What Is Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)? Why Retailers Should Care

In this episode of AI Academy for Commerce, Vivek Farias breaks down Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) in plain English. Learn how RAG gives large language models real-time awareness by pulling in fresh or proprietary data before answering a question — making LLMs significantly more reliable for retail and enterprise use cases.

Vivek uses a vivid example involving Val Kilmer (RIP Iceman 🕊️) to show how models trained months ago can still give outdated answers — and how RAG fixes that.

If you’re a retailer or digital leader asking:

• How can I give AI access to my unique product catalog?
• How do I make sure answers stay accurate, even as things change?
• Why are RAG systems critical to powering AI search, chat, and product discovery?

👉 This video is for you.

🔍 Topics covered: What is retrieval-augmented generation? Why RAG matters in AI-powered commerce How LLMs can stay current using retrieval Real-world implications for product discovery and customer experience