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AsiaOne
03-06-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
In-store navigation and personalised recommendations: FairPrice trials smart trolleys in pilot plan to integrate AI, Singapore News
FairPrice Group (FPG) has revealed plans for a large-scale technology overhaul with its Store of Tomorrow programme that aims to revolutionise the retail experience for customers at their supermarket outlets. According to a press release on Tuesday (June 3), FPG has already begun piloting various digital solutions, such as Smart Carts and digital price cards at one of its FairPrice Finest outlets. "The last few years of global disruption have shown that the only certainty in retail is how quickly consumer needs, tastes, and preferences evolve," said Vipul Chawla, Group CEO of FPG, adding that FPG aims to trial more than 20 new digital solutions within the next three years. The new initiatives will be launched in FPG's Punggol Digital District FairPrice Finest outlet, set to open in August 2025. They will then be gradually rolled out to FPG's 164 FairPrice supermarkets, and eventually, across the Group's wider network of over 570 touchpoints. Smart Carts Currently piloted at FairPrice Finest Sengkang Grand Mall, Smart Carts are shopping carts with built-in displays that can support customers with in-store navigation and highlight promotions for nearby products. Smart Carts can also provide product recommendations and feature scanners that customers can use to scan and pay for products as they go. To use a Smart Cart, customers will have to scan the Pay/Earn QR code on their FPG App. Customers can then use the Smart Cart's display function to search for specific products, which will yield a map and directions to guide them to the product's location in-store. Shoppers can also use the built-in scanner on the trolley's handlebar to add items to their digital checkout basket. Smart Carts will also have their own designated checkout area, where customers can apply relevant vouchers and make payment through the FPG app. MyInfo integration & biometric payment FPG also aims to streamline the checkout process by integrating the FPG app with the government MyInfo database on citizens and permanent residents. By doing so, customers eligible for discount schemes — CHAS Blue/Orange, Seniors, Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation — will have their discounts applied automatically to their purchases. Eliminating the need for physical card verification simplifies the checkout process and helps reduce time spent by staff on verifying customer details. FPG is also attempting to further enhance the checkout process by implementing biometric payment. By scanning and registering their palm prints to the FPG app, customers will eventually be able to make payment and earn LinkPoints by scanning their palms at checkout counters. Digital price cards Also being piloted at FairPrice Finest Sengkang Grand Mall are digital price cards which remove the need for physical labels and are part of FPG's wider sustainability efforts. At the same time, digital labels automatically update themselves with any changes to pricing or promotions, reducing the need for manual work, allowing staff to focus on other tasks. If successful, FPG will roll out digital price cards across all supermarket touchpoints within the next three years. FPG is also looking to launch other AI-enabled initiatives focused on improving workflow for staff and customers, such as Vision AI which incorporates data analytics. Vision AI "leverages existing in-store CCTV infrastructure and advanced video analytics to provide real-time updates to staff on where support or intervention is required throughout the store", according to the press release. For example, it can detect potential safety hazards such as spills or obstructions to facilitate a safer shopping environment. The queue management feature is also able to monitor and analyse queue wait times, alerting staff when more manpower is needed to manage the high volume of shoppers at checkout. "Through our Store of Tomorrow programme, we want to re-imagine how innovation and technologies like Gen AI and data analytics can make things easier on the wallet and experience for both physical and digital retail formats," said Chawla. [[nid:718264]]
Straits Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
FairPrice trials smart trolleys in digital push to create stores of tomorrow
In May, FairPrice began trials of the new Smart Carts – digitally decked-out trolleys that offer in-store navigation, personalised recommendations, and allow shoppers to check out without queueing at cashier counters. SINGAPORE – For a few weeks now, some shoppers at FairPrice Finest in Sengkang Grand Mall have been using trolleys mounted with touchscreens and barcode scanners. The digitally decked-out trolleys offer in-store navigation and personalised recommendations, and let shoppers check out without queueing at cashier counters. Meet Smart Carts, which began trials in May in the Sengkang outlet. The trolleys and several other digital in-store fittings are part of a Store of Tomorrow initiative that FairPrice unveiled at the National Retail Federation's Big Show Asia Pacific 2025, which is being held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre from June 3 to 5. Mr Vipul Chawla, FairPrice Group chief executive, told The Straits Times that a budget 'in the millions' has been allocated to pilot more than 20 new technologies annually over the next three years till 2028 to enhance the supermarket's omnichannel shopping experience. The budget also covers recently hired software engineers and data scientists as it seeks to reinvent itself digitally to deepen its engagement of millions of shoppers in Singapore. 'In 2022, the management team and I looked at where the points of friction were. Then we worked it back-to-front to see how we could use technology and training to make the whole interaction seamless,' said Mr Chawla , who succeeded Mr Seah Kian Peng to helm Singapore's largest supermarket chain that year. Processes earmarked for change include store navigation, promotion alerts, product recommendation and payment. Many of FairPrice's 164 supermarkets currently feature self-checkout counters, the Scan & Go function on the FairPrice app, as well as ample signage to guide shoppers to promotion items and store sections. Still, staff often spend time giving directions to customers and verifying Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) cards for discounts. Customers also often inquire about items on promotion while standing in line at payment counters. These tasks are manual and time-consuming. 'Shopping is as much an experience as it is a transaction. We can make that experience more fun, engaging and interactive,' Mr Chawla said. Come August, when FairPrice opens its latest supermarket in Punggol Digital District, it will test the Smart Carts on a larger scale compared with the 10 trolleys currently on trial in its Sengkang outlet. Digital price and promotion labels and smart store cameras will also be featured in the new supermarket to improve the shopping experience. Smart trolleys are being used by an increasing number of overseas grocery retailers, including Amazon, Walmart and Kroger. Many provide similar functions, including payment processing. To use the FairPrice Smart Carts, shoppers must unlock them with the Pay/Earn QR code on their FairPrice app. The cart's display is personalised, as the system has access to the user's past purchases to provide product recommendations and promotion alerts. A search feature on the trolley's touchscreen – complete with an in-store map and navigation instructions – helps shoppers to find what they are looking for. Sensors in the cart detect items on offer as shoppers browse the aisles and flash the promotion on screen. Sensors in the cart detect items on offer as shoppers browse the aisles and flash the promotion on screen. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Shoppers can use the built-in scanner on the trolley's handle bar to add items before putting them in the trolley, which has a weight sensor to tally the goods. Checkout is done by tapping the touchscreen and the purchases are reflected on the FairPrice app. If the weight of the item added to the trolley does not match what was just scanned, a light sensor on the cart will flash orange to alert staff, who will conduct random checks when customers return the trolleys. 'This is well beyond self-checkout. Your whole shopping is done in your own shopping cart,' said Mr Chawla, noting that FairPrice's self-checkout services islandwide now process more than half of total store transactions. Civil servant Phua Cheng Hua, 60, who frequents the Sengkang outlet, likes the convenience of the Smart Carts. 'This saves me a lot of time by eliminating the need to queue for payment,' he said. For added convenience, FairPrice is urging customers to update their profile on the app following an upgraded integration with MyInfo, the Government's data vault on citizens and permanent residents. This will allow the app to capture shoppers' Chas card details for discounts to be automatically applied for online purchases and at self-checkout counters. This automation will be live by the end of 2025. Without the MyInfo profile update, Chas discounts can be applied only at cashier-manned counters as card verification is needed. 'With the MyInfo profile update, you don't have to worry about which day to use which card if your family has several of them. The system will do the thinking and apply the appropriate card,' said Mr Chawla. Also coming are in-store digital promotion and price labels. These are becoming increasingly common among grocery retailers as they free up the time that staff spend on printing and changing physical labels. FairPrice plans to roll out digital labels across its 164 supermarkets over the next 36 months if the pilot in Punggol Digital District is successful. As store space is limited, an Endless Aisle experiment will let store shoppers scan a QR code on electronic shelf labels to be directed to a full catalogue on the FairPrice app. Consumers can complete their purchases and schedule a delivery on the app. Existing in-store CCTV cameras will also be upgraded with video analytics to alert staff when items on shelves need replenishing, more registers have to be opened to manage long queues, or liquid spills require clean-up. Existing in-store CCTV cameras will be upgraded with video analytics. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Commenting on unmanned 'just walk-out' stores that were hailed as the future of retail, Mr Chawla said: 'There's no warmth.' The unmanned format works only for convenience stores, similar to some of FairPrice's Cheers outlets in certain places such as universities and the armed forces, he added. Even as FairPrice tries out digital tools islandwide, the retailer is mindful of its social mission not to leave anyone behind. Its staff – many of whom are middle-aged or elderly – have undergone training to help customers who might have dementia, or serve as digital ambassadors. 'So the nature of the work changes a little bit, but hopefully the customer experience becomes less clunky,' said Mr Chawla. 'Seven in 10 Singaporeans still like to visit a physical store.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Independent Singapore
26-04-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
NTUC Union and Link members to enjoy 50 cents hot kopi or teh in May, plus ongoing 50% off essentials
SINGAPORE: NTUC Union and Link members will be able to get a hot cup of kopi (coffee) or teh (tea) for just 50 cents throughout May at 70 Kopitiam outlets across Singapore. FairPrice Group announced the promotion on Thursday (Apr 24), in partnership with Kopitiam, as part of its May Day and SG60 campaign this year. To get the 50-cent kopi or teh, members must show their physical silver NTUC Union card or use an e-voucher. Payment has to be made through the FairPrice app at checkout. Members can also get a 50% discount on a new essential item each Thursday for four weeks, in-store and online. However, members can only purchase two units per item per member per day, while stocks last. The first-week deal, which runs from Apr 24 to 27, is for Milo Ready To Drink Tetra Packet Drink 4 × (5s + 1s) 200 ml, now just S$7.80, down from the usual S$15.60. The next three weekly offers will be announced on May 1, May 8, and May 15. To get the discount, members just need to show their physical Link Rewards or NTUC Union card at checkout or pay using the FairPrice app. FairPrice Group said it has committed over S$5 million worth of savings and discounts this year, the largest amount it has committed for its annual May Day campaign. FairPrice also stated that the May Day discounts can be combined with 'FPG's regular weekly discounts for Seniors, Merdeka or Pioneer Generation individuals, and Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue or Orange cardholders.' The group said this year's SG60 initiatives also include discounts on its house brand items and return vouchers to supplement the government's Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers . Caryn Lim, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTUC May Day Committee Chairperson, said, 'We strongly encourage all members to take full advantage of these discounts throughout the May Day campaign period.' Vipul Chawla, Group CEO of FairPrice Group, added, 'Our discounts are a way of giving back, ensuring that all in Singapore can access daily essentials and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.' /TISG Read also: FairPrice to deliver fresh eggs to over 46,000 low-income families, seniors, and migrant workers in 2025 under S$1M Protein Pledge
New Paper
24-04-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Savings for NTUC Union and Link members, including 50c kopi or teh at Kopitiam
In conjunction with May Day and SG60, FairPrice Group will be offering over $5 million in savings and discounts to NTUC Union and Link members from April 24 to May 31. Singaporeans can stretch their dollar even further under the promotions that include 50 per cent discount on daily essentials and deals on beverages at selected Kopitiam outlets. Customers can combine the May Day discounts with the regular weekly discounts for Seniors, Merdeka or Pioneer Generation, and Chas Blue or Orange cardholders. Group CEO Vipul Chawla said: "This May Day, we want to especially recognise the hard work of Singapore's workers and frontliners. Our discounts are a way of giving back, ensuring that all in Singapore can access daily essentials and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives." Key essentials at half-price Starting April 24, NTUC Union and Link members get 50 per cent off a new essential item each Thursday for four weeks, both in store and online. The first week's deal, available from April 24 to 27, will be on the popular Milo Ready To Drink Tetra Packet Drink 4 x (5s + 1s) 200ml priced at $7.80 (50 per cent off $15.60). Subsequent May Day deals will be announced on May 1, 8 and 15. To enjoy the discounts, customers just need to show their physical Link Rewards or NTUC Union card at the checkout, or pay via the FPG app. 50c hot kopi or teh at Kopitiam FairPrice Foundation is partnering with Kopitiam to bring back the popular 50 cents hot kopi/teh deal at 70 Kopitiam outlets islandwide from May 1 to 31. To enjoy the deal, customers have to present their physical silver NTUC Union card or use the e-voucher and make payment via the FPG app at checkout.
Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
FairPrice rolls out 50 cents coffee at Kopitiam outlets, 50% discounts for members till May 31
To enjoy the discounts, customers will need to show their physical Link Rewards or NTUC Union card at the checkout, or pay via FairPrice Group's app. PHOTO: FAIRPRICE GROUP FairPrice rolls out 50 cents coffee at Kopitiam outlets, 50% discounts for members till May 31 SINGAPORE - NTUC Union members and Link members are set to enjoy savings across FairPrice's Group of supermarkets and selected Kopitiam outlets from April 24 to May 31. The move is to mark the upcoming May Day celebrations, and Singapore's 60th year of independence (SG60), as well as to honour all workers in the country, the group said in an April 24 statement. May Day falls on May 1. FairPrice Group said it has committed over $5 million in savings for members in 2025, adding that it is the largest amount committed by the group for its annual May Day campaign. Throughout the campaign period, Singaporeans will be able to stretch their dollars with 50 per cent discounts on daily essentials and deals on staple beverages at selected Kopitiam outlets. 'Customers can further enhance their savings by combining May Day discounts with FairPrice Group's regular weekly discounts for Seniors, Merdeka or Pioneer Generation individuals, and Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue or Orange cardholders,' the group said. From April 24, NTUC Union and Link members get 50 per cent discount on a new essential item every Thursday for four weeks, both in store and online. The first week's deal, available from April 24 to 27, will be on the popular Milo Ready To Drink Tetra packet drink (24 x 200ml), at a special price of $7.80, as opposed to its normal price of $15.60. However, it will be limited to two units per item per member per day. To enjoy the discounts, customers will need to show their physical Link Rewards or NTUC Union card at the checkout, or pay via FairPrice Group's app. 'Subsequent May Day deals will be announced on May 1, May 8 and May 15,' the group said. Meanwhile, FairPrice Foundation is partnering Kopitiam to bring back their popular 50 cents hot kopi or teh deal at 70 Kopitiam outlets islandwide from May 1 to 31. To enjoy the deal, customers will need to present their physical silver NTUC Union card or use the e-voucher and make payment via the FairPrice Group's app at checkout. FairPrice Group chief executive Vipul Chawla said the group remained dedicated to its mission of keeping daily essentials within reach for all. 'This May Day, we want to especially recognise the hard work of Singapore's workers and frontliners. Our discounts are a way of giving back, ensuring that all in Singapore can access daily essentials and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives,' he said. NTUC assistant secretary-general and May Day committee chairperson Caryn Lim encouraged members to take full advantage of the discounts as it will help to ease their daily expenses. Since the beginning of 2025, FairPrice Group has launched a series of SG60 initiatives designed to help Singaporeans stretch their dollar. The initiatives include discounts on popular FairPrice Housebrand products, doubling discounts for CHAS Blue and Orange cardholders for the first 60 days of the year, freezing prices on popular produce during the Chinese New Year season, and the introduction of FairPrice Return Vouchers to supplement the government's CDC Vouchers Scheme. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
