CART Launches Retail Innovation Pitch Event

Inaugural pitch event introduces top retail technology startups to retailers, wholesalers and brands

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 25, 2016–

The Center for Advancing Retail & Technology (CART) today announced the inaugural Retail Innovation Pitch Event, designed to bring relevant and transformative innovation to retail. The Retail Innovation Pitch initiative recognizes the growing pipeline of domestic and international retail technology startups looking to penetrate the U.S. market.

“CART looks at hundreds of new companies every year,” said Sterling Hawkins, Operations and Venture Relations, CART. “Retailers and brands are struggling to keep pace with industry transformations as basic as eCommerce and as complex as virtual reality, 3D printing, robotics, IoT and other emerging technologies. Through the Retail Innovation Pitch Event, we will recognize top startups and help retailers and brands bring those technologies to market.”

The online event gives up-and-coming solution providers the opportunity to pitch key retail, wholesale and brand decision makers from companies such as C&S, Albertsons, Lowes Foods, Unified Grocers and more, who will serve as panelists representing over 12,000 stores. Panelists will learn about the solutions and have the opportunity to implement the latest innovations from participating startups.

“Several top tier retailers and brand manufacturers have created in-house innovation labs or incubators,” said Hawkins. “This event is designed to act as an accelerator for the broader retail industry, especially given that retail innovation is driven by rapid adoption of consumer technology and influenced by technology giants entering the retail space.”

The winner will be highlighted in CART media and pre-qualify for a potential $25,000 cash investment from CART partners and $25,000 in CART services. The competition will give participants exposure to potential investors, retailers and media.

Participation is open to startups of all stages worldwide at no cost. Applications are due by Sept. 1. For more details and to apply, please visit: http://solutions.advancingretail.org/innovation.

About CART

CART is Advancing Retail by connecting the industry to innovation. Retailers, wholesalers and brands utilize CART to find, research and connect with solutions appropriate for their businesses. Solution providers use CART as go-to-market tool that connects them directly to their target retail audience, all the way into the brick and mortar store itself. CART has unparalleled insight into what’s next in retail and shares this information regularly through multiple channels.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160525005261/en/

Ketner Group PR + Marketing (for CART)
Adrienne Newcomb or Aidan Griffin, 512-794-8876
CARTPR@ketnergroup.com