of APAC Retail: AI-First Commerce

Retailers who embrace AI-powered RMNs will dominate the next decade. The opportunity isn’t just to advertise more efficiently—it’s to redefine consumer engagement entirely.

Want to explore the full potential of RMNs?

Join MMA Global APAC’s Retail Media Network (RMN) Ideas Lab to: