Piggly Wiggly to grow through artificial intelligence, automation
Piggly Wiggly to grow through artificial intelligence, automation
Piggly Wiggly Midwest stores has partnered with Focal Systems, an industry leader in retail automation. Piggly Wiggly Midwest will be piloting the Focal Operating System in its Wisconsin and Illinois stores. FocalOS digitizes the entire store in order to automate and optimize ordering, inventory management, merchandising and in-store labor with the objective to deliver a better experience to customers.
Building on its more than 100-year history in the grocery business, Piggly Wiggly continues to grow its presence with stores throughout the Midwest, South and Northeast. C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. operates Piggly Wiggly Midwest corporate stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style model. This unique grocery store offers the selection and assortment of a national chain, with the service and local customization of a community-based retailer. Each store contains specialized local assortments to meet local shoppers’ needs.
“We’re thrilled to work with such a beloved and historic grocer that has been a staple in American lives for more than a century,” said Francois Chaubard, CEO and founder of Focal Systems. “I’m seeing the first signs of massive adoption of AI and computer vision in the grocery and retail industry and it’s exciting to see one of the best grocery chains helping to lead the charge. In partnering with Focal Systems, Piggly Wiggly Midwest is demonstrating how it continues to be a pioneer in the industry. We look forward to expanding our partnership in years to come.”
“Piggly Wiggly has been changing the industry since it launched its first store. Our partnership with Focal Systems will enable us to provide an even better shopper experience by leveraging the most innovative retail automation technology available,” said Mark McGowan, senior vice president of retail for C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc.