Carrefour is testing a new AI tech platform as it seeks to support a “new generation” of connected stores and boost its omnichannel strategy.

The platform, developed by VusionGroup, combines intelligent track systems, computer vision, AI, electronic shelf labels and ultra-accurate data to help improve the in-store customer and employee experience.

The company said that the new technology will turn its stores into “intelligent media platforms” capable of interacting with customers in real-time during their shopping journey.

Carrefour is the first company in Europe to use the tech platform.

Its features include automatic and real-time shelf monitoring to provide improved merchandising compliance and boost on-shelf availability of products.

The tool also offers automated price and label compliance, along with more accurate geolocation of products, aiming to improve the customer experience by optimising in-store e-commerce picking.

Carrefour added that the technology will help improve team operations by providing intelligent AI and data-driven decision-making tools able to identify the most urgent tasks including pricing, promotions and restocking.

The technology is currently being tested in the Carrefour hypermarket in Villabé, France, where approximately 70,000 electronic shelf labels, 500 cameras and 7,000 rails have been installed.

The firm added it plans to expand the technology rollout to further stores in the future.

The move builds on an existing partnership with VusionGroup, with the companies having previously collaborated on the installation of shelf cameras and out-of-stock detection technology in 35 shops.

Emmanuel Grenier, executive director of e-commerce, data and digital transformation at Carrefour, said that digitisation has long been at the heart of Carrefour's strategy.

He explained that shops are a priority for the brand as they account for 90 per cent of the retailer's turnover, adding that tools such as data accuracy, computer vision and artificial intelligence are “essential levers” to sustainably improve the company's in-store performance.

Commenting on the new technology, he said: “It enables us to turn the store into a digital asset central to our model, capable of combining operational excellence, enriched customer experience, and economic efficiency.”

In May, Carrefour Belgium opened its third AI-powered BuyBye store in Casteau, near Mons, Belgium.

The new store uses AI-powered autonomous “grab-and-go” technology which allows customers to buy products without checking out, with items being charged automatically.

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