CHICAGO – IRI®, the global leader in innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail, media and over-the-counter health care companies, announced today it has entered into a long-term strategic relationship with Sobeys Inc. As one of two national food retailers in Canada, 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.
Sobeys will use the IRI Liquid Data® technology and its Unify visualization platform to integrate and report transaction, loyalty card, promotional and other data sources through a single platform across all Sobeys’ retail food formats. Sobeys and its supplier partners will have web-based access to intuitive, flexible and fast insights in the new Sobeys Collaborative Gateway specifically designed to drive actions and alerts in to key collaborative business processes.
In addition, IRI’s regionally based client service teams will support suppliers’ data and insight analyses, plus Sobeys’ use of advanced price and promotion analytics to help further enhance marketing and merchandising activities.
“IRI leverages big data and leading technology to help retailers integrate their data assets so they can take advantage of key business opportunities,” said Piyush Chaudhari, president of the Americas for IRI. “Our relationship with Sobeys represents our continued commitment to our clients’ growth and provides Sobeys with actionable insights and a higher level of engagement with its suppliers to inform their strategies and ultimately benefit their shoppers.”
“Sobeys is very pleased to work with IRI, an established and respected industry leader that can support our strategies to exceed customer expectations,” said Ray Hepworth, vice president of the Centre of Excellence, Category Management Optimization for Sobeys. “IRI’s tremendous experience and leadership position in regard to technology, advanced analytics, and training, and their superior client service commitment, are valuable resources as we continue to enhance our position as our shoppers’ preferred retailer.”
About IRI:
IRI is a leading provider of big data, predictive analytics and forward-looking insights that help CPG, OTC health care organizations, retailers and media companies to grow their businesses. With the largest repository of purchase, media, social, causal and loyalty data, all integrated on an on-demand, cloud-based technology platform, IRI helps to guide its more than 5,000 clients around the world in their quests to remain relentlessly relevant, capture market share, connect with consumers and deliver market-leading growth. A confluence of major external events—a revolution in consumer buying, big data coming into its own, advanced analytics and automated consumer activation—is leading to a seismic shift in drivers of success in all industries. Ensure your business can leverage data at www.iriworldwide.com.
About Sobeys Inc.
Proudly Canadian, with headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys has been serving the food shopping needs of Canadians since 1907. A wholly owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods and Lawton’s Drug Stores as well as more than 350 retail fuel locations. Sobeys, its franchisees and affiliates employ more than 125,000 people. The company’s purpose is to help Canadians Eat Better, Feel Better and Do Better. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at http://www.sobeyscorporate.com.
Source: IRI
