The Fresh Market Focuses on Enhancing the Retail Experience

The Fresh Market Focuses on Enhancing the Retail Experience with VusionGroup Technology

Specialty grocer The Fresh Market is taking a significant step toward digitalizing its retail operations by partnering with VusionGroup to implement advanced technology solutions across all its stores by the end of 2025. This collaboration will introduce Vusion 360 technology, which includes digital shelf labels, VusionCloud, Captana’s Computer Vision & AI technology, and Memory Store Analytics, marking the first Vusion 360 rollout in North America. The integration of these solutions aims to elevate the shopping experience for customers while enhancing operational efficiency for associates.

Key Benefits of The Fresh Market’s Digital Transformation:

• Increased Productivity and Efficiency: The deployment of multicolor electronic shelf labels (ESLs) combined with the VusionCloud platform will allow prices to be remotely adjusted across stores. The flashing LED lights on each ESL will alert associates about tasks like online in-store order fulfillment and product replenishment, improving overall store efficiency.
• Better Inventory Management and Product Quality: With the addition of Captana Computer Vision & AI technology, The Fresh Market will be able to detect out-of-stocks in real time. This will help store associates prioritize shelf replenishment and address issues related to produce displays, fresh food availability, and waste reduction across the store.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Vusion 360’s Memory Store Analytics platform will measure key performance indicators (KPIs) such as waste reduction, out-of-stock timing, and in-store merchandising decisions, allowing The Fresh Market to fine-tune operations based on real-time data.

The Fresh Market’s partnership with VusionGroup not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports its mission to provide a superior experience for both customers and associates. By integrating these digital tools, the grocer is setting new standards in inventory management, product availability, and store performance.

“The integration of VusionGroup’s technology into our stores is transforming how we operate, making our spaces faster and more efficient,” said Brian Johnson, COO of The Fresh Market. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to improving the shopping experience for our guests while also supporting our incredible team members.”

Philippe Bottine, CEO Americas and group deputy CEO of VusionGroup, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This milestone is a key step in the digital transformation of physical commerce, and we are proud to roll out our full suite of value-added solutions across The Fresh Market’s entire retail chain.”

With the technology’s support, The Fresh Market aims to improve its overall merchandising, inventory management, and waste reduction while offering customers a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience. Additionally, by leveraging Cisco Meraki infrastructure, the grocer can connect VusionGroup’s Internet of Things solutions to existing access points, reducing both operational costs and the carbon footprint.

VusionGroup’s solutions, which also include retail media and in-store advertising, have already been successfully implemented by other major retailers such as Walmart and Hy-Vee. The Fresh Market, based in Greensboro, N.C., operates 166 stores across 22 states and is ranked No. 71 on Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.