Most retail trade media, including this site, have long praised technologies like artificial intelligence, micro fulfillment centers, personalization systems, data analytics and more. While these solutions are relatively easy for larger supermarket operators to afford and implement, they are out of reach for most community-based grocery retailers, even those working with their wholesaler partners.
So how can these independent grocers make investments to stay competitive with the big chains and digital-only banners in the coming years?
