Shoprite Group Introduces Its New Digital Innovation Hub Called ShopriteX
Shoprite Group announced its new Digital Innovation Hub Called ShopriteX on the 18th of August 2021. The group describes it as a digital hub which is combining data science, technology and innovation with its operational strength to provide increasingly enhanced customer experiences. Incubated over the past year, ShopriteX is combining data science and technology create more personalised shopping experiences for customers.
ShopriteX already delivered two industry-leading innnovations – Xtra Savings, South Africa’s fastest-growing rewards programme with 20 million members to date, and Checkers Sixty60 the first on-demand 60-minute supermarket grocery delivery service in South Africa.
The launch is part of the Group’s strategy to grow its ecosystem of value for consumers and monetise new and diverse revenue streams. At the ShopriteX offices above the new Checkers Hyper Brackenfell flagship store next to the Group’s home office, the division’s 250-strong team, including data science, e-commerce and personalisation experts, is working side by side with Shoprite’s IT team (combined a team of over 1 000 people) to create and implement new innovations.
The new offices are also home to the latest retail innovation, Checkers Rush, an automated, cashless “no queues, no checkout, no waiting” concept store, where employees can grab products and walk out. Using advanced AI camera technology to identify the products being taken off the shelves, Checkers Rush bills users’ bank cards upon exit. This is one of numerous digital innovations under development. “The next era of growth for us is about precision retailing. ShopriteX will use our rich customer data to supercharge a ‘Smarter Shoprite’ and ultimately fuse the best of digital with our operational strength across the continent.” said Pieter Engelbrecht, Shoprite Group CEO.
Innovations such as Sixty60 and Xtra Savings have seen the team scoop up 17 innovation awards in the last year. “Through a culture of innovation and startup-like pace, our teams are making grocery shopping more personalised for customers while removing friction from the retail experience.” said Neil Schreuder, Chief of Strategy and Innovation.
By Thomas Chiothamisi
