Intelligent audio startup Qsic, has struck a multi-million, multi-year partnership for national rollout across the Shell Coles Express network. This will provide Australia’s “largest” company controlled convenience network with Qsic’s retail audio offer that uses leading AI capability to deliver targeted media to enhance customer experience and drive sales.
“Recently launched, all 710 Coles Express stores across Australia now have the advantage of Qsic’s end-to-end audio technology, which includes smart in-store infrastructure and intelligent audio software layers that personalise and optimise partner content. Ensuring that ads played throughout its network are as targeted and unique as their 3.6 million customer transactions a week.”
The five-year partnership sees Coles Express and Viva Energy continuing to enhance Australia’s largest company controlled convenience network.
Launched in 2014, Qsic was one of the world’s first commercial music streaming services. In addition to helping businesses establish and own their brand sound, the company also helps retailers and grocery, liquor, petrol and convenience operators to best set up, run and commercialise their audio platforms. This extends from music curation and collateral creation to ad sales and price setting.
“Understanding that audio is one of the most non-invasive and under-utilised retail media assets, Qsic has invested heavily in developing a patented method of measuring the impact of audio advertising on real-world in-store transactions. It is now a leading provider of AI technology that strategically leverages the power of audio to deliver better customer and sales experiences.”
Shell Coles Express will leverage all Qsic’s smart technologies, including automation, demand sensing, advertising optimisation, and in-store engagement and attribution.
Qsic Co-Founder and CEO Matt Elsley says, “As advertisers across the board deal with declining access to consumers, especially at the physical point of purchase, our technology and partnership with Shell Coles Express allows suppliers to speak directly to their target audience during the decision-making process. They will also be able to measure the impact of their ads and using AI, fine tune their approach based on a customer’s real time needs. This is something completely new and unique to the market.”
The Shell Coles Express channel uses Qsic.ai, which analyses external data (like weather, traffic and previous customer trends) on a store-by-store basis to sense when product demand is likely to be high. It can then use this knowledge to insert supporting ads into a location’s speakers to increase traction and sales outcomes.
They also leverage the company’s unique AVA™ (Autonomous Volume Adjustment) technology, which is already live in hundreds of retailers nationally.
“The partnership follows a successful trial across 20 Victorian Shell Coles Express stores late last year. The preliminary rollout showed that leveraging Qsic’s software recorded a healthy sales uplift across multiple product groups and SKUs.”
It was this and Qsic’s deep commitment to innovation that cemented the partnership for Shell Coles Express then Executive General Manager Michael Courtney.
“We are continually looking for positive ways to form relevant connections with our customers. The trial we ran with Qsic proved we could provide a great experience for our customers and team members whilst providing customers with information about relevant offers whilst they shopped with us. We’re excited the national rollout is complete, live and delivering results.”
“Today’s consumer expects personalised experiences and smart digital tech is critical to do this at scale. This is why we turned to Qsic’s to help us create an intelligent digital audio solution which can conclusively demonstrate value for customers, advertisers and ourselves from day one.”
