Continuing The Drum’s Retail Focus , we ask marketing experts to tell us which grocery and department store brands are delivering the best retail experience in their brick-and-mortar locations and what they are doing right to attract modern consumers. Kroger's smart shelf technology Physical retailers have faced immense challenges in recent years as shoppers have taken their purchases online, Covid closed shop doors for months and the global cost of living crisis has forced a decline in footfall and, as a result, sales. This means that traditional brick-and-mortar retailers now have to fight harder and think more creatively than ever before to deliver seamless customer experiences in their stores.

So, which brands are doing it the best in the eyes of marketers? In the final part of our Retail therapy series, we focus on grocery and department store brands. Henry Fernandez, executive director of business development, Barbarian: “Not your typical grocery run, but Kroger’s smart shelves are a glimpse into the future of retail, even beyond the confines of food. These shelves personalize your shopping experience, highlight deals in real time and illuminate your list with a touch of your phone.

But the real kicker? They’re eco-friendly, reducing paper waste and energy consumption. Imagine fashion stores where you find the perfect pair of jeans with a tap, or sporting goods stores that alert you to flash sales on your favorite gear – all while minimizing environmental impa.