Joachim Pinhammer

Kwik Trip will optimise space and shelf planning as well as replenishment of its convenience stores in the USA with a consistent platform. The solution comes from the Finnish specialist Relex.

Walmart is rolling out an AI-based out-of-stocks prevention system from Focal Systems in Canada. The US-based start-up's solution analyses camera images to alert employees to existing or imminent out-of-stock situations.

GS1 Germany is testing the opportunities of its new 2D code Digital Link together with start-up Jake's Beverages. The QR code printed on the packaging offers consumers access to product information and transparency for participants in the supply chain.

Rewe is the first German grocery retail company sending leaflets via WhatsApp. Nationwide, customers can receive special offers of their favourite Rewe store every Sunday via the messenger. Meta business partner 360dialog has delivered the technical implementation.

The market for self-checkout systems is growing by 11 percent worldwide, according to market research company RBR. Biggest growth driver is the Asia-Pacific region. NCR remains the undisputed market leader, but Chinese vendors are catching up.

Spar International signs partnership agreement with VisionR. The Irish start-up is to bring its AI-based customer insights solution to Spar retailers in 48 countries.

Family Mart is equipping 300 stores with Telexistence robots to restock refrigerated shelves with drinks. This is expected to reduce workload by 20 percent.

Aldi Nord is testing two innovative reverse vending systems from Norwegian specialist Tomra. Its system R1 allows customers to put up to 100 PET bottles or cans into the device at once. In the checkout-free Shop & Go store in Utrecht, the discounter is testing direct transfer of the deposit amount into the Aldi app.

Tesco will soon open a second store with Trigo EasyOut technology in London. The shop in Chiswell Street will follow a hybrid concept. Customers will be able to pay at self-checkout as an alternative.

Sephora will rely on Competera Software for the optimisation of its pricing. The perfumery operator is initially implementing the pricing solution in nine countries. This is the prelude to a comprehensive realignment of the company's IT infrastructure.