Services → Retail technology

Retail technology consulting

Independent, vendor-neutral retail technology advice.

For grocery, convenience and other retail. Eight years inside a billion-dollar retail technology platform — working hands-on with the vendors, the platforms, and the teams behind them — so you can choose the right technology with eyes open, not from a sales deck.

Start a conversation What I know firsthand

Note: As a Swiftly Systems shareholder, I don't consult on their platform.

Platforms & teams I know firsthand

Real experience, not a vendor brochure

I've worked directly with the technology — and the people — at these companies: in evaluations, integrations and live rollouts. Here's the landscape, grouped by what each technology does.

Loyalty & Engagement

Programs that recognize and reward repeat shoppers and keep them coming back.

  • AppCard
  • Eagle Eye
  • Punchh
  • Givex
  • Birdzi
  • RSA America
  • Swiftly Systems*

Coupons & Promotions

Digital and targeted offers, promotion mechanics, and the settlement behind them.

  • Inmar Intelligence
  • Catalina
  • AppCard
  • Givex

Retail Media

On-site and off-site ad networks that turn shopper reach into a revenue stream.

  • Instacart Carrot Ads
  • Criteo
  • CitrusAd
  • Kevel
  • Swiftly Systems*

Cashback & Rewards

Cashback and rewards networks that drive trips and basket size.

  • Ibotta
  • Snipp

E-commerce & Online Ordering

Online storefronts, delivery and pickup that meet shoppers where they are.

  • Instacart Marketplace
  • Instacart Storefront
  • Instacart Storefront Pro
  • Mercatus
  • Local Express

Data & Point of Sale

The systems where transactions happen and the shopper data that comes out of them.

  • ECRS
  • S4
  • Alliance Retail Group iPro

Wholesaler Perspective

I've partnered with major grocery wholesalers, so I understand the distributor side too.

  • UNFI
  • MDI
  • AWG

*Swiftly Systems is shown for context. As a shareholder, I don't consult on their platform.

Because I know these platforms firsthand, I can speak to how these technologies work together (or don't) and how your technology selection and solution configuration will play out in practice, not just on paper, based on what you're looking to achieve.

What you get

A clear answer you can act on

Whether you're a single-store independent or a chain of thousands of locations, the goal is the same: cut through the sales pitches and tell you what's actually right for your business.

Honest Platform Evaluation

What each platform really does — its genuine strengths and weaknesses, not the demo version.

Vendor Viability & Investment

How heavily each vendor is actually investing, and whether they'll still fit you in three years.

Strategy Across Channels

Mobile apps, websites, loyalty, martech and advertising — how the pieces should fit together.

A Written Recommendation

A clear, written recommendation you can take to your team and act on — not a verbal maybe.

Implementation Help

Help putting the decision into practice, or an introduction to the right people to do it.

Truly Independent

I take no vendor referral fees. My only incentive is the recommendation that's right for you.

Pricing: simple flat hourly rate.

Weighing a retail technology decision?

Tell me where you are and what you're deciding. I'll tell you straight whether I can help.

Start a conversation