Local Express Made-to-Order omnichannel solution goes live at US retailer Homeland's stores

HAC, operator of 74 supermarkets in Oklahoma, USA, is deploying Local Express' Made-to-Order omnichannel solution at its 36 Homeland and 11 United stores for its prepared foods, catering and food services operations.

Homeland shoppers can now place customisable orders for holiday family meals, party trays, vegetable and seafood trays, butcher bundles and more from their home or office. The Local Express system also enables the retailer to optimise inventory and labour resources.

“Partnering with Local Express allows us to offer a user-friendly digital solution that enhances convenience for both our guests and store teams. Customers can easily schedule pickups, customise orders, and receive personalised recommendations. With e-commerce, curbside pickup, delivery, and made-to-order catering, we’re committed to providing unmatched ease and service in our market,” says Tom Dahlen, CEO at HAC.

“Homeland Stores is a great example of an innovative supermarket operator that sees the importance of foodservice as a critical point of competitive differentiation. Our Made-to-Order omnichannel solution allows the chain’s customers to order and customise prepared foods online without any friction. It also improves the speed and accuracy of order taking, enhances resource allocation and integrates with their existing PoS system for better business management,” says Bagrat Safarian, CEO at Local Express.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Omnichannel retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.