Simbe Robotics expands Store Intelligence solution partnership with US grocer and distributor SpartanNash
Simbe Robotics has announced an expanded partnership with SpartanNash.
After an initial roll-out, its Store Intelligence solution, featuring an inventory robot called Tally, will be deployed to an additional 60 SpartanNash owned stores across the Midwest this year.
This informs product stocking, ordering, merchandising, and e-commerce fulfilment with real-time inventory insights across every store area.
It enables associates to ensure items are available for customers with accurate location and price, while freeing up their time for more engaging, guest facing work.
"We first piloted Tally in 15 stores and the success of that launch motivated us to expand Tally across more locations to help associates save time in inventory tracking and spend more time on the floor serving our store guests," says SpartanNash Executive Vice President, Corporate Retail Tom Swanson.
“The real-time data intelligence Tally provides helps ensure our store guests' favourite items always stay fresh, are adequately stocked and priced competitively, helping us deliver the ingredients for a better life."
In a LinkedIn post, Simbe Robotics said: “As both a grocer and distributor, SpartanNash is unique in the retail industry.”
“With over 17,000 employees, the company serves a global network of independent and chain grocers, and is the largest food distributor to military commissaries and exchanges in the US.”
“SpartanNash also operates 144 of its own bricks and mortar locations under various retail banners across nine Midwestern states.”
“SpartanNash is many things to many people. To us, they’re the ideal kind of partner: innovative, customer centric, and always striving to improve the experience – for shoppers, but also for associates, distributors and beyond.”
“That’s why it’s been fantastic to hear leaders like Tom Swanson, and Masiar Tayebi, EVP, Chief Strategy & Information Officer, report “tremendous” results with our data precision and analytics, which they use for deep visibility into consumer trends, out-of-stock rates, shopping behaviours, and so much more.”
“We also love hearing that associates like Diane Olson “can tell when you walk down the aisle [that] Tally is keeping us on task, so we have products to sell to customers,” leading to fuller shelves and more accessible store teams, who get to refocus their time on servicing shoppers.”
Funding round
Simbe last year announced a Series B equity financing round of $28 million, led by Eclipse.
“We're honoured to be supported by an investor like Eclipse, with a team that recognises technology's incredible potential to significantly enhance retail operations, as well as greatly improve the customer experience,” said Brad Bogolea, CEO and Co-founder, Simbe.
“Elevating the retail experience for everyone — retailers, their associates, and customers — through AI and robotics is the foundation of Simbe’s mission, and this funding will enable us to share this vision and reimagined experience with more retail partners around the world.”
“As today’s retailers grapple with inaccurate shelf data and antiquated inventory management processes, Simbe is completely revolutionising the industry through AI and robotics - proving to be an invaluable solution that curbs these obstacles,” said Jay Knafel, Partner at Eclipse.
“One of the most challenging aspects of full stack systems is engineering a solution that works. Not some of the time, but all the time, in every customer environment. When we saw Simbe’s solution deployed across the country, in a range of store environments, and performing fully autonomously, we were impressed.”
“Simbe has also designed the most consumer friendly, compact robot of its kind that fits into any store and with any team, and deploys in hours. Its platform and its volume of data are transforming retail, and we could not be more thrilled to support Brad and his team.”
“A sizeable percentage of global GDP is tied up in inventory,” added Lior Susan, Founding Partner at Eclipse.
“For retailers, mismanaged inventory is a $2 trillion problem and it’s clear the industry needs better tools that allow retailers to understand how their stores are operating in real-time, in order to enhance the in-store experience for all.”
“Simbe has demonstrated the power of AI and data driven solutions for driving sales, improving margins, increasing resilience within the retail industry, and ultimately, contributing to continued economic growth.”
The funding followed a Series A in 2019, bringing the total amount raised by Simbe to $54 million.
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