Tord Olav Dønnum on the future of autonomous foodservice

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Tord Olav Dønnum discusses how robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping foodservice operations and how autonomous kitchens can help operators improve profitability while preserving the human side of hospitality.

Ace Hardware AI-powered assistant boosting customer, employee experience

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Ace Hardware's AI store associate tool, Hey ARMA, is improving the associate experience in ways that translate into better customer service: faster answers, more informed recommendations and smoother in-store interactions.

Retailers under pressure: Why risk management may matter more than revenue

Small retailers often see a large spike in revenue around major holidays but the same surge in traffic that drives sales can also create more opportunities for things to go wrong, even in well-run stores.

Texas tourism group launches interactive kiosk at Buc-ee's

The Temple, Texas, tourism organization Discover Temple has installed an interactive visitor kiosk inside the Buc-ee's travel center at 4155 N. General Bruce…

How Independent Retailers Can Compete Like National Chains— Without a National Chain Budget

Independent retailers do not need massive budgets to compete effectively in today’s marketplace. With the right technology partner, small and mid-sized retailers can gain access to modern POS systems, integrated payment processing, loyalty tools, remote management, and more. Best of all they are affordable and scalable.

Consumer Behavior / Consumer Psychology

Shopping is about more than just buying things. It's a complex relationship between buyer and seller, one that impacts the shopper on a psychological level. Understanding the mental processes behind customer behavior will give you a better chance of successfully reaching those customers.