VusionGroup announced this week a significant partnership with The Fresh Market®, a notable grocery chain specialising in fresh food, to initiate the digital transformation of their stores across the United States. The agreement will see the deployment of Vusion 360 technology solutions, which encompass digital shelf labels, VusionCloud, Captana’s Computer Vision & AI technology, and Memory Store Analytics. The roll-out is set to take place in all 166 locations by the year 2025, marking the first implementation of Vusion 360 in North America.
The Fresh Market has long been recognised as a leader in the specialty grocery sector, operating since 1982 and now serving 22 states in the mid-western, eastern, and southern regions of the U.S. This collaboration aligns with their strategic vision to enhance the shopping experience for customers, as well as to support their workforce. Brian Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of The Fresh Market, highlighted this intention, stating, “This partnership not only shows our dedication to elevating the shopping experience for our guests but also reflects our commitment to supporting our incredible team members.”
One of the key benefits of this transformation will be increased productivity and efficiency within the stores. The integration of multicolour electronic shelf label technology will enable managers to adjust pricing remotely. Additionally, the flashing LEDs on the electronic shelf labels will streamline operations during online order fulfilment and stock replenishment processes.
The technology package will also empower store teams with improved inventory management capabilities. Captana’s Computer Vision and AI technology will be employed throughout the stores, allowing for real-time detection of stock shortages and facilitating prioritised shelf replenishment. This initiative aims to enhance product availability on shelves and reduce waste, particularly with fresh produce.
Furthermore, the deployment of Memory Store Analytics will enable The Fresh Market to analyse key performance indicators, assisting in decisions regarding in-store merchandising, the timing of stockouts, and waste management strategies. The use of existing Cisco Meraki infrastructure in the stores means that the integration of VusionGroup’s Internet of Things (IoT) technology can proceed without the need for additional hardware, which in turn aids in the reduction of operational costs and the carbon footprint.
Philippe Bottine, CEO Americas and Group Deputy CEO of VusionGroup, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with The Fresh Market, a premier leader in the grocery industry, swiftly advancing their digital transformation through our all-encompassing Vusion 360 solutions. This collaboration is a testament to our shared dedication to innovation and excellence within the retail landscape.”
The overall technology deployment comes as part of a broader trend where businesses are increasingly relying on AI and automation to improve operational efficiencies and enhance customer experiences. VusionGroup has emerged as a significant player in this sector, claiming to serve over 350 large retailer groups worldwide. Their solutions leverage IoT and data technologies to redefine physical retail spaces into intelligent, efficient, and connected environments that can better adapt to consumer behaviours and preferences.
The Fresh Market, known for its diverse range of high-quality food options and exceptional customer service, is positioned to benefit from these advancements. As the grocery sector continues to evolve, strategic partnerships that integrate emerging technologies are likely to play a critical role in shaping the future of retail operations.
Source: Noah Wire Services