How Google helped Levi’s turn employee’s hackathon idea into AI tool that helps shoppers

March 15, 2026 - 14:26

What began as a creative spark during an internal hackathon has evolved into a fully-fledged artificial intelligence tool now assisting shoppers at Levi Strauss & Co. The project, developed in collaboration with Google, showcases how grassroots employee innovation can directly enhance the retail experience.

The concept originated from a Levi's employee team during a company-sponsored hackathon. Their vision was to leverage AI to empower store associates with instant, comprehensive product knowledge. Recognizing the potential, Levi's partnered with Google Cloud to transform the prototype into a robust, scalable tool.

This new AI assistant provides sales staff with immediate answers to complex customer queries. Associates can ask the tool for detailed product information, such as material composition, fit comparisons, and care instructions, all through a simple conversational interface. The goal is to free employees from memorizing vast inventories, allowing them to focus on personalized customer service and styling advice.

The tool is designed to improve both the employee and shopper experience. Staff gain a powerful resource at their fingertips, boosting confidence and efficiency. For customers, it translates to quicker, more accurate information and a more seamless in-store journey. This initiative highlights a growing trend of retailers harnessing AI not to replace human interaction, but to augment it, creating a more knowledgeable and responsive shopping environment.