In a rapidly evolving retail landscape, businesses are constantly striving to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions has made a significant move by partnering with Matalan, a leading UK retailer, to launch the VisualStore Commerce Platform. This cutting-edge retail software aims to transform the shopping landscape by enabling faster, smoother, and more integrated transactions across various channels. At the core of VisualStore’s innovation are self-enablement tools such as a user-friendly screen designer, a promotion tool, and configuration management. These tools allow Matalan’s store teams to execute updates independently, eliminating the need for third-party support and thereby enhancing operational efficiency. By emphasizing the management of day-to-day responsibilities—like promotions, loyalty redemptions, and online order pickups—the platform offers staff greater autonomy over service delivery, resulting in a more personalized customer experience.
Enhancing Retail Through Innovation
The collaboration between Toshiba and Matalan has been praised by representatives of both companies for its forward-thinking approach and innovative solutions. Martin Ward from Toshiba underscores the significance of the software’s flexibility and self-managing features, which are seen as pivotal in shaping the future of retail technology. Meanwhile, Matalan’s Chris Salkeld emphasizes the joint vision for innovation, centered around boosting both customer satisfaction and staff functionality. Toshiba’s ability to cement this partnership and tailor its offerings to Matalan’s specific needs reveals the strength and appeal of its solutions. As industries increasingly move toward digitalization, Toshiba’s VisualStore is positioned as a viable response to the call for advancements in self-service, flexibility, and enhanced customer experiences. These enhancements are crucial as they provide retailers like Matalan with the tools necessary to stay competitive while adjusting to changing consumer expectations.
A Pathway to Modernization
The full implementation of the VisualStore platform is scheduled for completion by spring 2026, following its introduction during the late summer of 2025. Part of the project involves upgrading approximately 1,800 in-store devices to Toshiba’s most recent hardware, pushing the boundary of modern shopping experiences even further. Andrew McDaniel at Toshiba has emphasized the company’s dedication to empowering retailers like Matalan by offering solutions that meet the demands of a dynamic retail environment. This partnership is indicative of broader trends seen in retail technology, where the focus shifts towards greater self-service options, adaptability, and improved customer interactions. By investing in such innovations, Matalan aims to not only improve operational capabilities but also to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers. Ultimately, Toshiba’s VisualStore platform represents a forward-thinking approach that could set a new standard for retail transformation in the UK.
