last week’s biggest retail technology plays at a glance — Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Gina Tricot

SML, which specialises in RFID solutions in stores and supply chains, reports that it has delivered over 98% inventory accuracy to Nordic retailer, Gina Tricot. The collaboration has significantly transformed its in-store operations, delivering enhanced data quality and stock management capabilities.

Having previously adopted RFID technology before partnering with SML, Gina Tricot needed to expand and deepen its use of the technology as the retailer’s omnichannel journey evolved.

Partnering in 2023, Gina Tricot implemented SML’s Clarity Store technology to improve inventory management and store operations. The partnership has enabled the retailer to undertake weekly stock counts, ensuring the brand’s data-driven allocation system reaches its full potential.

With access to current and accurate data, which is crucial for optimising inventory management and enhancing customer experiences, Gina Tricot has streamlined a number of operational processes and increased market competitiveness.

AMBEST

AMBEST, a member owned, US wide network of independent truck stops and service centres, has worked with Rovertown on a new mobile app designed to enhance the professional driver experience.

“We’re excited to offer AMBEST members the most advanced app solution in the industry,” says Chuck Ryan, President and CEO at AMBEST.

“Our team spent over a year reviewing dozens of technology vendors, and every arrow kept pointing back to joining the Rovertown app platform. Our partnership has delivered a truly unique app experience that sets a new standard for the professional driver community.” 

A combination of geolocation technology, advanced search tools, and both store level and state level messaging and promotional capabilities ensure a real-time, tailored experience for every driver regardless of their physical location.

Additionally, the app enhances the value of participation in the AMBUCK$ rewards programme – created in 1994 and currently celebrating its 30th anniversary – while amplifying the reach of high value giveaways and providing access to promotions on a range of products, including age restricted offers.

Recognising that professional drivers are looking for ways to stay entertained during freight deliveries, AMBEST chose to develop a racing game called AMBUCK$ 500, featuring a custom designed semi-truck.

Future opportunities to win custom AMBEST merchandise, including trucker hats, will be available to the top players.  

Save A Lot

Save A Lot, a US discount grocery wholesaler serving approximately 750 independently owned grocery stores in 32 states, has announced the roll-out of the ReposiTrak Traceability Network (RTN) for automated traceability and compliance with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernisation Act Section 204 (FSMA 204).

RTN will enable Save A Lot suppliers to easily transmit FDA required traceability data for every impacted lot code, every time a shipment is sent to one of Save A Lot’s eight distribution centres.

“We recognised the importance of FSMA 204 to the industry and we were looking for an easy-to-use and affordable solution that works across our total supply chain, from our suppliers all the way through to the independent owners who operate Save A Lot stores,” says Save A Lot Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer Trey Johnson.

“Traceability is not only an FDA requirement, it’s also part of our ongoing commitment to food safety, regulatory compliance and transparency in our supply chain. After evaluating multiple solutions we are happy to offer our retail partners ReposiTrak’s efficient and affordable path to compliance.”

CarrefourSA

US-based Simbe has announced international expansion into Turkey with CarrefourSA, a subsidiary of Sabanci Holding and Carrefour which operates in over 1,200 stores in 64 provinces and employs a workforce of 15,000.

This comes on the heels of new and expanded deployments with Northeast Grocery, TOPS Friendly Markets, Price Chopper Supermarkets-Market 32, SpartanNash, and Wakefern Food Corp.

CarrefourSA deployed Simbe’s Tally AI and automation solution into select stores this summer. Tally operates three times a day, scanning store aisles to ensure items are stocked and tagged properly.

The robot captures images of products and shelves and processes them in near real-time, which allows store personnel to quickly replenish any missing items. Additionally, Tally monitors and addresses issues related to incorrect labelling that customers may encounter during their shopping experience.