Numerous Startups Poised To Transform Retail As We Know It

Attendees at a recent event known as NRFTech heard from 18 startups that have that very thing in mind.

The retail industry and landscape has undergone enormous changes right before our eyes in recent times, but the reality is that there are several more transformative changes on the horizon. As the National Retail Federation explains, we haven’t seen anything yet when it comes to disrupting the industry. 

Attendees at a recent event known as NRFTech heard from 18 startups that have that very thing in mind. Here’s some information on the exciting plans they have in the works. 

POS+

● flexReceipts. Smart e-receipts that can be tailored to include personalized and targeted messages. 
● PiCoLabs. A reimagining of the POS system that provides store owners and managers with more flexibility in management. 

Chat Bots and Voice Activation

● Dashbot. Provides detailed analytics on where communications with consumers are breaking down. 
● Linc. Delivers automated shopping support anywhere. 
● OneReach. Designs custom chat bots for the retail industry. 

In-store Technology Re-imagined

● IndoorAtlas. Provides a magnetic map that can be downloaded via app by consumers. 
● VRCommerce. Creates a fully immersive and virtual storefront through its technology. 

AI

● Pinn. Artificial intelligence company that is improving the customer authentication process. 
● QM Scientific. Developed a customizable recommendation and product search engine for grocers and brands.  
● Findmine. A cloud-based recommendation engine that pulls together complete outfits for consumers. 

Social and Connected Commerce

● Tapcentive. Specializes in gamification, as well as local and mobile marketing. 
● Phrasetech. Provides an automated solution for retailers to handle website text-based content on product pages. 
● Pcsso. Developed widgets that allow consumers to build and share outfits from a retailer’s inventory. 

Delivery and Fulfillment

● CartFresh. High-tech shopping, fulfillment and last-mile delivery option for grocers. 
● Kibo Commerce. Helps to streamline the fulfillment process by connecting legacy systems to newer technologies. 
● Aerobo. Builds and operates drones for companies across various industries. 

Two crowd favourites start-ups joined as a special bonus: 
● Hiku. The company has developed a magnetic shopping button that sticks to the fridge and remembers your grocery list. 
● Twyst. Allows for the anonymous tracking as shoppers move their way through the store.

These are exciting times for the retail industry. While the landscape continues to shift, the strong will survive and/or reinvent themselves where necessary, and new players that we never even dreamed of will pop up before our eyes. Sounds like these exciting startups may have a big hand in disrupting the industry, and it should remain truly fascinating to watch.