EHI Technology Days 2024: Innovations in the retail sector

The EHI Technology Days on November 5 and 6 made it impressively clear that technological innovations are the key to the future of retail. For the customer, shopping must be an experience and a “place of happiness”. 

The annual EHI Technology Days are extremely valuable for the IT recruitment consultancy in order to keep up to date with the latest technologies and trends in the retail sector. This is the only way to fill our clients' vacant positions with optimally suited IT experts. 

This year, IT-Personalberatung was represented by Mrs. Anita De Bellis, Management Consultant and Mr. Manfred Wenzel, Managing Director at the EHI Technology Days 2024 in Bonn. 

More than 600 experts from the retail industry discussed current technology trends that are intended to promote efficiency and sustainability in retail. Key topics included artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools, autonomous stores and challenges such as rising customer expectations and a shortage of skilled workers. 

Sustainability and efficiency were key topics. Companies such as Hornbach and Rewe presented technological solutions for reducing the carbon footprint and optimizing supply chains. Rewe focuses on digital twins and standardization, while Hornbach focuses on climate-friendly products and process optimization. 

AI played a dominant role, especially in improving the customer experience. Ikea uses AI to reduce waste, while dm automates the processing of customer inquiries with its “dmGPT” app. Mediamarkt Saturn and Tom Tailor are also using AI to optimize pricing strategies. 

Smart stores and self-checkout solutions (SCO) were presented as an answer to the shortage of skilled workers and to improve the shopping experience. Edeka Jäger and Iki presented autonomous store concepts that work without staff. They also showed how digital tools can improve internal communication, e.g. with Toom's “Toomunity” app. 

The event made it clear that technological innovations are the key to success in the retail sector. They help to combine efficiency, sustainability and customer proximity. 

If you would like more detailed information, click here for the detailed EHI report: 

https://www.stores-shops.de/technology/smart-store/ehi-technologie-tage-2024-die-zukunft-des-retail/