German Drugstore Chain Leverages AI Planning as It Enters New Market
German drugstore chain Rossmann Group is advancing its store and space planning solutions as it prepares to enter a new European market by the end of 2024.
Rossmann, which will soon open its first store and online channel in Switzerland, has expanded its partnership with SymphonyAI, a U.S. artificial intelligence company with solutions that help brands predict demand and financial companies spot fraud. Through the expanded partnership, Rossmann will employ SymphonyAI’s AI-based store and space planning solutions, similar to its move earlier this year when the retailer enhanced its market presence in Spain.
Rossmann, which offers an extensive product assortment, operates more than 4,500 stores in Europe. Leveraging SymphonyAI, the drugstore chain ensures shelves are set to most effectively engage shoppers across small, mid-sized and large store formats in Germany and Spain, according to a joint statement. Rossmann will use SymphonyAI’s store and space planning offerings from inception as it opens new stores and debuts a website in Switzerland, beginning with major cities including Lucerne, Zurich and Basel.
The SymphonyAI AI-powered shelf planning application accommodates real-time space constraints, merchandising strategy and local shopper preferences to create custom shelf layouts designed to engage shoppers and optimize operations. The company’s “macro space planning” enables retailers to enhance layouts regardless of store sizes and formats, as well as right-size category space, per the statement.
“As we expand into a new market, we have a unique opportunity to provide the most compelling and engaging customer experience from day one,” said managing director for Rossmann Switzerland Fabrizio D´Ascenzo. “With SymphonyAI store and space planning, we can provide optimal availability of German assortment items, including our outstanding private-label offerings, along with local products that our Swiss shoppers know and love. With the right product mix and with leading SymphonyAI software to ensure fully stocked shelves in every store, we are positioned for a powerful and successful entry into the exciting Switzerland market.”
“It’s exciting to support Rossmann’s continued growth and to ensure they make the best possible first impression for shoppers in Switzerland as they expand into a new market,” added Manish Choudhary, president of the SymphonyAI retail CPG division. “Rossmann demonstrates how using our connected retail solutions for space planning automates complex processes and presents engaging, thoughtfully merchandised assortments that delight shoppers and achieve business growth objectives.”