Must-have tech for independent supermarkets

Most retail trade media, including this site, have long praised technologies like artificial intelligence, micro fulfillment centers, personalization systems, data analytics and more. While these solutions are relatively easy for larger supermarket operators to afford and implement, they are out of reach for most community-based grocery retailers, even those working with their wholesaler partners. So how can these independent grocers make investments to stay competitive with the big chains and digital-only banners in the coming years? That's the question that several speakers addressed at last week's National Grocers Association meeting in Las Vegas during the conference’s Technology Summit session, a congress of ideas on how to use systems to improve store performance and engage customers. Much of the discussions focused on topics in the news, including AI, analytics, the connected store, retail media and supply chain disruptions. Speakers also shared their specific advice to retailers battling competitors of all sizes, both physically and digitally. Bill Lipsky of UNFI said that more than anything else, independents must own the relationship with the shopper and should ask for help from wholesalers to make it happen. Eran Harel of AppCard recommended attendees focus on the tech solutions that can make them different than the stores down the street. Perhaps the most poignant statement came from Bob Perry of NBCUniversal, who said supermarkets need to be reinvented because “It’s not your dad’s industry.”