UAE-based Phygrid, the Store Digitalization Standard deployed by large retailers in over 50 countries has announced a partnership with VoiceComm, a distributor of mobile device accessories and Microsoft. This collaboration will introduce cutting-edge retail technology solutions to the US market and support over 52,000 retail locations nationwide, embodying the principle of ‘saving the day for customers, saving the sale for the retailer’, according to a media release.
Andreas Hassellöf, CEO of Phygrid, explained that physical retail spaces were at a critical juncture and needed to evolve or risk becoming obsolete in an increasingly digital world. He highlighted that over the next 3-5 years, Phygrid would lead this evolution by integrating advanced AI, machine learning, and IoT technologies to transform traditional stores into smart spaces. He also emphasized, "Our vision is to create intelligent, adaptive environments that respond dynamically to customer needs in real-time. This goes beyond basic digitalization by providing retailers with predictive analytics, automated operations, and deeper customer insights that match, or even exceed, the efficiency of e-commerce."
Leveraging Phygrid's global success and utilizing Microsoft's Azure cloud technology, VoiceComm will offer retailers access to solutions that drive substantial return on investment through these benefits:
● Increased Revenue: Drive online sales from in-store with AI-powered endless aisle technology.
● Enhanced Customer Experience: Reduce wait times with virtual queuing and self-service solutions.
● Operational Efficiency: Streamline operations through digital staff management and smart store systems.
● Data-Driven Decision Making: Optimize store performance with deep behaviour analytics.
Hassellöf explained that the company’s vision extends far beyond retail, as they are working to build the operating system for all physical spaces in an increasingly digital world. He added that the rapid evolution of AI and IoT technologies is set to transform not just stores but entire cities. “Phygrid serves as the crucial bridge between the digital and physical worlds, providing the infrastructure needed to turn smart city visions into reality,” he said. He also noted that in the Middle East, particularly the UAE, Phygrid is seeing “unprecedented opportunities to implement this transformation, creating intelligent spaces that adapt to human needs while maintaining the warmth of physical interaction.”
Ryan Weiss, CEO of VoiceComm, added, “In our forward-looking efforts to bring innovation to our customers, we evaluated many vendors for retail solutions, but it became clear that Phygrid is exactly what we were looking for. They focus so much on the strategy, art and science that goes into the customer journey that it makes sense why Microsoft recommends Phygrid to their customers.”
While the partnership focuses on the US market, PhyGrid’s presence in the UAE is also expanding rapidly, with the UAE emerging as a regional leader in retail digitalization. The company’s platform, already used by retailers in the Middle East, offers solutions that align with the UAE’s smart city vision and growing demand for seamless, data-driven customer experiences in retail.
Keith Mercier, Vice President of Retail & Consumer Goods Industries, Microsoft, also noted, “The pace and scale of change happening in the retail industry is unlike anything seen before. The past decade has also seen an explosion of data that retailers are looking to leverage to better serve their customers and their business. At Microsoft, our goal is to empower the retail industry and help them unlock the value of that data through the Microsoft Cloud. With continuous innovation, security, and strong partnerships we can create unique tools and insights our customers need to thrive in today's dynamic market.”
Retailers aiming to achieve transformative results from store digitalization should contact their VoiceComm or Microsoft representative for a personalized assessment. To explore the full range of solutions, visit phygrid.com
