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Norwegian retail technology specialist Strongpoint has announced the cancellation of its long-standing distribution agreement with electronic shelf label (ESL) provider Pricer, which included a number of exclusive agreements. This decision comes in the wake of a new agreement with VusionGroup. Under the new agreement with VusionGroup, the store digitisation specialist will integrate Strongpoint’s in-store picking software into its Retail IoT Cloud platform, making it available to retailers worldwide.
Strongpoint aims to sell solutions from both, Pricer and VusionGroup, going forward. “We want to continue our collaboration with Pricer on a non-exclusive basis in the future, even after our current agreement concludes”, explains Magnus Rosen, Strongpoint’s SVP Nordics, speaking with The Retail Optimiser.
The agreement with Pricer, which includes exclusivity clauses preventing Strongpoint from working with other ESL providers, will officially end on 27 June 2025. During the 20-year partnership, Strongpoint acted as a reseller and installer of Pricer’s ESL solutions, serving retailers in its core European markets. The solution was being rolled out mainly in the Nordics and in the Baltics. In 2022, Norwegian DIY retailer Maxbo has signed a contract with Strongpoint to roll out ESLs from Pricer across its stores, as reported by The Retail Optimiser. The DIY retailer planned to have the project completed by the end of last year.
Through the new partnership, Strongpoint and VusionGroup aim to also provide retailers with a suite of tools for managing and fulfilling online orders. This includes Strongpoint’s order picking solution, which has already been implemented by several grocery retailers across Europe. British food retailer Sainsbury’s has selected the solution in the beginning of last year, as reported by The Retail Optimiser. By combining Strongpoint’s and VusionGroup’S technologies, the companies aim to enhance in-store picking performance, guiding associates through precise item localisation and ensuring consistent product availability for both consumers and e-commerce orders.
Strong market position with Cashguard and Vensafe
Strongpoint is a Norwegian retail technology company which was formed through a merger of Cashhandling specialist Cashguard and vending machine provider Vensafe. In addition to order picking software for e-commerce fulfilment, the company offers cash management systems and secure in-store collection points for age-restricted and high-theft items. With a primary focus on the grocery and convenience sectors, Strongpoint operates in more than 20 countries, including Norway, Sweden, Spain and the UK.
Originally established as PSI Group, the company underwent significant changes through mergers and acquisitions before rebranding to Strongpoint in 2015. It acquired companies such as Cashguard and Vensafe, integrating their technologies into its product portfolio.
