Retail giant Shoprite has launched its new ground-breaking digital business hub, ShopriteX which is combining data science, technology, and innovation with its operational strength to provide increasingly enhanced customer experiences.
Along with the launch of ShopriteX, the retail group has revealed that it is testing a new retail innovation, Checkers Rush, an automated, cashless “no queues, no checkout, no waiting” concept store, where employees can grab products and walk out.
The automated system uses advanced AI camera technology to identify the products being taken off the shelves, Checkers Rush bills users’ bank cards upon exit.
The concept store is located within the company offices in Cape Town — has a few products such as snacks and sandwiches and is only be available to employees. Shoprite is still developing algorithms to recognize products and increase accuracy.
How it works:
– You walk in the store
– Pickup the products from the shelves
– Walk out of the storeThe system uses advanced AI and machine vision technology and cameras to identify which products and brands customers are taking from the shelf and automatically bills your card.
This is one of numerous digital innovations under development. “The next era of growth for us is about precision retailing. ShopriteX will use our rich customer data to supercharge a ‘Smarter Shoprite’ and ultimately fuse the best of digital with our operational strength across the continent,” Engelbrecht said.
ShopriteX already delivered two industry-leading innovations – Xtra Savings (rewards programme), and Checkers Sixty60 grocery delivery service in South Africa.
The launch is part of the Group’s strategy to grow its ecosystem of value for consumers and monetize new and diverse revenue streams.
The ShopriteX offices are located above the new Checkers Hyper Brackenfell flagship store in Cape Town next to the Group’s home office. The unit office houses 250-strong team, including data science, e-commerce, and personalization experts.
Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.
