Kroger to launch digital shelf displays in about 200 stores in 2018
US retailer Kroger is set to debut high-tech shelf display technology called “Kroger Edge” in about 200 stores by the end of the year.
The technological innovation will display pricing and nutritional information in a digital format whilst also offering video advertisements and vouchers.
The new technology aims to interact with shoppers’ smartphones and let them know if something on their shopping list is available in the aisle they’re walking down.
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A customer’s dietary needs, dietary restrictions and allergies could also be taken into account, according to the company.
The system is being trailed in a few stores but it only works when used in conjunction with a Kroger handheld device.
However, the company is currently developing an app that will enable the technology to be used with individual smartphones.
Developed with Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing service, Kroger hopes to market and sell the concept to other retailers around the world.
The move comes as retailers are increasingly using technology to increase efficiency and encourage an interactive shopping experience.
Last week, online supermarket Ocado revealed that it was going to use autonomous humanoid robots to help engineers fix mechanical faults in its automated factories.
As well as this, US retail giant Walmart tested shelf-scanning robots in 50 of its stores to help check inventory levels, price items and look for misplaced products.
