Canadian grocer ups the ante on analytics

Eager to take advantage of an increasing amount of customer-specific big data, Sobeys is adding a new analytics platform.



The Canadian grocer has entered into a long-term strategic relationship with IRI, a move that will enable Sobeys to unify all data in a centralized location. By leveraging the IRI Liquid Data technology and its Unify visualization platform, the grocer’s eight retail food formats will be able to integrate and report on transaction, loyalty card, promotional and other data sources.



Sobeys’ supplier partners also will have web-based access to intuitive, flexible and fast insights in the new Sobeys Collaborative Gateway, a conduit specifically designed to drive actions and alerts in to key collaborative business processes.



Through the agreement, IRI’s regionally-based client service teams will support suppliers’ data and insight analyses, along with Sobeys’ use of advanced price and promotion analytics, allowing business partners to further enhancing marketing and merchandising activities.



Sobeys expects the technology, advanced analytics, and training, “to enhance our position as our shoppers’ preferred retailer,” said Ray Hepworth, VP of the Centre of Excellence, category management optimization for Sobeys.



Sobeys operates approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners, including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Price Chopper, Thrifty Foods and Lawtons Drugs.