The Kroger Co. (Cincinnati) has partnered with Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft to develop and test digital shelf displays and other in-store technology to create a “connected store experience.”
So far the tech is only being piloted at two stores: one near the grocer’s hometown in Monroe, Ohio, and the other near the tech company’s headquarters. Some of the capabilities it plans to achieve include creating a personalized shopping experience with price displays that include promotions and nutrition information; visually lighting up displays next to curbside pickup orders to ease the process for employees packing orders; and tracking data on items to provide stocking insights, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier. The retailer also plans to sell ad space on its EDGE Shelf displays.
The technology will be available for viewing at NRF’s 2019 Big Show in New York, Jan. 13-15, where Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen will be a keynote speaker.