Latest Retailing Trends, Technologies and Solutions Revealed at SPAR Innovation Event
SPAR Ireland hosted a SPAR Innovation Event last week when hundreds of retailers from across Ireland gathered at the business forum showcasing the latest thinking in retailing trends, along with revealing a number of technologies and other solutions to support retailers’ businesses due to roll out over the next 12 months.
Among the new solutions showcased on the day was BWG Foods’ new predictive AI stock management system, ShopLink Pro, which leverages hundreds of complex data points to predict consumer demand for in-store products, allowing for smarter forecasting of stock requirements, while also considering business promotions and category management to deliver 21-day, 14-day and 7-day sales forecasts. The BWG team also revealed an innovative new HR Support service to support retailers with managing this very important part of their business.
SPAR also showcased a number of their latest food and beverage concepts including Háo Chi Bar, The Local Tea Company, Popsicle, Pazza @ Home and I-Scream, the exclusive ice cream offering.
Discussions on the day included presentations from SPAR and BWG Foods management focused on the continued development and expansion of the SPAR retail network across Ireland, and plans in place to launch new offerings including an expanded SPAR Own Brand Range.
Speaking at the event, Colin Donnelly said, “Our network of SPAR retailers is very much a tightknit community of likeminded businesspeople, so it was fantastic to gather socially and to share conversations regarding the future of our business, our offerings and our iconic brand. SPAR has always been at the very forefront of retail innovation in Ireland and across the world, and this meeting was the perfect platform to share ideas and to present our exciting plans.”
The event, which took place at the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Carlow and included guest contributions from Olympic Gold Medallist and SPAR Brand Ambassador, Kellie Harrington, TV and Radio’s Baz Ashmawy, Social Media strategist Greg Fry and Managing Director of the Meagher’s Pharmacy group, Oonagh O’Hagan.
