Kroger, America’s largest grocery store chain, has partnered with Microsoft to create a pair of hi-tech grocery stores. The stores, which are located in Washington and Ohio, are filled with digital shelf labels and image recognition cameras, and aim to create a retail environment that’s easier for both customers and retail employees to navigate. The two companies also hope to use the digital signage to sell targeted ads based on customer demographics.
Kroger is the second major retailer to have partnered with Microsoft after Walmart announced a partnership of its own last year. America’s retail incumbents are wary of the growing threat Amazon poses to their businesses, both via its Whole Foods acquisition and the 3,000 Amazon Go stores...