MarketDial champions all retailers who test. And, while we undoubtedly want retailers to design their in-store tests on our app, we believe anyone conducting tests deserves a shout-out. Join us each month as we raise a toast to some of the remarkable initiatives being tested by diverse retail organizations.
Retailers test out Freedom Case to allow cell phones to unlock shelves
As theft has risen, so has the number of stores locking up everything from deodorant to laundry detergent. But the 20% on-average decline in sales often does not offset the money saved from theft-prevention. Freedom Case, however, provides a solution, allowing customers the freedom to unlock cases simply with the use of their cell phones. Stores such as Kroger, Lowe’s, Safeway, and Raley’s are among 26 retailers that have opted to give the new tech a test run.
Costco tests new membership scanner at entrance
Membership stores often struggle with ways to prevent card sharing. With self-service checkout, Costco Wholesale Club has discovered a slew of non-member users shopping with false membership cards. To combat this, they have begun testing card scanners at the entrance of stores. They hope the efforts will not only increase membership benefits for those who have invested in memberships but will also speed up the checkout process.
RadNet, Walmart pilot in-store breast cancer screening
RadNet, a leading radiology imaging services company, is joining forces with Walmart to pilot its MammogramNow clinics in three markets. The 3D mammogram devices located at the Walmart clinics incorporate AI into breast-cancer detection. As part of the pilot, RadNet is experimenting with various operational hours and scheduling formats. Many of the initial customers have been walk-ins, but appointments are also available online or by phone. While initially targeting underserved communities, the hope is to expand access to mammograms in all relevant markets.
Luum Precision Lash, Ulta introduce lash application automation
Lash extensions look great but take significant time to apply; Luum Precision Lash and Ulta beauty hope to cut that time down to almost 30 minutes with new lash application technology. The machine is three times faster than a technician and allows lash artists to work without strain. The first pilot is currently underway at the Ulta in San Jose, with Luum boasting an initial seed funding of $2.9M.
Golden Pantry tests a Juxta Nomad store
Juxta Nomad, turnkey portable store, and Golden Pantry, a prominent c-store chain in Georgia, are testing the unattended store design at Golden Pantry’s headquarters. As the first autonomous c-store in the state, the Nomad offers new convenience to a diverse, mixed-use development. While originally developed to support EV charging consumers, the Nomad sees many potential future uses for portable micro retail from hospitals to beaches.
Amazon explores new grocery delivery subscription service
Amazon recently began offering free pickup and grocery delivery to every customer irrespective of their Prime status. Grocery delivery for Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods orders — where available — has been provided utilizing a tiered pricing scale based on order size. But in select markets in Ohio, California, and Colorado, Amazon will now offer unlimited delivery for orders over $35 with a monthly add-on subscription fee of $9.99.
CosMc’s tests out beverage-concept restaurants
McDonald’s recently rolled out a ten-store test in Illinois and Texas for a small-format restaurant offering beverages, sandwiches, and sweets. The new format called CosMc’s provides customers with a range of customizable, specialty beverages, including teas, coffees, and lemonades. The concept came together rapidly — moving from idea to pilot store opening within just one year — and hopes to capitalize on what it sees as a $1B opportunity.
How about you? What are you testing? Did you know testing enables you to see the impact of your ingenious ideas before implementing a large-scale rollout?
Make informed decisions by putting all your retail initiatives to the test with MarketDial. Learn more about the retailers who trust us as their test-and-learn partner, and read about the exciting things tested and toasted by MarketDial here: Case Studies.
If you would like to be toasted or would like to raise a glass to a testing retailer, please contact us at: [email protected]
Missed previous toasts? Catch them here:
June 2023
July 2023
August 2023
September 2023
October 2023
November 2023
