Presentation of the results of the Digital Innovation Observatory in Retail conducted with the contribution of Epta Group

On 7 February, Epta took part in the conference to present the results of the Digital Innovation Observatory in Retail conducted by the Management School of the Milan Polytechnic. The study, carried out with the contribution of Epta Group, saw the involvement of the market’s key players, including Top Retailers, medium-small Retailers, Start-ups, digital and non-digital users.

The event, entitled “The store of the future. The place to be!” was the occasion to illustrate the data that emerged from the research, developed in three main areas, Digital Strategy, Impact of Digital on the Innovation&Design processes and its influence on Marketing Strategies for customers.

According to the Observatory, the retail channel records a delay in the digitalisation process: the innovation expenditure is just 21% of annual investments of top Italian Retailers. Nevertheless, the interest in developing systems dedicated to in-store customer experience is extremely high. 100% of stores have adopted at least one front-end innovation (in-store Wi-Fi, evolved cash desks or mobile POS, payment methods, couponing and digital loyalty, digital signage and online selling in the store). 91% have implemented back-end solutions (in-store client monitoring, electronic invoicing, CRM, and business intelligence analytics), with the goal of improving process efficiency whilst offering customers increasingly immersive and personalised experiences.

The focus points of the research include an exploration of the omnichannel approach of Italian retailers, which are beginning to direct themselves towards digital as support, for example, for the pre or post-sales phases. Worthy of note, among the systems chosen by the Stores, are the digital refrigerated lockers.

The day included a rich programme of speeches, which were completed by the screening of a series of double interviews, an important moment to exchange opinions and explore possible future scenarios of the Retail sector.

The speakers included Giorgio De Ponti, Product Strategy Manager of Epta, who said: “The change in the consumption models poses numerous challenges for Retailers. To satisfy new Customer needs, the stores will be designed to be even more welcoming: small spaces in which to enhance the relationships between the consumers and expert staff” He continues: “Innovation in the Retail channel must be part of an omnichannel approach. Epta anticipates the change and presents stores with its refrigerated lockers #EPTABricks to store fresh, frozen and dry products. Designed to offer the option to pick-up 24/7 shopping purchased on line from the websites of the Retail purchasing groups. The lockers can be installed in different strategic locations, such as close to stores, stations or company premises.”