Retail is undergoing a major transformation, and the advent of technology has paved the way for a revolutionary shopping experience. Within this retail revolution, retailers and omnichannel solutions are constantly evolving.
To discuss the subject of autonomous stores, we had the opportunity to interview two retail players: Auchan, about their autonomous store concept "Auchan Go le lab", and Keyneo, an expert in omnichannel solutions in France.
Auchan Go le lab, Auchan's autonomous store
Auchan Go le lab is an autonomous store concept that pushes the boundaries of the traditional shopping experience by eliminating checkouts and queues.
We spoke to Malvina Nortier, New Concepts Project Manager at Auchan Retail, to find out how this initiative is redefining the way consumers shop. And by using technology to deliver an innovative shopping experience.
How is the store innovative?
The novelty lies in the "contactless" system: everyone can identify themselves by downloading the dedicated application, which generates a QR code, or by placing their bank card directly on the entry system. Once in the store, simply pick up the products. Thanks to purchase recognition cameras and shelves equipped with scales, the virtual basket fills up automatically. At the check-out, payment is instantaneous, with no further action required, and the receipt is digitized.
Why did you choose to do it at Auchan France headquarters?
Auchan France intends to use Auchan Go as an integrated laboratory for technological innovations, to test shopping routes, contactless solutions and new products with a specific audience, before considering possible deployment opportunities.
Do you use a particular management tool or solution?
This second intelligent store is larger, and relies on Trigo's solutions to become a veritable innovation laboratory for the chain. Auchan France is supported in this project by teams from Trigo, a company specializing in intelligent solutions for the retail sector. Backed by a wealth of European references, the teams have worked alongside their Auchan counterparts to integrate AI to speed up the shopping experience, while adapting to the French retailer's processes and equipment.
It's the best possible combination of Auchan'sexpertise retailer and Trigo'sexpertise in new technologies. Their ability to implement this concept on existing furniture (gondolas, fridges, etc.) means we can work in real-life conditions to invent the store of the future.
What about the Edhec store, have you had any results?
The first Auchan Go, opened on the EDHEC campus in Croix, is a real success. Students have seized on this connected concept, which is quick and easy to grasp for a generation that lives with its smartphone in hand.
Daily throughput exceeds expectations, and doubles during exam periods.
Keyneo, the retail platform omnichannel
We met with Claire Girard, Director of User Experience at Keyneo.
Can you tell us about Keyneo's omnichannel solution?
We see ourselves as the retail shaker omnichannel. Since 2007, we have been accelerating the digital and omnichannel transformation of retailers and brands. We are publishers and integrators of our digital solutions platform, KeyBUILD New Retail, a platform that brings together a range of modules (customers, product catalog, transactions, orders, etc.) and packaged solutions(native checkout omnichannel, order management system, inventory management, vendor application, etc.). In practice, we facilitate all the sales paths of the retail industry omnichannel : sales paths, new store concepts, second life, automated stores, etc.
What solutions do you offer for an autonomous store?
An autonomous store is first and foremost a store, and therefore our core business. We can support it all the way, from the back office (inventory management, etc.) to the creation and management of its customer paths.
Our platform comes into play at every stage. First of all, it enables the company to create and manage its entire catalog. From a mobile application, the retailer can then validate the receipt of supplier goods, manage labeling and prepare store deliveries. This same application is used in the stand-alone store to validate the placement of products in racks, manage any checks (use-by dates, product freshness, etc.) and update stock levels. We are even able to display container locations schematically, to check at a glance, for example, stock levels and available spaces. Finally, staff can monitor sales, and organize replenishments from suppliers.
On the customer journey, Keyneo can now help the retailer set up a checkout terminal. This allows customers to make their selection and pay for their shopping (linked to CRM and current sales operations). The locker opens automatically when payment is validated. We can also set up an e-commerce site or mobile application for customers, enabling them to make their selection in advance. Once on site, they identify themselves on the terminal to open the lockers.
We therefore provide a complete end-to-end solution for managing sales in the stand-alone store, guaranteeing an optimal experience for both the shop assistant and the customer.
More generally, you offer omnichannel solutions for the retail sector. Who are the players who require this type of solution?
Our strength at Keyneo is our ability to support retailers in all sectors, at BtoC as well as at BtoB. But since we don't sell textiles like a pair of glasses or a video game... Our leitmotiv is to be able to customize our solutions to adapt to the specific needs of our customers.
The diversity of our current customers is proof of this: Jimmy Fairly, Ikea, Centrakor, La Tribu, Tikamoon, Méert, Les Partisans du Goût, System U, Les boulangeries Paul, Les néréides, Tape À l'Oeil, Rouge Gorge Lingerie, Micromania Zing, Boticinal... You see, it's diversified! And we also work at the request of our customers on anti-waste routes (as with FreshOpp or Finistèrestes 29 on their concept of reselling out-of-date food products), or second life for textile products (New Life offer at Tape À L'Oeil).
In your opinion, is omnichannel still an issue for tomorrow's retail?
Yes, and it's a must! We're convinced that we need to smooth the path between the physical and the web. A brand needs to speak and act in the same way at all its points of contact, for customers and sales staff alike.
Thanks to Malvina Nortier & Claire Girard for answering our questions.
We spoke to Malvina Nortier, New Concepts Project Manager at Auchan Retail, to find out how this initiative is redefining the way consumers shop. And by using technology to deliver an innovative shopping experience.
By Oriane Blanchet & Noémie Lecarpentier