Grocer Survey: Retailers Prioritize Unified Commerce Platforms

As shopper habits return somewhat to pre-pandemic patterns, several behaviors learned over the last two and a half years leave retailers looking to offer a more cohesive shopping experience, according to a new grocer survey, “State of the Industry: Unified Commerce in Food & Grocery Retail,” from Incisiv and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.

While this is evidenced by the priority they are placing on providing a more consolidated online and in-store experience, a majority of grocers (77%) still do not have a unified commerce platform in place and remain dissatisfied with their current ability to quickly deploy new experiences (e.g., curbside returns, online chat,). In addition, most retailers feel current systems lack the ability to offer shoppers a seamless omnichannel experience, according to the grocer survey.

“These findings show that the industry is ready to deliver experiences that truly unify the physical and digital, meeting customers where they are so they can drive their own journey to create memorable experiences for shoppers across channels,” said Fredrik Carlegren, VP Marketing & Communications, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.

“With investments in our ELERA commerce platform, we are driving the digital transformation of retail by seamlessly connecting retail touchpoints to deliver the personalized shopping experience that consumers expect, with the agility and scalability retailers demand, to accelerate the future of retail.”

Read more about the grocer survey in the November issue of Gourmet News. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!