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Blakemore Retail leverages store digitalisation and in-store data with VusionGroup
VusionGroup has announced that A . F . Blakemore & Son , one of the UK ’ s largest convenience retailers , is going to deploy 130 additional stores with VusionGroup solutions in 2024 , after an initial successful roll-out phase of 43 locations .
As part of its innovation roadmap , Blakemore Retail is deploying the VusionCloud platform in all its locations , as well as Pulse In- Store Analytics , part of Memory ’ s Retail Intelligence offering which monitors stores ’ trading performance . Over 570,000 4-Colour Electronic Shelf Labels ( ESLs ) will also be deployed , making Blakemore Retail the first UK retailer to roll out this technology at scale in the country .
VusionGroup to optimise labour and streamline operations . VusionGroup has also been selected for its service capabilities as the group is delivering a turnkey service for Blakemore Retail by overseeing full store installations , providing an easy , seamless and efficient transition for the retailer .
With more than 4,300 employees , £ 750 million in turnover and 253 SPAR stores across England and Wales , Blakemore Retail is the largest family-owned convenience store operator in the UK .
“ The integration of 4-colour ESLs and the powerful VusionCloud Platform revolutionised the way we manage and display prices and promotions . It ’ s a transformative step in elevating our customer experience , optimising our operations and delivering on our commitment to innovation and excellence ,” said Matt Teague , Managing Director , Blakemore Retail .
More and more retailers are turning towards digital technologies to enhance their operational efficiency , reduce cost and provide a better experience to shoppers . As such , Blakemore Retail selected
parcelLab launches returns forecast AI to give retailers improved visibility and control over returns process
parcelLab , a premier global provider of post-purchase experience software , has announced the launch of parcelLab Returns Forecast AI . The new tool leverages AI to estimate inbound parcels for retailer warehouses , allowing retailers to forecast returns volumes and identify trend changes more accurately , better plan warehouse resources , reduce processing times and operational costs . Returns Forecast AI is purpose-built for retailers to strengthen their ability to anticipate and mitigate the financial impact of returns , providing more stability .
Today ’ s warehouse managers and logistics specialists have limited or poor visibility into returns and are unable to incorporate peak seasonality and historic data patterns into their forecasts . parcelLab ’ s Returns Forecast AI allows them to replace manual , error prone inbound forecasting processes with data-driven AI insights to enhance resource planning , drive operational efficiencies and improve financial forecasting .
Operationally , the ability to accurately predict returns can lead to substantial cost reductions by optimising staffing levels and minimising the costs associated with returned inventory such as transportation , handling and processing costs . The tool generates a predictive returns analytics report so retailers can proactively plan to avoid over- or understaffing , incorporating custom peak and sales periods into their forecasting to optimise utilisation during lower workloads and avoid additional payments during peak seasons . Returns Forecast AI also enables better revenue forecasting and planning as retailers can anticipate return volume , understand reasons for returns and identify product improvements to reduce future returns .
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