Market News

Canadian food retailers jumping onto high-tech bandwagon

Canadian retailers are shopping for the future [and] store owners are now turning their attention to high-tech marvels that will ultimately transform the shopping experience. In this new landscape, self-serve checkouts will get smarter, displays will point customers directly to the product they're looking for and downloading will no longer be limited to Internet websites. The change has already started. In Wal-Mart's new Canadian Supercentres - larger stores that offer a full line of groceries - shoppers have already been introduced to 32-inch LCD screens strategically placed above the cash registers. Initially, this in-store television network will broadcast a combination of store-specific advertising content and company information directly to customers while they shop. As the program expands, larger 46-inch LCD screens will start to appear in departments such as fashion and produce. They will feature department-specific information ranging from updates on the newest clothing items to food-preparation tips. Source: Lana Holmes & Associates Ltd. with Tim Carter & Associates Inc. Business Edge -12/22/06