Discover the interview with Gilles bijaoui Head of Retail Sales at Fujitsu Technology Solutions
Portrait of Gilles bijaoui

What are the main developments, trends and innovations in your sector?

The retail sector continues to undergo significant change in a geopolitical and domestic climate that remains under pressure. At the same time, new technologies, from digital to AI, continue to create additional tensions but also major opportunities for the entire ecosystem.

At Fujitsu, we systematically place technology at the service of sustainable development, without neglecting the need to optimise the performance of companies and organisations.

In summary, we have identified 5 main themes at Fujitsu as minor developments (continuation of existing trends), major developments (acceleration of existing behaviours and technologies) and, of course, new developments:

1. Multi-channel customer experience :

  • Consumers are looking for a seamless, uniform experience, whether they buy online, in-store or via a mobile application. Retailers need to offer a multi-channel experience that integrates all these points of contact. It's all about consistency and harmony.
  • Thanks to AI and Big Data, it is possible to personalise product suggestions, promotional offers and the shopping experience according to customers' tastes and behaviour. This is the continuation of the trend towards personalisation.
  • Retailers must adapt to new consumer habits by offering in-store collection, home delivery and in-store shipping options. Click & Collect, Ship from Store, etc. are becoming the norm

2. Advanced technologies :

  • Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): These technologies allow customers to view products in 3D, try them on virtually and explore the shop in an immersive way.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is used to automate tasks, improve personalisation, optimise stock management and enhance the customer experience.
  • Internet of Things (IoT): Connected sensors are used to track stock, optimise in-store operations and collect data on customer behaviour.
  • Blockchain: Blockchain can be used to guarantee transaction security, product traceability and stock management.

3. Commitment to sustainability:

  • Retailers are looking to reduce their carbon footprint by optimising their operations, using eco-friendly packaging and favouring environmentally-friendly products. The ability to effectively reduce environmental impact
  • Consumers are increasingly concerned about the working conditions and social impact of the products they buy. Retailers must commit to fair trade and sustainable practices. This is what fair and responsible trade is all about.

4. New sales methods:

  • Retailers are using social media platforms to sell their products, interact with customers and create communities. This is the acceleration of social commerce:
  • Live streaming allows retailers to present their products live, interact with customers and generate sales in real time. It's the acceleration of time and alignment with ‘real-time’ requirements.

5. Importance of security and confidentiality:

  • Retailers must comply with data protection regulations and guarantee the security of customers' personal information.

IT security is essential to protect customer data and prevent cyber attacks.

Fujitsu can provide advanced technologies and software solutions to help retailers meet consumers' new expectations for a multi-channel, personalised and seamless customer experience. We can also help them integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to improve the customer experience, optimise stock management and enhance transaction security.

In addition, we recognise the growing importance of sustainability in the IT retail sector. We can help retailers reduce their environmental impact by optimising their operations at every level of the value chain.

Finally, we can provide software solutions to help retailers embrace new ways of selling. We can also help them to strengthen the security and confidentiality of customer data by guaranteeing the security of IT systems.

What are the features of your solution and who is it aimed at?

We will be presenting only part of our portfolio aimed at companies in the retail sector. In particular, we have chosen to focus on a solution called ‘Profit Protection’, which provides rapid detection of irregular behaviour at the point of sale. The opportunity to control the costs associated with bad behaviour. This is a tried and tested solution that has made all the difference for many Fujitsu customers.

The second solution we will be demonstrating is called Cockpit IOT. This makes it easy to control a whole universe of sensors, again to enhance the retailer's performance. It's also worth noting that this solution can be used to manage ESG issues, as well as issues relating to operations and day-to-day business. This is another important issue, and one that will be central to the sector's economic performance in the future.

Who will be representing Paris Retail Week for your business this year?

This is an important event for Fujitsu and representatives from our Customer Experience team will be present. Alongside Practice Director Gilles Bijaoui, experts and architects of the solutions presented will be on hand, as well as consultants and business people who will be able to address the needs of our visitors.

In addition to this crack team, Fujitsu France will also be pleased to welcome its General Management for meetings with our key accounts, as well as the departments in charge of business development on subjects such as Move to Cloud, managed services, AI and all its variations (forecasts, GenAI for business processes, GenAI for employees, etc.).

RETAILIGENCE is the theme chosen for the 2024 edition of the show: what does this mean for your company?

As a company committed to deploying technologies that promote sustainable development, Fujitsu is perfectly in tune with this desire to find efficient and resilient solutions for the retail sector. We've been close to the retail sector for decades, and for us, that translates into 5 key points:

Responsible data analysis: Using data analysis tools to understand customers' buying habits, preferences and shopping journeys, while respecting ethical and environmental standards. This approach makes it possible to optimise marketing strategies, product recommendations and stock management in a responsible manner.

  • Personalised, eco-responsible customer experience: Using the data collected to offer customers personalised experiences, such as exclusive offers, product recommendations tailored to their needs and individualised interactions, while taking environmental and social issues into account.

  • Automating eco-efficient processes: Implementing technologies such as AI and robotics to automate repetitive tasks and improve operational efficiency, particularly in shops and distribution centres, while reducing the carbon footprint.

  • Optimising the sustainable supply chain: Using forecasting and analysis tools to optimise stock management, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction, while taking into account the environmental and social challenges of the supply chain.

  • Development of new sustainable products and services: Use data and insights to identify emerging trends, develop new sustainable products and services and meet customer needs, while taking into account environmental and social issues.