WestRock Supports Walmart’s Endless Aisle Capabilities WestRock is supporting Walmart in delivering custom- ers through “endless aisle” technology in select stores throughout the country. Endless aisle technology allows shoppers to move seamlessly from physical to digital environments — if something isn’t available on the shelf, they can order it through a nearby touchscreen. “We’re partnering with our customers to leverage in- store merchandising as a bridge to the digital environ- ment,” said Stephen Brown, Vice President, Merchan- dising Displays, WestRock. “On a fundamental level, the role of merchandising displays has always been to guide the consumer to the best possible retail experi- ence. And that’s exactly what endless aisle technology allows us to do.” Enabling Shoppers The WestRock Merchandising Displays team has been collaborating with Walmart to develop endless aisle kiosks that enable shoppers to browse and purchase products not available in the store. The adjustable five-to- six-foot tall touchscreens were designed at WestRock’s design center in Bentonville, Arkansas, and manufac- tured at its Forest City, North Carolina, merchandising displays plant. Initial pilot testing was conducted at Walmart’s Intelligent Retail Lab (IRL) in NewYork. “With the endless aisle, the store can be a place to in- spire and engage, as well as an access point for broad- er commerce, while fulfillment can take place shortly thereafter,” said Leon Nicholas, Vice President, Retail Insights and Solutions at WestRock. “The endless aisle provides the best of both worlds, a way for retailers to bridge the physical and digital divide that acknowl- edges shrinking footprints while not limiting shopper choice.” The other benefit to endless aisle technology is for retailers; by studying the data from the kiosks, they can learn an exceptional amount of information about shopping patterns and consumer preferences,and fur- ther optimize both the omnichannel retail experience and the supply chain that underpins it all. When retail- ers are able to curate a shelf more efficiently, they can significantly optimize their supply chain. Recently, WestRock has utilized “quizzification” tech- niques, mobile app push notifications and QR or Digi- marc code integration as part of its larger Connected Packaging platform to provide an even more personal- ized approach. Endless aisle solutions are reportedly helping retail- ers resolve the challenges posed by smaller store foot- prints and the increasing demand for a more custom- ized shopping experience.
Flexo Market News
Adheso-Graphics, Inc. www.adheso-graphics.com
AGI manufactures, distributes and converts current technology flexo mounting tapes and backing systems for corrugated plate mounting. Flexstik hard vinyl, FlexSoft, bi.esse brand, Gold Series Thin tapes for sleeve and Narrow web plate mounting. Specialty tapes that cover the vast thickness range re- quirements and specific adhesion systems for all flexo mounting requirements. We provide technical service and problem solving services for unique customers & applications. A&V manufactures a complete line of photopolymer plate processing systems and is a leading distributor of flexographic platemaking materials. A&V also sells digital imaging systems and software specifically designed for flexography. ARC International www.ARCInternational.com ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nanotechnolo- gy laser engraving in our Charlotte and Las Vegas manu- facturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers. Comexi Group Industries S.A.U. www.comexigroup.com The Comexi Group is a leading supplier of quality flexographic C.I. presses for the flexible packaging indus- try worldwide. We also provide solventless laminators, slitter/re- winders and related peripheral equipment such as automatic wash-up systems, solvent recovery systems, automatic roll unloaders, and plate cylinder/sleeve storage systems. DuPont Packaging Graphics www.cyrel.com/na DuPont Packaging Graphics is the world’s leading sup- plier of flexographic printing systems in digital and con- ventional formats; including Cyrel® brand photopolymer plates, Cyrel® FAST processing equipment, Cyrel® round sleeves, mounting and finishing products. For more than 35 years, beginning with Cyrel®, the first photopolymer printing plate, through to today’s digital workflow revolution, DuPont has been driving innovation in the Flexo and package printing industries. The Digital Cyrel® FAST imaging system has been broad- ly recognized for its efficiency, productivity, print perfor- mance, and environmental benefits. Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. www.andersonvreeland.com
10 September 2, 2019 Flexo Market News
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