Dive Brief:

• Swiftly, a retail technology company, has partnered with Webstop, a digital solutions company for regional and independent grocers, to offer expanded mobile solutions for retailers, according to a Monday press release. 
• Combining Webstop’s web-based digital platform with Swiftly’s mobile app platform, retailers can create a personalized customer experience while increasing revenue as well as online and in-store loyalty, per the announcement. 
• The companies positioned the partnership as a way to boost retail media revenue as independent and regional grocers labor to keep up with larger competitors in digital.

Dive Insight:

Bringing Swiftly’s mobile app platform to Webstop’s client base gives its customers improved features, functionality and the ability to further tap into the retail media market, per the announcement. 

“As the threat of industry consolidation increases, regional retailers must take action now in order to secure their digital customer relationships and establish long-term loyalty and revenue,” Henry Kim, co-founder and CEO of Swiftly, said in the press release. “Competition for engineering resources and budget remain ongoing challenges for independent grocers.”

Webstop’s client base consists of over 2,000 stores as the company works to bring regional and independent grocers digital features that top retailers have as well as boost shopper engagement with innovative technology, according to the announcement. Some of Webstop’s customers include Tops Markets, Lowe’s Market, Harps Food Stores, United Natural Foods, Inc. and SpartanNash.

“With Swiftly’s powerful mobile platform, our grocers can now leverage their nimbleness to gain a competitive edge while also increasing loyalty, sales and basket size,” Webstop CEO Shawn Tuckett said in the announcement. 

The companies said in the announcement that shoppers are relying on their mobile devices more when shopping in stores, from product research to price comparisons and digital coupons, noting that there are more than 6 billion smartphone users worldwide. 

As grocery giants like Albertsons work to bring their retail media networks in-house, third-party omnichannel companies like Swiftly and Webstop aim to provide similar resources to smaller business models. 

Last week, the Independent Grocers Alliance and Ideal by Design House announced an on- and off-platform retail media network for independent retailers. The network, which is free to use and CPG-funded, combines thousands of independent retailers on one platform and provides retailers with measurable feedback while simultaneously improving the overall customer experience.