Gerry Harvey: Robots to Greet Shoppers Soon!

Robots are set to become a familiar sight at Harvey Norman stores, with billionaire Gerry Harvey predicting their arrival at front doors within the next one to two years. He envisions a future where customers can choose to interact with either a robot or a human salesperson, or even both, for a novel shopping experience.

This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence into customer service. While some consumers have expressed negative reactions online, Mr. Harvey remains committed to the project, even if immediate profitability is uncertain. He stated he is interested in making money from the venture but would be content to see it launched regardless.

The announcement follows a period where Harvey Norman's share price experienced a notable drop. Despite a reported increase in sales revenue and profit after tax, these figures were below market expectations, leading to a nine percent slump in the company's stock. Mr. Harvey expressed bewilderment at this market reaction, considering the company's strong real estate, international sales, and domestic performance.