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Discover how AI-powered retail media is becoming the secret weapon for independent grocers in 2026. 🤖📈
AI is transforming retail media into a powerful growth engine for independent grocers. This article breaks down how automation, first-party data, and transparent reporting help local retailers compete with national chains, boost vendor funding, and drive higher sales. If independent grocers want to win in 2026, AI-powered retail media is no longer optional—it’s the advantage.

Prof. Ken Ninomiya
Nov 212 min read


AI Is Emerging as the New Superpower for Independent Grocers — Here’s What Lies Ahead
AI is transforming grocery retail faster than ever. Independent grocers now face a new reality: shoppers demand personalization, real-time pricing, and seamless in-store digital experiences. This article breaks down the biggest AI-driven shifts happening right now—and three practical steps independents can take today to stay competitive, grow loyalty, and thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Prof. Ken Ninomiya
Nov 143 min read


“Why Self-Checkout Is Failing Small Grocers — and How AI Can Save It
Self-checkout promised speed and savings, but for many independent grocers, it’s brought new challenges like shrink, confusion, and higher costs. In this blog, Prof. Ken explores whether self-checkout is still profitable post-COVID and how AI solutions from companies like Angible are helping small grocers turn things around. Learn how AI vision, smart analytics, and better design can make self-checkout faster, more customer-friendly, and finally profitable.

Prof. Ken Ninomiya
Nov 73 min read


How Data-Driven Marketing for Grocery Stores Unlocks Loyalty and Growth
In today’s fast-changing grocery industry, success depends on how well retailers understand their customers. Data-driven marketing for grocery stores helps grocers turn loyalty, kiosk, and mobile data into actionable insights that boost retention and sales. By connecting systems like CRM, loyalty programs, and mobile apps, grocers gain measurable ROI and deliver the personalized experiences shoppers expect.

Prof. Ken Ninomiya
Oct 313 min read


The $300K Question: Is It Time to Replace Your Printed Weekly Ad with a Weekly Digital Circular?
Independent grocers are rethinking their weekly ads — shifting from costly print to data-driven digital circulars. As an omnichannel grocer, you can now reach real shoppers with geo-targeted, shoppable offers that track clicks, visits, and ROI in real time. Learn how to cut print costs, boost engagement, and drive more foot traffic using three proven digital strategies that deliver measurable results every week.

Prof. Ken Ninomiya
Oct 163 min read


Seamless Commerce: 3 AI-Powered Tools Every Grocer Needs
The grocery industry is evolving faster than ever. Consumers are becoming “Trade-Off Shoppers,” making selective splurges while cutting back elsewhere. To thrive, grocers must stay agile, break down tech silos, and embrace data-driven operations. Add the power of Retail Media Networks and real AI use cases — from predictive scheduling to smarter planograms — and the path to seamless commerce becomes clear. In this episode, we explore the 3 shifts reshaping grocery today and t

Prof. Ken Ninomiya
Sep 182 min read


Designing Omnichannel Grocery Customer Journeys That Win in Holiday 2025
The customer journey in 2025 isn’t linear—it’s omnichannel, fast, and driven by convenience. Picture a shopper searching for a pre-cooked Thanksgiving meal under $200 at the last minute. Winning brands make every step seamless: problem-based SEO, real-time inventory, photo-rich reviews, friction-free BOPIS checkout, and retention flows powered by AI. In this guide, we highlight strategies, AI tools like AnswerThePublic, Yotpo, and Mailchimp, plus case studies from Publix and

Prof. Ken Ninomiya
Sep 56 min read
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