Meeting heightened customer expectations, innovative merchandising strategies, and thriving in the challenging global economy are all top of the agenda at Shoptalk Europe. Underpinning all of this is retail tech and data-driven decision-making. Erik Wallin, Co-founder and CEO of Northfork, comments:

"In the grocery sector, retail tech is increasingly enabling customer delight. Retailers are using data in smart new ways to enhance the shopping experience. They are making it faster and more intuitive, while also meeting customers closer to their point of inspiration. This can deliver greater customer enjoyment and loyalty, meaning the retailer benefits too."

Challenging circumstances

Shoptalk Europe presenters and attendees are well aware of the challenging global context. Retail spending in the US declined by 0.4% in February 2023 compared to the previous month. In the UK, spending on groceries increased by 7.1% in March, well below the food price inflation rate of 18.2%, as shoppers continue to cut back on their weekly food shop.

The story is the same across Europe. The overall volume of grocery sales across the continent fell by 3.6% in 2022 compared with 2021. Yet recovery is on the not-too-distant horizon, with hopes high for the second half of 2023. And retail tech is right there to support future growth.

"Grocery retailers have an immense opportunity when it comes to using tech to level up the customer experience," continues Northfork's Erik Wallin. "Those taking advantage of this opportunity are already seeing results."

The recipe shopping example

Northfork's recipe shopping technology highlights the potential of enhancing the customer experience. The solution is delivered through APIs, SDKs and widgets, depending on the retailer's needs. It can also easily link third-party publishers with retailers for a seamless shopping experience.

Shoppers can use Northfork's recipe shopping solutions to plan menus around their tastes and budgets while reducing the time spent on the weekly shop. The superior shopping experience has been proven to increase cart value, thus delivering a win for retailers as well as shoppers.

Keen to know more? The Northfork team will be at Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona from 9-11 May 2023. Email sales@northfork.io to arrange a meet-up.