US retail automation firm Focal Systems has entered the UK market, opening its first office in Europe and joining the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The company, which pioneered the ‘Self Driving Store’ Operating System (FocalOS), plans to use its AI technology to help retailers improve margins, increase sustainability, and better serve customers.
Already working with several leading retailers, including Walmart, who will have its system live in all its Canadian stores by the end of 2022, Focal Systems stated that it would be announcing the launch of partnerships with key retailers in the UK within the coming months.
The company noted that its entry into the UK market comes at a time when retailers need it most. Earlier this year, the number of job vacancies in the UK hit a record high of nearly 1.3 million. Meanwhile, recent research found that almost every UK organisation sees the need to improve their supply chain.
Given the current labour and supply chain issues, Focal Systems stated that it has seen significant demand for its technology in the UK market over the past year. The brand is setting itself up to support UK retailers and help them quickly adopt AI and automation.
“We are honoured to join retailers and grocers of all sizes across the UK and to work in partnership with the BRC to drive innovation for our shared economies,” said Jeremy Pugh, VP GTM, Focal Systems.
“Focal’s mission is to automate retail globally. Given the severity of the current labour and supply chain challenges that UK retailers face, there is nobody who needs this technology more. Our partnership with the BRC will enable us to best help the UK retail community overcome these challenges and continue to serve their customers.”
Tony DeNunzio, Chairman for the BRC, added: “Artificial intelligence is transforming industries and retailers are still wrapping their minds around how to use it. As Focal has found, when you focus on core tasks, the ROI is so high and can be so powerful.
“Retailers need to be thinking very hard about AI because they have razor-thin margins. How do I use this new technology? How do I fulfill all the different channels? That’s where Focal works so beautifully because it’s a win, win, win. It’s good for the customers because it increases product availability, it’s good for the retailer because it lowers cost, improves efficiency, and drives profitability, and it’s good for brands because they sell more.”
NAM Implications:
- For those interested enough to know more:
- Focal takes the power of self-driving cars and unleashes it to automate and optimize your stores.
- from inventory management
- supply chain management
- category management
- e-comm management
- labour management
- See video etc. here
