About a dozen strong nominees were submitted to the Retail Deed of the Year competition this year, and the jury picked the top three. Let's get to know the three nominees who received the most votes from the jury.
R-Kiosk. Estonia's first unmanned store
R-Kiosk GO is Estonia's first unmanned store, with no staff and no checkout. R-Kiosk GO uses artificial intelligence — an array of sensors and state-of-the-art cameras that turn shopping into a never-before-seen experience. The sensor technology detects both the weight differences of products and movement. The customer enters the store with a payment card or the app, picks the products they want, and walks out. All purchases are recorded into a virtual basket via the sensor technology, and payment happens automatically as the customer leaves the store. R-Kiosk GO is open 24/7 and a true help in places where people are constantly on the move and in a hurry.
For R-Kiosk, the jury highlighted bold innovation, ease of use and willingness to invest in the most modern technology. In the jury's view, this is a major step toward a more innovative way of life and a great example of cooperation with the education sector. Convenience retail is here to stay, and so, most likely, is the labour shortage in Estonia's service sector — making this a very timely venture.
Rimi. Leader in reducing food waste in Estonian retail
Rimi is the largest source of rescued food for the Food Bank and a champion of food waste reduction. In 2021, almost half of the food rescued by the Food Bank came from Rimi.
In 2022, a cooperation project was launched with La Muu, in the course of which several thousand tonnes of bananas were saved from the bin and turned into the Rimi Rescued Banana ice cream.
The Rimi team developed a smart discount system for products approaching their expiry date. It ensures the right discount is applied based on both sales and stock levels. Already this year, the system will be rolled out to all Rimi stores across Estonia. Rimi has also launched the new Food4All app to promote these products and make food approaching its expiry date more visible.
For Rimi, the jury highlighted leading by example and a positive social impact. Rimi has also stood out in terms of responsible consumption more broadly and has been a strong partner of the Ministry of the Environment.
The food waste topic is, in the jury's view, very current and especially problematic in light of today's rising prices. Rimi is a leading voice on this topic and addresses it both from the retail chain's and the consumer's perspective.
Rahva Raamat. World's best bookshop
Rahva Raamat at Viru Centre, after a thorough refurbishment, won the International Excellence Award for the world's best bookshop, presented at the London Book Fair. The selection of the best bookshop takes into account overall atmosphere and style, innovation, creativity, customer service standards, staff expertise, and the ability to combine a physical bookshop with digital opportunities. The jury particularly recognised the ability to carry out a sweeping refurbishment of the bookshop sustainably — in several senses of the word. Rahva Raamat's clever combination of existing and new furniture stood out, as did its charming ability to balance the traditional book business with an exciting product range and digital offerings.
For Rahva Raamat, the jury emphasised international visibility and a world-class achievement that also deserves recognition at home. This is an outstanding and well-earned international award.
Commenting on this year's nominees, Nele Peil, managing director of the Merchants' Association, noted that competition was tight and several very strong companies just narrowly missed the top three. "Despite the war in Ukraine, the after-effects of COVID and the energy crisis, retail has made significant long-term investments in modern shopping environments and technology. Exciting new players are entering the market, and the focus remains on digital solutions, the green transition and experience retail. These macro trends shine through the top three of the Retail Deed of the Year as well," Peil noted.
The more than 20-member jury for the Retail Deed of the Year included representatives from universities, banks, the media, state agencies and trade associations, along with the board of the Merchants' Association.
The winner of Retail Deed of the Year 2022 will be announced on 5 October at the Retail Annual Congress, held at the Cruise Terminal.