Automatic Funds and Technological Applications in supermarkets
The « smart » supermarkets are developing the next day in food retailing as the use of technology changes natural stores.
Self-checkout Funds and latest generation electronic tabs, scales with screens that provide complete information or show the customer offers and products that can match what he buys have entered the battle of competition at the same time that businesses are considering all the opportunities that can provide them with artificial intelligence.
According to surveys, one in four store clients selects the use of e -funds, while three in four retailers consider AI agents, who can carry out autonomous actions in business systems, that their use in a number of activities, such as web optimization, marketing actions, will still be decisive.
With the competition being intense among the chains, the differentiation in the field of their customers’ purchasing experience, through investment in digital transformation and automation, is a given.
The results of the Connected SalesForce Report Shoppers Report reveal new trends and challenges in retailing.
According to figures, 86% of retail companies have launched unified trade initiatives, incorporating functions from different departments and channels into a single platform to improve employees’ efficiency and consumer experience.
The physical presence remains significant, but with a reduced market share, while consumers adopt AI in their markets.
39% of consumers are already using AI to search for products, 54% for Gen Z, while 63% of Gen Z say they are interested in AI agents that can shop on their behalf. It is a given that the whole of the supermarket industry in Greece is in a period of dynamic changes.
The president of the Greek supermarket Union and head of the Metro AEBE Group, Aristotelis Panteliadis, predicted from the 15th Food Retail Conference that « the changes that come in the coming years will make the chats of our time look like primitive engines » Andreas Symeonoglou said that « artificial intelligence is both a challenge and an opportunity ».
It is certain that artificial intelligence is able to improve the operating framework of the stores and even contribute to observing consumer behavior in a supermarket store.
Within this challenging environment, domestic supermarket chains are engaged in a barrage of investment in digital tools, mobile apps and self-checkout funds.
The use of technology has already entered the Greek supermarkets. Characteristics are the mobile apps developed by the chains and through which consumers are able to access bids, coupons, toys, and even personal offers.
They also invest in self-checkout, providing customers with self-service, which offers convenience and saving time.
Indicatively, the Lidl chain aims to have automatic funds in all its stores by 2026, AB Vasilopoulos has already placed 80% of the stores aimed at 100% by the end of the year, while Metro (My Market) places respectively in new and existing stores, as well as its existing stores.
