Although all Brexit-related news continues to stay top-of-mind for UK retailers and consumers, one startup is going full speed ahead to ensure that local stores throughout the nation can continue to connect with shoppers. Retail tech startup NearSt is aiming to bridge the in-store and mobile experiences with the launch of its NearLive platform, as well as its web site and mobile app.
The platform, which has already partnered with local bookstores in London, is expanding its retail partnerships to more sellers including consumer electronics, DIY goods, health and beauty products, sportswear, stationery and gift shop services.
Retailers can set up NearLive to reveal their real-time inventory to shoppers who are conducting ‘near me’ searches on their phones and researching products online. The solution already processes more than three million live inventory updates daily. With NearLive, shoppers can search for a product on their mobile phone and see where it’s in stock nearby. Within a few taps, consumers can order it for one-hour delivery or instant pickup.
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With Amazon having disrupted the books industry nearly two decades ago, continuing to provide shoppers with data-driven product recommendations and quick delivery, NearSt seeks to enable local retailers to fight back with delivery and pickup capabilities of their own.
“NearSt isn’t shying away from going head-to-head with Amazon,” said Nick Brackenbury, CEO at NearSt in a statement. “While we are currently focusing on growth in London, we are actively working on wider coverage of our offer in cities across the UK and Europe. Our 2020 ambition is to have every product, in every shop, on every high street easily available through NearSt.”
NearSt is financially backed by TrueStart, a European retail and consumer accelerator and investment fund.
