This year’s National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show drew over 40,000 retail professionals, all eager to explore groundbreaking technologies designed to give businesses a competitive edge and challenge the dominance of online retail giants.
Missed the event in New York? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. We dove into the expansive NRF Innovation Lab to uncover the latest advancements in machine learning, robotics, omnichannel automation, and more.
From our exploration, we discovered 13 standout companies that are redefining the retail landscape with cutting-edge solutions. Whether you’re a retailer looking to innovate or simply curious about the future of shopping, these high-tech tools deserve a spot on your radar.
Revolutionizing Retail with Smart Shelves: The Future of Merchandising
Smart shelves are reshaping the way retailers engage with customers and manage inventory, and Conex is leading the charge with their cutting-edge innovations.
If you’ve browsed duty-free shops at New York’s JFK Airport, chances are you’ve encountered Conex’s smart shelf technology in action. As a division of DIAM International Group, Conex specializes in visual merchandising and point-of-sale solutions. At the National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show, they showcased how their systems address common hurdles in smart-shelf adoption—namely high setup costs, integration challenges, and vendor lock-in fears.
Unlike traditional shelving, smart shelves elevate the shopping experience by combining functionality with technology. Options range from simple, attachable screens for existing fixtures to immersive, eye-catching displays designed to draw in shoppers. These shelves do more than just hold products—they actively enhance store operations by enabling dynamic price updates, providing real-time product information to customers, and tracking inventory levels through smart sensors that monitor weight or RFID tags.
Jean Vieville, Conex’s Product Innovation Manager, highlighted the adaptability of their solutions: “It’s a plug-and-play system that’s now deployed in over 35 countries.” With this flexible approach, Conex offers customizable hardware and software tailored to meet the diverse needs of retailers. Additionally, they provide setup and management services, ensuring a seamless integration process.
One of Conex’s strengths lies in its ecosystem of hardware and software partnerships. By offering flexibility through embedded software and third-party integrations, Conex caters to a wide range of retail environments—from supermarkets like Hannaford and Kroger to upscale department stores such as Macy’s.
What Makes Smart Shelves a Game-Changer?
Smart shelves are a treasure trove of data for retailers. They answer questions that traditional systems struggle with:
- What products are out of stock?
- Which items do customers pick up and put back?
- How long has a particular product been sitting on the shelf?
This data empowers retailers to optimize inventory management, reduce waste, and improve restocking efficiency. At Kroger, for example, smart shelves are being used in pilot programs to offer personalized smart coupons, streamline price updates, and ensure inventory is always accurate.
Luxury Meets Innovation
While many associate smart shelves with high-volume grocery chains, Conex is also exploring their potential in the luxury goods market. For high-end items, customers often demand detailed product information before making a purchase. Conex’s smart shelves are equipped to provide this in real-time, enhancing the overall shopping experience for discerning customers.
Is the Investment Worth It?
Despite their many advantages, experts caution that smart shelves may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. For retailers with smaller inventories or less frequent restocking needs, the return on investment might not justify the expense. However, for stores handling large product volumes, facing complex inventory challenges, or prioritizing data-driven decision-making, smart shelves are a game-changing innovation.
The Future of Retail, Today
Conex’s smart shelves aren’t just a glimpse into the future—they’re transforming retail as we know it. By blending advanced technology with practical design, they offer solutions that go beyond aesthetics, delivering measurable benefits to both retailers and customers.
As smart-shelf technology continues to evolve, the question for retailers isn’t whether to adopt it—but when. For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, Conex provides a compelling case for taking the plunge into high-tech merchandising.
Gamification in the Workplace: How Arcade Boosts Employee Engagement
Unmotivated employees can harm a store’s performance and customer experience, but Arcade has found a way to turn this around using gamification. By transforming mundane tasks into engaging challenges, Arcade’s platform is redefining how businesses motivate and retain their staff.
Imagine walking into a store where employees are not just friendly but genuinely enthusiastic about their roles. This is the vision Arcade’s co-founder and CEO, David Cherrie, aims to bring to life. “We make work really fun for the employee using gamification,” Cherrie explains. “Every day, employees have opportunities to win rewards and gain recognition. Whether they excel in customer service or help the store achieve its goals, their efforts are celebrated with tangible rewards.”
Arcade’s software operates by creating challenges such as tournaments, races, and marathons that encourage employees to meet key performance indicators (KPIs). Unlike traditional leaderboard systems that can foster unhealthy competition, Arcade’s platform emphasizes collaboration and personal growth. The idea is to recognize employees’ contributions while maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Incentives That Truly Motivate
The rewards system is at the heart of Arcade’s success. Employees earn tokens that can be redeemed for prizes, including gift cards and other coveted rewards. One employee even accumulated enough tokens to fund a trip to Disney World. This tangible recognition not only motivates employees but also builds loyalty and a sense of accomplishment.
Major brands like Starbucks, Sprint, Verizon, and Under Armour are already leveraging Arcade’s software to drive engagement among their teams. By creating an environment where employees are excited to participate, these companies are setting new benchmarks for workplace satisfaction.
More Than Just Motivation
While rewards and recognition are significant, Arcade’s gamification software offers much more. Businesses are also using the platform to enhance training and communication. By gamifying these processes, employees are more likely to engage with and retain critical information, leading to better overall performance.
Additionally, in an increasingly competitive job market, companies are turning to gamification to improve recruitment and retention. According to a TalentLMS survey of nearly 900 workers, 89% reported feeling more productive when gamification was incorporated into their workplace, and 88% said it made them happier at work. These figures underscore the potential of gamification to transform the employee experience.
Expanding Beyond Retail
While Arcade initially gained traction in the retail sector, its applications extend far beyond stores. The platform is proving valuable in various industries where employee engagement is critical. Whether it’s a call center, a corporate office, or a customer-facing retail environment, the principles of gamification can be adapted to fit diverse needs.
The Future of Employee Engagement
With the rising need for innovative ways to retain talent and boost morale, platforms like Arcade are paving the way for a new era of workplace engagement. By combining technology with psychology, Arcade creates an environment where employees are not just workers but active participants in their company’s success.
For businesses struggling with disengaged staff, the solution may not be more oversight or stricter policies—it could be as simple as turning work into play. Arcade is proving that gamification is more than a buzzword; it’s a strategy that works.
Autonomous Checkout: WalkOut’s Smart Carts Redefine the Shopping Experience
The days of waiting in long checkout lines could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to WalkOut’s innovative autonomous checkout technology. By transforming traditional shopping carts into smart, self-service payment stations, WalkOut is revolutionizing the way we shop.
Imagine a shopping experience where checkout begins the moment you add an item to your cart—even if it’s one of those old carts with a squeaky, stubborn wheel. WalkOut, led by CEO Asaf Gedfalia, has created a system that retrofits existing shopping carts with advanced visual scanning technology and an interactive display unit. This system tracks every item added to or removed from the cart in real time, providing a seamless and intuitive shopping experience.
“It’s a very strong and powerful tool,” Gedfalia explains. “When you’re done shopping, customers can just pay directly on the cart.” This eliminates the need for traditional checkout lanes, saving customers time and reducing congestion at registers.
How WalkOut Works
The WalkOut system relies on a visual scanner mounted to the front of the cart. Powered by an algorithm capable of identifying SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), it tracks the items placed in or removed from the cart. Retailers can even use the display screen to engage customers with personalized messages, such as promotional offers or loyalty rewards, creating an additional layer of interactivity.
WalkOut’s approach stands out from competitors like Amazon Go, which uses overhead cameras and sensors to track purchases. Instead, WalkOut’s self-contained system keeps everything localized to the cart, offering a more scalable and flexible solution for retailers.
Why Autonomous Checkout Matters
For customers, the benefits are clear—no one enjoys waiting in line, and autonomous checkout eliminates this pain point entirely. But retailers also stand to gain significantly from adopting this technology. By reducing the need for staffed registers, businesses can allocate their workforce more effectively while offering a modern, tech-forward shopping experience.
Additionally, WalkOut’s smart carts open up new opportunities for retailers to engage with customers in real time. Through the cart’s display, stores can deliver targeted promotions, product recommendations, or even gather feedback during the shopping journey. This not only enhances the customer experience but also provides valuable data for retailers.
Adoption Across Industries
As with many emerging technologies, grocers have been early adopters of autonomous checkout systems. However, experts predict that larger-format retailers, such as big-box stores, will soon follow suit. These businesses are well-positioned to manage the backend requirements for scan accuracy and can justify the cost of implementing smart carts.
Companies like Sam’s Club and BJ’s are already experimenting with related technologies, such as scanning apps and handheld scanners. As autonomous checkout continues to evolve, more retailers are likely to embrace solutions like WalkOut to stay competitive and meet customer expectations for convenience.
The Future of Smart Shopping
WalkOut’s smart carts represent a significant leap forward in retail technology. By combining advanced scanning algorithms, interactive displays, and seamless payment options, they offer a glimpse into the future of shopping—a future where convenience and personalization take center stage.
For retailers, the message is clear: customers value efficiency, and autonomous checkout provides a way to deliver it while gaining a competitive edge. Whether you’re a grocery chain, a big-box retailer, or a department store, solutions like WalkOut are setting a new standard for what a modern shopping experience should be.
The next time you grab a cart, it might just be smart enough to handle the checkout for you. With WalkOut leading the charge, the line-free future of retail is closer than ever.
Simplifying the Return Process: How Happy Returns is Changing the Game
Returning unwanted items is often a frustrating experience, but Happy Returns has made it their mission to turn this pain point into a seamless and stress-free process. With innovative solutions and a growing network of drop-off locations, they’re transforming how retailers and customers handle returns.
Let’s face it—no one looks forward to returning that ill-fitting sweater or those shoes that just don’t work. This universal dread inspired David Sobie and Mark Geller, the minds behind Nordstrom Rack’s “Return to Rack” program, to create Happy Returns. Their goal? To simplify returns for both retailers and shoppers. Today, Happy Returns boasts over 700 locations across the U.S., making it easier than ever for customers to return items in person.
A Return Solution for Every Brand
One of the standout features of Happy Returns is its ability to handle returns for multiple brands, even at locations that don’t sell those products. For example, shoppers can drop off items from brands like Cuts, Draper James, or Rothy’s at participating Bed Bath & Beyond or Paper Source stores. This not only makes returns more convenient for customers but also drives foot traffic to the drop-off locations.
Henry Moses, Director of Retail Partnerships at Happy Returns, explains how the system works: “We provide reusable shipping boxes, making the process effortless for receiving stores while reducing waste. At the same time, we offer online software that allows retailers to integrate a smooth return-and-exchange flow directly into their websites.”
The Technology Behind Happy Returns
Happy Returns combines physical convenience with robust technological solutions. Their platform includes mobile apps and an integrated dashboard that gives retailers full visibility into the return process. Additionally, the company offers self-service kiosks, allowing customers to initiate returns quickly and independently.
Beyond drop-offs, Happy Returns handles the logistics behind the scenes. Their team collects, inspects, and ships goods back to the appropriate retailers, streamlining what can otherwise be a labor-intensive process. This comprehensive approach helps businesses save time and resources while offering a superior experience to their customers.
Benefits That Go Beyond Returns
Happy Returns is more than just a solution for unwanted items—it’s a win-win for everyone involved:
- For Customers: The hassle-free process encourages shoppers to buy with confidence, knowing returns will be simple.
- For Drop-Off Locations: Stores that serve as drop points benefit from increased foot traffic, which can lead to additional sales opportunities.
- For Retailers: By consolidating all return-related services and software with one partner, businesses can focus on what they do best while providing a top-tier return experience.
Retailers Leading the Way
Happy Returns has already partnered with some of the biggest direct-to-consumer brands, including Rothy’s, Everlane, and Draper James. For these brands, offering a simplified return process is critical to maintaining customer satisfaction.
Brick-and-mortar stores that serve as return hubs also see significant benefits. Acting as a drop-off point not only boosts visibility but also positions them as a go-to location for convenience-driven shoppers.
Revolutionizing Retail Logistics
The success of Happy Returns underscores a broader trend in retail—meeting customers where they are. By blending physical drop-off points with user-friendly technology, Happy Returns ensures that returning products is no longer a dreaded chore.
As e-commerce continues to grow, solutions like this will become even more critical for retailers looking to compete in a convenience-driven market. Happy Returns is proving that a well-executed return process isn’t just a necessary cost—it’s an opportunity to enhance customer loyalty and drive growth.
With its innovative approach and commitment to simplifying returns, Happy Returns is setting a new standard for retail logistics. For customers and retailers alike, the return process has never looked so easy—or so rewarding.
Boosting Sales with AI-Powered Cross-Selling: How Increasingly Helps Retailers Maximize Revenue
Every retailer knows the importance of upselling, but many fail to fully capitalize on the potential revenue it can generate. Increasingly, a leader in AI-powered cross-selling solutions, is changing that by offering smarter, data-driven recommendations that resonate with shoppers.
Retailers may be leaving up to 10% of potential revenue untapped by not effectively upselling mobile and online customers, says Sri Sharma, CEO and co-founder of Increasingly. To bridge this gap, Sharma and his team have developed software that leverages AI and machine learning to transform cross-selling from a hit-or-miss strategy into a science-backed, revenue-generating tool.
How Increasingly Works
At the heart of Increasingly’s solution is tag management, which allows the software to integrate seamlessly with virtually any e-commerce platform. Once integrated, the platform uses advanced algorithms to analyze critical data points, such as:
- A customer’s past purchases
- Cart abandonment trends
- Behavioral patterns, like impulse-buy triggers and price sensitivity
- Ideal product bundling combinations
Using these insights, Increasingly generates real-time recommendations tailored to the items already in the shopper’s cart. Unlike the often irrelevant cross-selling tactics many retailers employ, these suggestions are relevant, intuitive, and more likely to convert.
“In marketing and in-store, 95% of retailers do not do this,” Sharma points out, emphasizing the vast opportunity that still exists in the retail space for smarter cross-selling.
Why AI-Powered Cross-Selling Matters
We’ve all seen clunky, ineffective cross-selling—whether it’s an unrelated product suggestion during checkout or irrelevant bundles that leave us scratching our heads. Poorly executed cross-selling is not only ineffective but can also frustrate customers.
Increasingly’s platform eliminates these issues by relying on data-driven insights. Instead of generic recommendations, shoppers see personalized suggestions that align with their needs, preferences, and buying behavior. This approach not only increases the likelihood of additional purchases but also enhances the overall shopping experience.
The Benefits of Smarter Cross-Selling
For retailers, the benefits of AI-powered cross-selling are clear:
- Increased Revenue: By upselling effectively, businesses can capture the 10% of revenue they might otherwise lose.
- Improved Customer Experience: Shoppers appreciate relevant recommendations that add value to their purchase instead of irrelevant suggestions that feel like spam.
- Seamless Integration: Thanks to its tag management approach, Increasingly’s software can work with virtually any e-commerce platform, ensuring a smooth implementation process.
- Better Insights: Retailers gain access to valuable data about customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns, helping them refine their strategies further.
Who Benefits from Increasingly?
According to Sharma, businesses need to offer at least 50 SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) to see significant benefits from the platform. This makes Increasingly an ideal solution for brands with diverse product catalogs that want to drive more sales through bundling and recommendations.
Some of Increasingly’s prominent clients include Canon, Samsung, and Imomoko—brands that have already seen the value of using data-driven cross-selling to improve customer engagement and boost sales.
A Legitimate Use of AI in Retail
While AI has become a buzzword in the retail world, Increasingly offers a truly legitimate application of this technology. By analyzing large data sets to uncover meaningful patterns, the platform delivers recommendations that feel natural and helpful to the shopper.
This stands in stark contrast to the “dumb” cross-selling methods that even pop culture, like Dilbert comics, has poked fun at over the years. Increasingly proves that when AI is applied correctly, it can deliver real, measurable results.
The Future of Cross-Selling
As retail continues to evolve, the ability to deliver personalized, AI-powered recommendations will become a must-have for businesses looking to stay competitive. Platforms like Increasingly are setting the standard for what smart cross-selling should look like—relevant, data-driven, and customer-centric.
For retailers with robust product catalogs, the message is clear: embracing AI-powered cross-selling isn’t just about boosting revenue—it’s about offering a better, more tailored shopping experience that keeps customers coming back. With Increasingly leading the charge, the future of upselling is smarter, more efficient, and more impactful than ever.
Transforming Retail with Virtual and Augmented Reality: Finger Food’s Innovative Solutions
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are no longer just futuristic technologies—they’re reshaping how retailers interact with customers, delivering personalized experiences and adding value to in-store shopping. Finger Food, a professional services firm specializing in VR, AR, and robotics, is at the forefront of this transformation, bringing innovative solutions to brands like Lululemon.
The Lululemon Experience: Custom Sports Bras Powered by AR
Lululemon, known for its tech-enhanced athletic apparel, collaborated with Finger Food to solve a unique problem: how to offer truly customized sports bras for female runners. The solution leverages cutting-edge VR and AR technology to create a personalized shopping experience unlike any other.
Here’s how it works: Customers at Lululemon wear sensors while running on an in-store treadmill. Using photogrammetry—a technique that gathers precise physical measurements from a series of photographs—Finger Food’s technology collects thousands of data points specific to each customer’s physique and breast movement.
“By analyzing these data points, we can recommend the perfect sports bra for each individual,” explains Nick Malaperiman, Finger Food’s Director of Marketing. This personalized approach not only enhances comfort and performance but also underscores Lululemon’s commitment to delivering a tailored customer experience.
The Power of VR/AR in Retail
While the photogrammetry technology used by Lululemon may be cutting-edge, VR and AR applications have become more accessible for retailers of all sizes. These technologies allow businesses to create immersive experiences, bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping.
For instance, AR can be used to let customers visualize how furniture might look in their homes or how a piece of clothing will fit, without needing to try it on. Similarly, VR can offer virtual walkthroughs of a store or enable customers to engage with products in ways that were previously impossible.
The versatility of these technologies makes them ideal for a wide range of applications, from personalization and product visualization to creating engaging marketing campaigns.
Benefits of VR/AR for Retailers
Adopting VR and AR technologies can yield significant benefits for both customers and businesses:
- Enhanced Personalization: Tailored solutions like Lululemon’s customized sports bras help build trust and loyalty by addressing individual customer needs.
- Improved Customer Engagement: Immersive experiences draw customers in, making them more likely to spend time—and money—in-store.
- Competitive Differentiation: Offering cutting-edge experiences sets retailers apart from competitors, creating a unique value proposition.
- Cost-Effective Innovation: While some technologies, like photogrammetry, may be expensive, there are many affordable VR/AR applications that smaller retailers can adopt.
Finger Food’s Expanding Influence
Finger Food’s expertise isn’t limited to Lululemon. The firm has worked with notable clients like Activision, Lowe’s, and Cirque du Soleil to integrate VR and AR into their operations. These collaborations showcase the diverse ways businesses can leverage immersive technology, from training and entertainment to customer engagement.
Meanwhile, competitors like Spacee are also innovating in the space, turning any glass surface into an interactive AR display. Retailers such as Men’s Wearhouse and Walmart have already adopted Spacee’s solutions to enhance their in-store experiences, further validating the growing demand for AR-powered retail applications.
What Does the Future Hold for VR/AR in Retail?
As the cost of entry for VR and AR technology continues to drop, more retailers will likely embrace these tools to improve customer experiences and streamline operations. From large-scale deployments like Finger Food’s work with Lululemon to smaller, accessible applications for independent stores, VR and AR have the potential to revolutionize how we shop.
The next time you visit a store, you might find yourself using AR to try on clothes virtually, interacting with a VR-enabled display, or even enjoying a personalized experience tailored to your unique needs. Thanks to companies like Finger Food, the retail landscape is becoming more dynamic, engaging, and customer-focused than ever.
For retailers looking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world, now is the time to explore the possibilities of VR and AR. Whether it’s delivering customized products, creating immersive marketing campaigns, or enhancing customer engagement, these technologies are no longer optional—they’re the future.
On-Demand Manufacturing: How N.A.bld is Redefining Apparel Production
The fashion industry is embracing a new era of sustainability and efficiency, thanks to on-demand manufacturing. N.A.bld (pronounced “enabled”) is leading the charge by offering a plug-and-play supply chain solution that eliminates excess inventory and brings designs to life in record time.
Since its founding in 2014, N.A.bld has collaborated with 13 manufacturers to produce over 2,000 unique products. By enabling just-in-time manufacturing, the company is reshaping the way designers and retailers think about production. “We enable inventory-free retailing,” explains CEO Amanda Curtis. “It’s completely transparent to customers, sustainable, and allows products to reach the market efficiently.”
How N.A.bld Works
At the core of N.A.bld’s offering is its innovative technology platform. Designers can digitize their ideas using tools like the company’s materials library, fabric inventory, and pattern management systems. Once an order is placed, the platform tracks production in real time, providing clients with up-to-date progress reports.
This streamlined approach not only ensures transparency but also accelerates the time-to-market for new designs. Designers can quickly test prototypes and bring them to life before trends fade—whether it’s a bold canary yellow jacket or an experimental cut that needs real-world validation.
The Advantages of On-Demand Manufacturing
N.A.bld’s model offers several advantages for both designers and retailers:
- Sustainability: Traditional apparel production often results in overstock and waste. On-demand manufacturing eliminates excess inventory, reducing the environmental impact of unsold goods.
- Cost Efficiency: By producing only what’s needed, designers avoid the upfront costs of bulk manufacturing and storage.
- Speed to Market: Prototypes and final products can be created quickly, allowing brands to respond to trends or customer feedback in real time.
- Transparency: Real-time updates ensure clients are always informed about the status of their orders, building trust and reducing uncertainty.
Expanding Beyond Fashion
While N.A.bld focuses on apparel, on-demand manufacturing is gaining traction across various industries. Advances in additive manufacturing (commonly known as 3D printing) have enabled designers and small retailers to create products as orders come in. This approach not only minimizes inventory but also opens up opportunities for customization.
For instance, suppliers like Fictiv and Slant 3D are using on-demand production to create a wide range of items, from toothbrushes to toys. This versatility demonstrates the potential of on-demand manufacturing to revolutionize not just fashion but other industries as well.
Who Benefits from On-Demand Manufacturing?
On-demand production is particularly advantageous for:
- Independent Designers: Small brands can experiment with new designs without committing to large production runs.
- Retailers: Businesses can introduce limited-edition products or test new markets without the risk of excess inventory.
- Consumers: Shoppers benefit from personalized products and more sustainable shopping options.
The Future of On-Demand Manufacturing
As sustainability becomes a top priority for both businesses and consumers, on-demand manufacturing is poised to play a critical role in the future of retail. By producing only what’s needed, companies can reduce waste, lower costs, and deliver products that align with customer expectations.
N.A.bld is a prime example of how this model can be applied effectively, particularly in the fashion industry. By offering tools that simplify production and enhance transparency, the company empowers designers to bring their visions to life without the logistical challenges of traditional manufacturing.
Beyond fashion, the possibilities for on-demand production are virtually limitless. From custom furniture to niche electronics, the ability to create products as they’re ordered opens up new opportunities for innovation and efficiency.
For businesses looking to stay competitive, adopting on-demand manufacturing isn’t just an option—it’s quickly becoming a necessity. With companies like N.A.bld leading the way, the shift toward more sustainable, inventory-free production is well underway, promising a future where creativity and efficiency go hand in hand.
Revolutionizing Food Waste Management: How Flashfood Connects Shoppers with Discounted Groceries
Every day, grocery stores throw away tons of unsold food, but Flashfood is transforming this waste into opportunity. With a simple yet powerful app, Flashfood connects shoppers to discounted, soon-to-expire food, creating a win-win for consumers and the environment.
Imagine getting notifications about marked-down groceries at your local store—half-price produce, bakery items, or even that decadent cake you’ve been eyeing—all available for pickup at your convenience. That’s the premise behind Flashfood, an app that’s already making waves in Canada and is now set to expand into the United States.
“Basically, we took the discount food rack and made it look sexy,” says Josh Domingues, Flashfood’s founder and CEO. This innovative approach has already kept over 5 million pounds of food out of landfills while saving more than 100,000 families millions of dollars on their grocery bills.
How Flashfood Works
Flashfood operates as a bridge between grocery stores and value-conscious shoppers. Here’s how it works:
- Local grocery stores list their soon-to-expire food items on the app.
- Shoppers browse through the available discounts, which can include everything from fresh produce to bakery goods.
- Once they find what they want, customers can purchase the items directly through the app and pick them up in-store at their convenience.
This streamlined process not only helps reduce food waste but also makes grocery shopping more affordable for families.
The Environmental Impact
Food waste is a massive global issue, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and depleting resources. By redirecting surplus food away from landfills, Flashfood is tackling this problem head-on.
The app’s success to date is a testament to its effectiveness: over 5 million pounds of food saved and counting. For grocery stores, this is an opportunity to reduce waste while recovering some revenue from items that would otherwise be discarded.
Making Food Waste Look “Sexy”
What sets Flashfood apart is its ability to reframe the perception of discounted food. Rather than relegating markdowns to a corner of the store, Flashfood makes them easily accessible and visually appealing through its user-friendly app. This approach not only encourages shoppers to take advantage of discounts but also normalizes the idea of reducing food waste as a positive, proactive choice.
Who’s Using Flashfood?
Currently, Flashfood is most popular among Canadian shoppers, but its impending U.S. launch promises to expand its impact significantly. Grocery stores in the United States interested in joining the Flashfood partner network can contact the company to get started.
In addition to Flashfood, other apps like Food Cowboy and Food Rescue US are also working to address food waste. However, these apps focus on connecting grocery stores and restaurants with nonprofits, ensuring excess food goes to those in need. Flashfood’s model, on the other hand, allows grocers to recover some revenue while helping consumers save money—a unique approach that sets it apart in the food rescue ecosystem.
The Benefits of Flashfood
The advantages of Flashfood’s model are numerous:
- For Shoppers: Families can access affordable groceries, significantly reducing their overall food costs.
- For Grocers: Stores can turn potential losses into revenue while demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.
- For the Planet: Every pound of food saved from landfills helps mitigate the environmental impact of food waste.
A Movement Toward Sustainable Shopping
As Flashfood prepares to expand into the U.S., it’s clear that the app represents more than just a convenient tool for shoppers—it’s part of a broader movement toward sustainability in the food industry. By addressing food waste at the consumer level, Flashfood empowers individuals to make a difference while benefiting from substantial savings.
For grocery stores, partnering with Flashfood is an opportunity to enhance their sustainability efforts, attract value-conscious customers, and contribute to reducing food waste on a significant scale.
The Future of Food Rescue
With its proven success in Canada, Flashfood is poised to make an even greater impact as it enters the U.S. market. By combining technology, affordability, and environmental responsibility, the app is redefining how we think about food waste and grocery shopping.
Whether you’re a shopper looking to save money or a grocery store aiming to reduce waste, Flashfood offers a simple, effective solution that benefits everyone. As the app continues to grow, it’s clear that the future of food rescue is bright, innovative, and undeniably impactful.
Flying into the Future: How Gather’s Drones Revolutionize Inventory and Asset Management
Drones are no longer just a futuristic concept—they’ve become essential tools in modern retail and supply chain management. Gather is leading the charge with autonomous drone fleets designed to streamline inventory monitoring, asset tracking, and even delivery logistics. These high-tech devices are transforming warehouses, distribution centers, retail stores, and more.
The Role of Gather’s Drones
Gather’s drones aren’t your typical airborne gadgets. They’re equipped with advanced imaging technology to collect and process data, feeding it directly into warehouse management systems. These drones autonomously take flight to perform critical tasks such as:
- Monitoring inventory levels
- Tracking assets in real time
- Generating exception reports to identify discrepancies
- Scanning barcodes and detecting SKUs for precise item tracking
- Performing visual inspections to assess product condition
Remarkably, Gather’s drones don’t just observe—they can also pick up and move items within a warehouse, offering a versatile solution to common logistical challenges. Each drone is paired with a tablet interface, allowing workers to oversee operations seamlessly.
Speed Meets Efficiency
One of Gather’s key claims is its ability to drastically reduce inventory pick times. Traditional inventory management processes can take weeks or even months to complete in large-scale operations. Gather’s drones can accomplish the same tasks in just days, cutting pick times from three months to a single week. This speed not only saves time but also ensures that businesses can respond more quickly to inventory shortages or discrepancies.
Built for Real-World Challenges
Gather’s drones are designed to handle the tough conditions often found in warehouses and distribution centers. They can operate in temperatures as low as 14°F, making them suitable for cold storage facilities. Additionally, the drones don’t rely on network connectivity, which means they can function reliably in areas where connectivity is limited or unavailable.
For businesses that require non-stop operations, Gather’s drones are a game-changer. Unlike human workers, they don’t take breaks, and unless your warehouse has actual birds of prey, downtime is virtually nonexistent.
Who’s Using Drones?
Drones are rapidly gaining popularity across various industries:
- Retailers and Warehouses: Gather’s drones are used to keep inventory organized and accessible, particularly in large-scale operations.
- Delivery Services: Walgreens is experimenting with delivery drones to bring packages directly to customers.
- Real Estate and Photography: Drones equipped with cameras are commonly used for aerial photography and videography.
- In-Store Monitoring: Some companies are even testing drones to discreetly monitor customer behavior in retail settings, though the concept raises questions about privacy.
The Benefits of Drone Technology
For retailers and supply chain managers, drones offer a host of advantages:
- Efficiency Gains: By automating inventory and asset tracking, drones save time and reduce labor costs.
- Improved Accuracy: Drones can perform precise visual inspections and barcode scans, minimizing errors in inventory management.
- Adaptability: With the ability to operate in harsh conditions and without network connectivity, drones can be deployed in diverse environments.
- Versatility: Beyond inventory tasks, drones can be used for delivery, monitoring, and even moving goods within facilities.
The Broader Implications of Drone Use
The rise of drones signals a broader shift toward automation in retail and logistics. By handling repetitive and time-consuming tasks, drones free up human workers to focus on more strategic activities. This not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces the potential for human error.
However, as drones become more integrated into daily operations, businesses must also consider challenges such as regulatory compliance, privacy concerns, and the initial costs of implementation. Despite these hurdles, the potential benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for most organizations.
Gathering Momentum: The Future of Drones in Retail
As drone technology continues to evolve, its applications in retail and logistics are set to expand. Companies like Gather are paving the way for widespread adoption by demonstrating how drones can transform inventory management, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
In the future, we’re likely to see even more sophisticated drone applications, from fully autonomous delivery fleets to advanced in-store analytics tools. For now, Gather’s drones are proving that the sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the beginning.
For businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve, adopting drone technology isn’t just about keeping up with trends—it’s about redefining what’s possible in retail and logistics. With drones leading the charge, the future of inventory management is flying high.
Transforming E-Commerce with Automated Recommendations: How FindMine Enhances the Shopping Experience
Finding the perfect outfit or matching pieces for your home can be a daunting task, but FindMine is changing the game. By automating recommendation engines for fashion, interior design, and beauty, FindMine empowers brands to deliver personalized and cohesive suggestions to customers, all while maintaining their unique aesthetic.
When Adidas wanted a smarter way to help customers shop, they turned to FindMine. The result? A “Complete the Look” recommendation engine seamlessly built into their e-commerce platform. Now, when a shopper adds a shirt to their cart, FindMine’s engine automatically suggests complementary pieces, such as pants, shoes, and accessories, creating a complete outfit without the need for manual intervention.
“FindMine is essentially automating outfit recommendations by learning to mimic your merchandisers,” explains Lloyd Yoo, FindMine’s VP of Sales. This technology ensures that every recommendation aligns with the brand’s identity, delivering a cohesive and consistent shopping experience.
How FindMine Works
FindMine’s engine uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to analyze how a brand’s merchandisers typically pair items together. This process ensures that recommendations not only make sense from a style perspective but also reflect the retailer’s unique aesthetic.
But FindMine isn’t limited to fashion. The platform can also be applied to:
- Interior Design: Recommending furniture and decor combinations to complete a room’s look.
- Beauty Products: Suggesting complementary items, like lipsticks and blushes, based on a shopper’s preferences or previous purchases.
FindMine’s flexibility makes it a valuable tool for retailers across various industries, helping them engage customers with tailored recommendations that feel both thoughtful and intuitive.
Revolutionizing Content Creation
FindMine recently partnered with Looklet, a digital imaging technology provider, to further streamline content creation for brands. Traditionally, showcasing every possible outfit combination requires hiring models and photographers—a costly and time-intensive process. Looklet’s technology enables brands to digitally generate high-quality images of apparel combinations, reducing overhead while maintaining visual appeal.
This integration allows brands to scale their recommendation efforts effortlessly, offering customers a visually rich and engaging shopping experience.
The Benefits of Automated Recommendations
Automated recommendation engines like FindMine offer numerous advantages for retailers:
- Increased Engagement: Showing customers a complete outfit or curated collection keeps them on the site longer, increasing the likelihood of a purchase.
- Smarter Cross-Selling: Instead of generic “people also bought” suggestions, FindMine offers thoughtful pairings that make sense, boosting upselling opportunities.
- Efficiency: Automating the recommendation process reduces the manual workload for merchandisers, allowing them to focus on higher-level strategy.
- Scalability: With tools like Looklet, brands can create and showcase more combinations without the need for additional resources.
For shoppers, the benefits are just as compelling. Who has the time to manually match shoes to a shirt or figure out which lamp goes best with a new couch? FindMine simplifies the decision-making process, making shopping more enjoyable and less stressful.
Who’s Using FindMine?
Beyond Adidas, FindMine’s technology has been adopted by leading brands such as Callaway, Perry Ellis, and Reebok. Each of these companies uses the platform to provide customers with tailored recommendations that align with their brand identity.
Competitors like Syte.ai offer similar services to retailers such as Kohl’s, focusing on AI-powered visual search and recommendations. However, FindMine’s emphasis on mimicking a brand’s merchandising style sets it apart, ensuring that recommendations are not only accurate but also authentic to the brand’s image.
The Future of E-Commerce Personalization
As online shopping continues to grow, personalization is becoming a key differentiator for retailers. Platforms like FindMine are paving the way by automating recommendation processes and integrating them seamlessly into e-commerce experiences.
Whether it’s creating the perfect outfit, curating a cohesive room design, or building a beauty routine, automated recommendations are enhancing the shopping journey, making it more intuitive and enjoyable for customers.
For retailers, the message is clear: investing in smarter recommendation engines isn’t just about boosting sales—it’s about building trust and loyalty through personalized experiences. With tools like FindMine, the future of e-commerce is more tailored, efficient, and engaging than ever before.
The next time you shop online, the perfect pairing might already be waiting for you—thanks to the power of automated recommendations.
Indoor GPS for Retail: How SIRL is Revolutionizing In-Store Navigation and Analytics
Imagine walking into a store and having a GPS-like app guide you directly to the item you need, down to its exact location on the shelf. SIRL (Search In Real Life) is making this vision a reality by introducing indoor GPS technology that not only enhances the shopping experience but also provides retailers with powerful data-driven insights.
For years, online shopping has offered unparalleled convenience, leaving brick-and-mortar stores searching for ways to compete. SIRL bridges this gap with a solution that combines precision navigation and advanced analytics, bringing digital-level convenience to physical shopping spaces.
How SIRL Works
SIRL’s technology relies on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) stickers, which act as beacons to pinpoint the location of products within 12 inches. These stickers, which are battery-powered and last between three to five years, can be placed on store shelves, walls, or other fixtures.
The system works in tandem with a retailer’s app via SIRL’s software development kit (SDK). Customers can use the store’s app to search for a specific item and receive real-time directions to its exact location. Think of it as a GPS, but for navigating aisles instead of streets.
Beyond navigation, SIRL offers a cloud-based platform that generates detailed heat maps and analytics. These insights track shopper movements, product engagement, and purchase patterns, helping retailers optimize layouts and pricing strategies.
Smarter Shopping with Data-Driven Insights
SIRL’s impact goes beyond helping shoppers find items—it’s also a powerful tool for retailers to refine their strategies. The platform can track how long customers spend looking at a product and compare this data to actual purchases. Using this information, retailers can make smarter pricing decisions:
- Boosting Prices for High-Demand Products: If an item is selling well, retailers can increase its price to maximize profits.
- Offering Promotions for Low-Engagement Products: If shoppers are spending time looking at a product but not buying it, retailers can implement discounts or promotions to encourage sales.
These dynamic adjustments allow businesses to stay agile and responsive to customer behavior, giving them a competitive edge in an increasingly data-driven marketplace.
Benefits of SIRL’s Indoor GPS
For both customers and retailers, SIRL’s technology delivers tangible advantages:
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Shoppers can quickly and easily locate the items they need without wandering the aisles, improving overall satisfaction.
- Increased Efficiency: By guiding shoppers directly to products, SIRL reduces time spent searching, making in-store shopping more convenient and efficient.
- Actionable Insights for Retailers: Detailed heat maps and purchase behavior analytics provide valuable data for optimizing store layouts, inventory placement, and pricing strategies.
- Improved Inventory Management: The system can also help managers track stock levels and adjust promotions in real time.
Who’s Using SIRL?
Currently, SIRL’s technology is being piloted by Westside Market, a New York City-based grocery chain. While this is the only named client so far, the potential applications for SIRL’s technology extend to a wide range of industries, including retail, supermarkets, home improvement stores, and more.
Challenges and Opportunities
As with any emerging technology, SIRL faces challenges such as implementation costs and scalability. Pricing for the system is determined by the size of the retailer and the number of stores, which could pose a barrier for smaller businesses. However, the long battery life of BLE stickers and the versatility of SIRL’s SDK make it a cost-effective option for larger retailers looking to enhance their operations.
Additionally, SIRL’s analytics platform opens doors to future innovations. For instance, combining its heat maps with AI could enable even more precise predictions about customer behavior, while integrating with loyalty programs could offer personalized discounts and promotions based on individual shopping habits.
The Future of In-Store Navigation
As retailers strive to compete with the convenience of e-commerce, technologies like SIRL are poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping the in-store shopping experience. By merging digital precision with physical environments, SIRL empowers customers to shop smarter and helps retailers make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and profitability.
For shoppers, the days of wandering the aisles in frustration could soon be over. And for retailers, the ability to blend navigation and analytics into a single platform offers a powerful way to stay competitive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Whether you’re a shopper looking for the quickest way to find your groceries or a retailer aiming to optimize your operations, SIRL is proving that indoor GPS technology is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity for the future of retail.
Projected Augmented Reality: How Glass-Media is Redefining Storefront Displays
In the competitive world of retail, making products stand out is critical. Glass-Media is bringing a new dimension to storefronts and in-store displays with its innovative take on augmented reality (AR). By projecting digital overlays onto physical products, Glass-Media creates dynamic, attention-grabbing visuals—no headsets or special glasses required.
Since introducing its technology two years ago, Glass-Media has been transforming how retailers showcase clothing, jewelry, and other products. Unlike traditional AR systems that rely on wearable devices, Glass-Media’s approach uses sprayable liquid crystal to create projection maps that overlay digital content onto real-world items. For example, the technology can illustrate how a pair of denim jeans will fade over time, offering customers a unique form of visual storytelling.
How Glass-Media’s Technology Works
At the heart of Glass-Media’s offering is its projection system, which combines hardware, custom software, and proprietary sprayable liquid crystal to create dynamic displays. The liquid crystal coating acts as a projection surface, allowing digital images to appear seamlessly on physical products or storefront windows.
This creates a hybrid shopping experience, blending the tactile nature of brick-and-mortar stores with the engaging, interactive qualities of digital displays. As CEO Daniel Black puts it, “It’s like digital signage on steroids.”
Retailers can use the technology to highlight product features, showcase animations, or even demonstrate how items like clothing or accessories will change over time. These digital overlays provide an immersive experience that draws customers into the store while giving them deeper insights into the products.
Driving Engagement and Foot Traffic
The impact of Glass-Media’s technology is already being felt by retailers. One store using Glass-Media’s digital storefront reported a 10% increase in foot traffic after adopting the technology. The reason is simple: the displays stand out. In a sea of static signage and traditional mannequins, Glass-Media’s dynamic projections captivate passersby and entice them to step inside.
This increase in engagement isn’t limited to high-end retailers. Black emphasizes that Glass-Media’s solution is accessible to smaller and lesser-known brands as well. Pricing is flexible, with installations ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the duration of use. For brands looking to manage costs, Glass-Media offers zero-down financing starting at just $250 per month.
A Versatile Solution for Modern Retail
One of Glass-Media’s strengths is its adaptability. The technology can be tailored to suit a wide range of retail formats, from pop-up shops to large-scale department stores. “We work with digitally native brands and pop-up shops,” says Black. “We can slice and dice it in many different ways.”
Retailers like AT&T, Estee Lauder, Fossil, Nordstrom Rack, Levi’s, H&M, and Pier 1 Imports are already leveraging Glass-Media’s technology to enhance their stores. From luxury items to everyday products, the ability to showcase items in an interactive and visually compelling way has universal appeal.
Why Projected AR Matters
Projected AR isn’t just about looking high-tech—it delivers real, tangible benefits to retailers:
- Increased Foot Traffic: Dynamic displays grab attention and encourage customers to visit the store.
- Enhanced Storytelling: By showing product features or transformations (e.g., how jeans fade), retailers can educate and engage customers in ways static displays can’t.
- Improved Product Visibility: AR projections make products stand out, even in crowded retail environments.
- Accessibility for All Brands: With flexible pricing and financing options, Glass-Media’s solution is accessible to both large retailers and smaller, emerging brands.
Expanding the Role of AR in Retail
Glass-Media’s projected AR is part of a broader trend toward integrating immersive technologies into physical retail spaces. As e-commerce continues to grow, brick-and-mortar stores must innovate to remain competitive, and solutions like Glass-Media’s provide a clear path forward.
By combining the physical and digital shopping experiences, projected AR bridges the gap between online convenience and in-store engagement. Whether it’s showcasing a product’s lifecycle, highlighting key features, or simply drawing in more foot traffic, this technology delivers measurable value to retailers.
The Future of Storefront Displays
As more brands adopt Glass-Media’s technology, the retail landscape is evolving. Static signage and traditional displays are giving way to interactive, dynamic experiences that capture attention and drive sales. For customers, it means more engaging shopping journeys; for retailers, it’s an opportunity to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
With its innovative approach, flexible pricing, and proven results, Glass-Media is leading the charge in redefining what’s possible in retail displays. Whether you’re a major retailer or an emerging brand, the future of visual merchandising lies in blending the physical and digital—and Glass-Media is showing exactly how it’s done.
Autonomous Robots: How Badger Technologies is Revolutionizing Retail Operations
Robots are no longer just science fiction—they’ve become vital tools for improving efficiency, safety, and customer experience in retail environments. Badger Technologies, a subsidiary of manufacturing giant Jabil, is leading the charge with its fleet of autonomous robots, including the now-famous Marty.
First introduced at a previous NRF (National Retail Federation) show, Marty began rolling through the aisles of Ahold Delhaize-owned Stop & Shop and Giant supermarkets last year. These tall, googly-eyed robots are designed to navigate store floors autonomously, looking for spills, misplaced products, and other anomalies. With advanced sensors and a sleek design, Marty has quickly become a game-changer in retail operations.
How Marty Works
Marty is equipped with advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, the same system used in autonomous vehicles. This allows the robot to scan its surroundings, detect obstacles, and move seamlessly through crowded store aisles. Marty’s key functionalities include:
- Spill Detection: As it roams the store, Marty identifies spills or breakages on the floor. When a hazard is detected, it flashes a red light and alerts store employees to address the issue, improving customer and employee safety.
- Inventory Monitoring: Marty’s sensors can also detect misplaced products. This capability is particularly important for stores that have contractual obligations to position products in specific locations. For example, if a brand pays for premium shelf space, Marty can ensure compliance by identifying items that are out of place.
- Analytics Integration: Marty collects data about store conditions, customer traffic, and product placement, feeding this information into backend systems for further analysis.
Why Marty Matters for Retailers
The retail industry faces mounting challenges, including labor shortages, rising operational costs, and heightened customer expectations for clean and organized stores. Marty addresses these issues by automating time-consuming tasks and allowing employees to focus on more value-added responsibilities.
The Benefits of Autonomous Robots in Retail
Badger Technologies’ robots, including Marty, offer several key advantages for retailers:
- Enhanced Safety: By detecting spills and hazards in real time, the robots reduce the risk of accidents, creating a safer shopping environment for customers and employees.
- Improved Inventory Accuracy: Marty ensures products are correctly placed, helping retailers avoid penalties from brand partners and making it easier for customers to find what they need.
- Operational Efficiency: By automating routine tasks like hazard detection and inventory checks, Marty allows employees to focus on customer service and other critical functions.
- Cost Savings: Robots like Marty can operate continuously, reducing the need for additional staff to monitor store floors and inventory.
Expanding Capabilities
Badger Technologies is continually enhancing Marty’s functionality. According to Eric Westerfield, a systems architect at the company, the next wave of capabilities includes more advanced product placement detection. Stores are currently piloting this feature, which will allow Marty to identify misplaced items with even greater precision.
This capability is particularly valuable in grocery stores and supermarkets, where correct product placement is often tied to brand agreements. Ensuring that items are stocked in their designated locations not only maintains compliance but also enhances the shopping experience for customers.
Who’s Using Badger Technologies’ Robots?
Marty has already made its mark in Ahold Delhaize-owned supermarkets, including Stop & Shop and Giant locations throughout the Northeast. The technology has also crossed international borders, with Woolworths Supermarkets in Australia adopting Badger Technologies’ robots to enhance their operations.
Meanwhile, other players in the retail robotics space, such as Zebra Technologies, are introducing intelligent automation systems that could complement or compete with Marty’s capabilities. As competition in this space heats up, retailers will have even more options to choose from.
The Future of Retail Robotics
Autonomous robots like Marty are just the beginning of a broader trend toward automation in retail. As these technologies evolve, their applications will likely expand to include tasks such as real-time restocking, enhanced customer assistance, and even checkout-free shopping experiences.
For now, Marty’s success underscores the growing importance of robots in addressing everyday challenges in retail. By combining cutting-edge sensors, data analytics, and autonomous navigation, Marty represents a significant step forward in making stores safer, more efficient, and better organized.
What This Means for Retailers
Retailers who adopt autonomous robots like Marty gain a competitive edge by streamlining operations and enhancing the in-store experience. With proven results in safety, inventory management, and customer satisfaction, Marty and other robots are no longer optional—they’re quickly becoming essential tools for the future of retail.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: robots aren’t just helpers; they’re transforming how stores operate, one aisle at a time. Whether it’s detecting spills or ensuring products are in the right place, Marty and its robotic counterparts are shaping the next generation of retail innovation.
Embracing Innovation with NetSuite
The retail innovations showcased at the NRF are a testament to how technology is revolutionizing the way businesses operate. From AI-powered cross-selling to autonomous robots and augmented reality storefronts, these cutting-edge solutions not only enhance customer experiences but also streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive profitability.
However, adopting these technologies requires more than just investment in hardware or software—it demands a robust, integrated platform to manage the complexities of modern retail operations. This is where NetSuite steps in as a vital enabler of innovation.
NetSuite’s cloud-based ERP system provides retailers with the tools they need to manage inventory, track sales performance, optimize financial operations, and integrate seamlessly with new technologies like autonomous robots, recommendation engines, or augmented reality systems. By offering a unified view of operations, NetSuite ensures that businesses can adapt quickly to market demands while maintaining operational efficiency.
As these innovations reshape the retail landscape, leveraging NetSuite ensures that retailers are well-positioned to harness the full potential of emerging technologies. Whether it’s automating processes, gaining real-time insights, or scaling efficiently, NetSuite provides the foundation for a future-proof retail strategy.
For retailers looking to stay ahead, combining cutting-edge technology with a powerful platform like NetSuite isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential for thriving in today’s competitive market.
