PLMA-news: Digital perils and opportunities in retail

Retail chains need cyber security

Last year several retail chains were attacked by hackers, for instance Coop Sweden was forced to close 800 stores for days in July, because cash registers and self-checkouts stopped working. Cases like this made it clear that retailers need to step up their cyber security efforts. The Schwarz Group has already announced that they had acquired a majority share in Israeli IT security company XM Cyber.

In-store wayfinding apps

In the United Kingdom several retail chains are trialling in-store wayfinding apps to assist customers in quick and efficient shopping. Marks & Spencer is testing the application of a start-up called Dent Reality: shoppers can use this app to search for a given product or ask for the optimal route for a whole shopping list. Asda has teamed up with US company Goodmaps for a solution to help the blind and partially sighted in shopping.

Carrefour-Facebook partnership

Carrefour has entered into a strategic partnership with Facebook owner Meta, for strengthening its virtual presence and efficiency across the retail chain. The cooperation extends to Carrefour’s internal communication, staff training and interaction with customers via the platforms Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Workplace. //