The headlines are easy to write. "AI is coming for cashiers!" "The robots are taking over!" But the data—and simple human nature—tell a different story. Why did Amazon keep Whole Foods after the acquisition? Why does waiting 48 hours for a package feel like an eternity? Immediacy. Choice. Experience. In this article, I break down our core philosophy at Skala Industries: AI isn't the store; it's the system that makes the in-person experience frictionless and exceptional.