Furnishing the future

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Furnishing the future

Written by Matthew Calvert
Published: 04-20-2026

Overview

Williams-Sonoma, an $8B premium home retailer, is evaluating how to deploy AI agents to modernize its customer experience. With 40% of annual volume concentrated in an 8-week Holiday window, leadership must decide whether to Buy, Build, or Partner to launch AI before peak season. Candidates must assess financial impact, execution feasibility, and strategic risk to recommend the optimal path forward.

Formats available

📄 Peer practice PDF

Case info

Difficulty

Advanced

Case type

Strategy

Industry

Retail

Company

Williams-Sonoma

Geography

North America, USA

Additional info

Includes charts and/or data analysis


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