A recent OmniTalk analysis explores how autonomous overhead RFID technology is creating retail’s equivalent of the iPhone’s GPS breakthrough – fundamentally changing what’s possible in physical stores.
Troy Siwek, General Manager for gStore by GreyOrange, draws a compelling comparison: “When iPhone technology advanced to the point where they started giving location within 10 feet to apps, it started the advent of Uber, DoorDash, and all of those companies.”
Just as precise location data enabled new business models digitally, autonomous overhead RFID provides that same foundational capability for physical retail – giving retailers real-time knowledge of exactly where every item is located.
gStore delivers always-on, real-time inventory tracking without extra steps for associates. This enables hyper-personalized recommendations, eliminates “out of stock” disappointments and provides micro-insights into shopping behavior.
The technology addresses the service-margin paradox by enabling existing employees to operate more effectively. Siwek notes that store associates typically spend 30 minutes to 2 hours per day on cycle counts alone – time that gets redirected toward actual customer engagement.
“You’re not spending more to provide more value to the customer,” explains Siwek. “You’re spending the same amount or less to provide a lot more information.”
Early adopters will have the same advantage that Uber and DoorDash had over traditional competitors – operating with fundamentally better information to enable superior service levels. As Siwek notes, when associates have “everything at your fingertips,” their daily experience improves dramatically, leading to better customer service and reduced turnover.
We’re in the early innings of retail’s GPS moment, with forward-thinking retailers beginning to understand the transformative possibilities of real-time inventory intelligence.