Walmart Canada Improves On-Shelf Availability With Focal Systems; Robin DeMers and Francois Chaubard Comment
CANADA - As a consumer, it’s always a bummer when I visit my local grocery store and don’t see some of my favorite items on the shelves. Walmart Canada is working to minimize this experience for its shoppers, implementing a computer vision AI solution from Focal Systems that utilizes cameras to automate out-of-stock detection. Following a 70-store pilot, the grocer is rolling out this innovation across all of its locations.
“We know it can be disappointing for customers when we don’t have products they want available on our shelves. That’s why we initiated this pilot using technology from Focal Systems that takes the guesswork out of knowing when a product is out of stock,” explains Robin DeMers, Director, Store Optimization. “This leading-edge technology provides real-time, automated alerts for replenishment in key priority areas within our stores. It also empowers our associates with cool tech that makes a big difference in the way they are able to work and provide the best possible customer experience.”
The innovative technology is integrated with Walmart’s existing inventory systems, automatically detecting real-time availability concerns—when an item is out-of-stock or low-stock—and directs store teams to replenish popular departments, such as grocery. According to a company release, Walmart is one of the first retailers in Canada to deploy an AI solution for on-shelf availability.
Computer vision cameras have been installed in popular areas throughout Walmart Canada stores, scanning the shelves at pre-determined intervals. When a product goes out of stock, it will then trigger replenishment through Walmart’s existing inventory systems.
"With this bold step, Walmart is driving this industry forward in AI-adoption and retail automation, challenging the status-quo on availability, customer experience, and employee satisfaction,” shares Francois Chaubard, Chief Executive Officer, Focal Systems. “Walmart is raising the bar, and we are inspired to help in any way we can. Focal is thrilled to be a key part of Walmart's store digitization efforts nationwide!"
This tech-forward investment is the latest in a series of strategic moves to bolster the associate and customer experience across Walmart Canada’s network.
To read more about the launch, click here.
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