Omni Talk Retail Podcast Summary

Episode: Fast Five Shorts | EG America To Deploy Quorso Tech Across 1,500 Stores
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host/Authors: Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, Omni Talk Retail

Introduction

In this episode of Omni Talk Retail, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga delve into the significant partnership between EG America and Quorso (referred to as Corso in the transcript). This collaboration aims to revolutionize store operations across more than 1,500 retail and fuel locations by deploying advanced technology that enhances efficiency and employee workflow.

Partnership Overview

The partnership centers on integrating Quorso's technology into EG America's extensive network of convenience stores. According to a Quorso press release, the technology amalgamates various siloed solutions—such as task management, surveys, performance analytics, and exception reporting—into a unified, action-oriented platform. This integration is designed to drive store performance at every operational level.

Chris Walton emphasizes the longevity and trust in Quorso's technology, stating:

“It's the biggest reason we've worked with them, I think consistently for going on five or six years now too.”
[00:37]

He highlights the scalability of the deployment, particularly noting the challenges inherent in staffing, training, and oversight within convenience stores. The partnership is seen as a strategic move to address these complexities effectively.

Technology Insights

The conversation pivots to the core functionalities of Quorso's technology. Chris Walton references an interview with Oliver Wright from Accenture at FMI, discussing the concept of "next best action" powered by AI. This AI-driven approach transcends traditional task management by recommending optimal actions for employees based on real-time data and available resources.

“AI is unlocking a smarter deployment of our workforce by telling them what it is that they should do versus expecting them to do the same tasks every single day.”
[02:29]

Quorso brands this concept as "mission," reflecting the shift from routine task completion to dynamic, AI-recommended actions that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.

AI and Workforce Optimization

Anne Mezzenga expands on the potential future applications of AI in retail operations. She envisions a scenario where AI doesn't just suggest tasks but also automates subsequent actions based on the completion of previous ones. For instance, after restocking an end cap, AI could automatically adjust pricing based on inventory levels and sales data.

“Once the person has done like the restocking of shelves or restocking of a display or end cap, now can you start to have those tasks line up in the Corso platform of okay, now that we have a full end cap, do we change pricing on this end cap automatically?”
[03:25]

This level of automation and intelligence in task management represents a significant leap towards creating "smart stores" that function as integrated operating systems, optimizing both operational flow and customer experience.

Future Outlook

The hosts discuss the broader implications of deploying such advanced technology in the retail sector. Chris Walton points out the urgent need to equip employees with tools that help them work smarter, especially in industries facing labor shortages like grocery and convenience stores.

“You just don't have the employees, particularly in grocery and convenience stores, you just don't have the employees. So you have to help them work smarter.”
[04:22]

The episode anticipates further advancements in AI-driven retail solutions, with more retailers likely to adopt similar task management technologies to stay competitive and efficient.

Conclusion

The partnership between EG America and Quorso marks a pivotal moment in retail technology deployment. By leveraging AI to streamline operations and empower employees with intelligent task recommendations, this collaboration sets a new standard for efficiency and innovation in the retail industry. As the conversation between Chris and Anne highlights, the future of retail lies in the seamless integration of advanced technologies that not only enhance operational performance but also enrich the employee and customer experience.

This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the Omni Talk Retail episode featuring the deployment of Quorso technology across EG America’s 1,500 stores. Notable quotes have been included to highlight the speakers' perspectives and the transformative potential of AI in retail operations.