Bridge the Personalization Gap with In-Store Digitization

Consumers today expect more than just convenience when they shop—they want an experience that feels tailored just for them. Personalization is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a must. And here’s the thing: while online shopping has mastered personalization, brick-and-mortar stores are still catching up.

Over 89% of grocery executives agree that personalization is crucial for meeting shopper expectations. Yet, only 14% say their current personalization efforts hit the mark, with 37% admitting they offer no personalization at all. That’s a big gap—and an even bigger opportunity for retailers.

The good news? In-store digitization offers retailers a solution to bridge that gap and deliver the experiences shoppers crave.

The Role of In-Store Digitization in Personalization

In-store digitization enables retailers to capture real-time customer data and turn it into something meaningful. Tools like RFID, shelf sensors, and autonomous robots—like Simbe’s Tally—make it easy to track shopper behavior and stock levels in real-time. With this data, retailers can craft personalized experiences for their customers: think customized promotions, smart product suggestions, and even store layouts that better align with shoppers' preferences.

Consider this: Tally scans the shelves and notices that a popular snack is running low on stock—one that a certain group of loyal customers loves. With that insight, the retailer can send a personalized push notification to those customers, letting them know the snack is almost gone and maybe even offering a discount if they buy it soon. It’s not just a stock alert; it’s a timely, personalized nudge that feels relevant and rewards the customer for their loyalty.

However, without the right technology and data processes in place, pulling off campaigns like this is difficult.

Breaking Down Data Silos: The Key to Personalization

One of the biggest challenges retailers face when trying to personalize, is data silos. Integrating customer data from different sources is a huge hurdle—57% of grocery executives say it’s the top thing holding them back. Combine that with the lack of a solid personalization strategy (51%) and the shortage of in-house expertise (44%), and it’s no surprise that retailers are struggling to deliver on personalization.

By using real-time data from tools like Simbe’s Store Intelligence Platform, retailers can break down those silos and finally connect the dots between online and in-store behavior. Tally provides near-real-time insights into which products are moving off the shelves, allowing retailers to adjust promotions or reorder stock before it’s too late.

When combined with other data—like purchase histories or loyalty programs—retailers can create a seamless, personalized experience for every shopper. No more one-size-fits-all promotions; this is personalization done right.

Enhancing Customer Engagement Through Personalized Interactions

In-store digitization doesn’t stop at data collection—it opens the door to new ways to engage with customers. Whether through digital kiosks, personalized mobile apps, or targeted in-store promotions, retailers can use this data to interact with customers in real time.

Imagine a shopper walking into the store and being greeted with a personalized offer based on their past purchases. Or, after browsing a few aisles, they receive a push notification on their phone highlighting complementary items to the ones in their cart. By using data to create these kinds of moments, retailers can boost customer engagement and foster a deeper sense of loyalty.

The Future of Retail: Data-Driven Personalization at Scale

Retailers know personalization is key, but scaling it has been a challenge. In-store digitization can help. Simbe’s Store Intelligence Platform, powered by Tally, provides the tools retailers need to be proactive, offer smarter promotions, and deliver meaningful experiences across every touchpoint.

Personalization isn’t just the future of retail—it’s already happening. And with Tally, retailers can finally meet (and exceed) consumer expectations, giving them tailored, engaging shopping experiences.