Connected Store Experiences in Grocery: Meeting the Demands of the Digital-First Shopper

The grocery sector stands at the forefront of retail transformation, uniquely challenged by the relentless pace of digital innovation and the ever-evolving expectations of today’s digital-first shopper. As online grocery adoption accelerates and omnichannel journeys become the norm, grocers must reimagine their store experiences to remain relevant, competitive, and profitable. Publicis Sapient is leading this transformation, helping grocery retailers connect experience, supply chain, and data to deliver seamless, shopper-first journeys that drive both operational excellence and customer loyalty.

The New Reality: Digital-First Grocery Shoppers

Grocery shoppers today expect more than just convenience—they demand real-time inventory visibility, personalized recommendations, health and wellness integration, and frictionless fulfillment options. Whether browsing from home, shopping in-store, or picking up curbside, customers want a consistent, connected experience that puts their needs at the center. This shift is not just about technology; it’s about orchestrating every touchpoint to create value for both the shopper and the business.

Key Demands of the Modern Grocery Shopper:

Unique Challenges for Grocers

Unlike other retail sectors, grocery faces operational complexity at scale: perishable inventory, high transaction volumes, and the need for rapid fulfillment. The rise of online grocery has only intensified these challenges, making real-time data, automation, and intelligent orchestration essential.

Publicis Sapient’s Grocery-Specific Solutions

Publicis Sapient partners with leading grocers to deliver connected store experiences that address these unique challenges. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of grocery operations and shopper behavior, leveraging proven solutions to drive measurable impact.

Digital Shelf

Grocers can now automatically monitor shelf inventory, manage out-of-stocks, and update pricing dynamically across online and physical locations. Digital shelf technology not only reduces manual labor but also ensures shoppers always see accurate product information and compelling offers, whether they’re browsing in-store or online.

Automated Micro-Fulfillment Centers (MFCs)

By deploying automated, dark-store fulfillment centers, grocers can fulfill e-commerce orders for same-day delivery or pickup without manual picking in the main store. This frees up valuable aisle space for in-store shoppers and enables grocers to scale their online business profitably.

Retail Media Networks

Grocers are uniquely positioned to monetize their rich shopper data through retail media networks. By enabling brands to target shoppers with relevant offers and content—both online and in-store—grocers unlock new revenue streams while enhancing the customer experience. Programmatic, self-serve advertising platforms allow marketers to reach shoppers at the point of decision, driving incremental sales and loyalty.

Omnichannel Fulfillment: BOPIS, Curbside, and Delivery

Seamless integration of real-time inventory data with web and mobile platforms enables grocers to offer flexible fulfillment options. Shoppers can choose how and when to receive their orders, with up-to-the-minute notifications and contactless pickup or delivery. Intelligent e-commerce tools learn shopping habits and dietary preferences, serving up personalized recommendations and offers that replace traditional impulse buys.

Health & Wellness Integration

Publicis Sapient helps grocers expand their health and wellness footprint, from personalized nutrition and pharmacy journeys to wellness content and services. By connecting data across the shopper journey, grocers can deliver tailored experiences that build trust and long-term loyalty.

The Connected Store in Action

Imagine a grocery store where:

Why Publicis Sapient?

With decades of experience in digital business transformation and a proven track record in grocery, Publicis Sapient delivers end-to-end solutions that connect every part of the grocery ecosystem. From supply chain optimization and point-of-sale modernization to journey reinvention and data-driven personalization, we help grocers anticipate shopper needs, adapt experiences, and drive sustainable growth.

Ready to transform your grocery business for the digital-first era? Connect with Publicis Sapient to discover how our connected store solutions can help you meet the demands of today’s—and tomorrow’s—grocery shopper.