Chemist Warehouse Teams Up with Augmodo to Equip Store Associates with Spatial AI Assistants in Over 550 Locations

Chemist Warehouse, Australia's largest drug retailer, has launched a groundbreaking partnership with Augmodo, a tech company specializing in real-time inventory and task tracking using wearable SmartBadges™. The partnership, announced in Seattle on a recent date, is valued at $18 million and aims to modernize Chemist Warehouse's operations by equipping store associates with spatial AI assistants. Initially, Augmodo piloted its technology in four Chemist Warehouse stores in mid-2024. The rapid success and evident return on investment (ROI) led to a swift expansion, and the technology is now being rolled out across the entire chain. The full-chain deployment is expected to cover more than 550 stores within two years, showcasing Augmodo's scalability and efficiency. Augmodo's SmartBadges™ are wearable devices that create live 3D maps of store layouts, enabling real-time tracking of inventory and tasks. This technology provides store associates with immediate insights into product locations, stock levels, and customer interactions. By leveraging spatial AI, Augmodo enhances the efficiency and accuracy of inventory management, reducing the time associates spend searching for items and allowing them to focus more on customer service. The partnership's primary goals are to optimize store operations, improve customer satisfaction, and drive sales. With the SmartBadges™, Chemist Warehouse aims to create a more seamless shopping experience for customers by ensuring products are always in stock and easily accessible. Additionally, the technology helps in identifying high-traffic areas and optimizing store layouts to enhance customer flow and engagement. During the pilot phase, Augmodo's technology demonstrated significant improvements in inventory accuracy and task completion. Store associates reported a reduction in the time spent on routine tasks, such as restocking shelves and locating products, allowing them to spend more time assisting customers. This shift in focus has led to higher customer satisfaction scores and increased sales in the pilot stores. Chemist Warehouse's CEO, Fred Ohlsson, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We are thrilled to be working with Augmodo to bring cutting-edge technology to our stores. The SmartBadges™ have already shown remarkable results in our pilot stores, and we are confident that this technology will revolutionize our operations and enhance the customer experience across our entire chain." Augmodo's CEO, Sarah Zhang, also highlighted the potential of the partnership. "Our collaboration with Chemist Warehouse is a testament to the effectiveness of our spatial AI technology. We are excited to see how this partnership will not only benefit Chemist Warehouse but also set a new standard for retail operations in the industry." The deployment of SmartBadges™ involves a comprehensive training program for store associates to ensure they can effectively use the technology. Augmodo has provided detailed guidelines and support to help Chemist Warehouse's staff integrate the SmartBadges™ into their daily routines. This training includes hands-on sessions, online tutorials, and ongoing technical assistance to address any issues that may arise. One of the key features of Augmodo's technology is its ability to generate data-driven insights. By analyzing the live 3D maps and task completion metrics, Chemist Warehouse can make informed decisions about store management and product placement. For instance, the data can help identify which products are frequently out of stock and which areas of the store are most visited, allowing for strategic adjustments to improve operational efficiency. Moreover, the technology has the potential to reduce operational costs by minimizing overstock and understock issues. Accurate inventory tracking can lead to better supply chain management, reducing the need for emergency replenishments and lowering the risk of stockouts. This, in turn, can enhance customer trust and loyalty by ensuring that the products they need are consistently available. The partnership also aligns with Chemist Warehouse's broader digital transformation strategy. The company has been investing in various technologies to streamline its operations and provide a more seamless shopping experience for customers. Augmodo's SmartBadges™ are a significant step in this direction, complementing other initiatives such as online ordering and home delivery services. In addition to operational improvements, the technology has the potential to enhance the safety and security of Chemist Warehouse stores. The live 3D maps can be used to monitor store activity in real-time, helping to quickly identify and address any issues, such as unauthorized access or suspicious behavior. This feature adds an extra layer of protection for both customers and staff. As the technology rolls out across more stores, Augmodo and Chemist Warehouse will continue to collaborate closely to refine and improve the SmartBadges™. Feedback from store associates and customers will be crucial in this process, and both companies are committed to making adjustments based on this input. The success of the pilot phase has already attracted attention from other retailers, and Augmodo is exploring opportunities to expand its technology to other markets. The company's innovative approach to retail management has the potential to transform the industry, making it more efficient and customer-centric. In conclusion, the partnership between Chemist Warehouse and Augmodo represents a significant leap forward in retail technology. By equipping store associates with spatial AI assistants, Chemist Warehouse is not only enhancing its operational efficiency but also setting a new standard for customer service and safety in the retail sector. The full-chain deployment of SmartBadges™ is expected to drive substantial improvements in inventory management, task completion, and overall store performance, ultimately benefiting both the retailer and its customers.