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In-Store Technologies 2.0 Retailers, often with the help of brand partners, are increasing the use of technology to enhance the in-store experience. Having been a while since we rounded up in-store technologies in this space, we thought it was time for an update, especially given the recent uptick of in-person shopping and experiential marketing (see “The New Consumer,” page 10). Digital endcaps and signage seem to be increasingly popular — a way of drawing shopper attention as well as personalizing the shopper’s experience at-shelf. Additionally, retailers are testing and introducing technology that will optimize store operations, perhaps also impressing shoppers with innovative technology. Here are some technologies that have caught the eyes of our editors. BY J AC Q U E L I N E B A R B A
Ahold Delhaize’s Giant Food deployed an in-store product engagement platform from Unilever and retail marketing platform Perch this year at select Washington, D.C.area stores. Located in the beauty section, the interactive endcaps include a glowing logo and illuminated shelves. Using Perch’s “lift-andlearn” technology, a digital screen automatically senses what products shoppers touch and responds with videos and information about that same product. The shopper doesn’t have to scan a QR code, touch a screen nor take any additional action. Perch’s digital engagement platform employs computer vision to detect product behavior at the shelf, anonymously detecting the presence of shoppers, what products they touch, and what content they engage with to bring in videos, ratings and reviews and product information for every product on the shelf.
Tally robots from Simbe Robotics roam the aisles at more than 60 Schnucks Market stores. The robots traverse the aisles up to three times daily, autonomously capturing on-shelf data, including inventory position, price accuracy and promotional execution. Schnucks piloted Tally in July 2017 and expanded it to additional stores in 2018 and then 2020. In the summer of 2021, the retailer signed a multiyear deal to roll out the robots to all stores, making Schnucks the first grocer in the world to use AI-powered inventory management technology at scale, according to a media release from the retailer.
Most Schnucks stores have a display outfitted with a “storytelling” tablet from North Carolina retail tech startup Looma. Looma’s program, known as Loop, highlights winemakers and brewers behind various BevAlc brands, such as Lagunitas Brewing Co., by playing short videos on the tablet. As of August 2021, 89 Schnucks beer and wine departments had a tablet installed.
May/June 2022
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