Arguably, no tool has transformed society more profoundly since the late 2000s than the smartphone – a powerful computer that fits into every pocket. Among the many changes it has brought about is a shift in how we shop, redefining both distribution and retail. This transformation is still ongoing, as highlighted by the innovative solutions that participating startups will showcase to visitors at the upcoming Innovation Village Retail at Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags. From 11 to 14 January 2025, in collaboration with Retail Hub, the project will once again open its doors. Held every six months, it serves as a platform for the retail sector to explore cutting-edge ideas and tools designed to innovate and transform business practices in distribution.
Following the meteoric rise of e-commerce, digital platforms have expanded their vision beyond the “simple” sale of products. Today, they bring to market solutions and after-sale services such as Care&Repair and promote simple, fast ways to rent fashion accessories or even support the rapidly expanding second-hand market.
But retail is also evolving in its shopping experiences: innovative solutions now enhance omnichannel engagement and make it easier to find the nearest store carrying the item we’re looking for. And there’s even a solution to make sure you never get the size wrong. Who wouldn’t want to walk into a shop, place their purchases in a special tech-enabled bag and leave without stopping at the checkout?
These are just some of the ideas that will feature at Innovation Village Retail and compete during the Startup Competition. A panel of judges – comprising fashion industry experts and professionals from leading international manufacturers or major footwear and leather goods retail chains – will select the best innovation. The winner will have the opportunity to return as an exhibitor at the next edition of the event.
NINE NEW STARTUPS FOR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
PROLONG
A second life for shoes
Prolong aims to simplify after-sales support by implementing and managing post-purchase services such as Care&Repair. In doing so, it promotes a circular and sustainable economy in the fashion industry. Each repair completed through the platform extends the life of footwear by an average of nine months. The platform connects footwear brands with a network of over 200 partners and, through its repair service, transforms after-sales care into a profitable growth driver for shoe brands.
CLOOV
The app for renting, buying and selling all in one place
Cloove enables brands to expand their offerings with rental, resale and repair services. It creates a customised platform for each brand, assisting with the operational and logistical side of things, too. With Cloove, product life cycles are extended, environmental impact is reduced and the fashion industry is responsibly supported.
BCAME
The ideal tech partner for e-commerce
Bcame provides ICT consulting and develops e-commerce solutions with a strong focus on omnichannel strategy and customer experience. Its suite of omnichannel products includes Viewide Endless Aisle, which allows customers to quickly find and purchase out-of-stock items by searching other store locations.
By combining Bcame and Viewide Endless Aisle, brands can deliver an interactive and personalised shopping experience tailored to each customer.
MEASMERIZE
The app that helps you find the perfect fit, first time
With Measmerize, a virtual fitting room allows you to find and purchase the right size without needing to buy the same item in multiple sizes. When shopping online, ordering multiple sizes and returning those that don’t fit leads to high costs for brands and a frustrating experience for customers. Measmerize solves these issues, reducing returns and helping buyers find their perfect fit in just 30 seconds, thanks to personalised assistance.
SYEEW
Work smart, not hard
Software designed to help SMEs boost efficiency and profitability. Syeew acts as a virtual guide, delivering clear and essential data to help entrepreneurs make better decisions. Its business model is built on sector-specific customisation.
MAGIQEYE
Stress-Free Shopping with Instant Payment
With MagiQeye, any bag can be transformed into an intelligent self-checkout system with digital payment capabilities. The goal is to develop smart retail platforms and multimedia solutions that provide both retailers and customers with a more intuitive shopping and management experience.
Using AI, MagiQeye enables personalised and targeted recommendations before purchase. Additionally, with its unique RFID device – possibly the smallest and most cost-effective in the world – it can turn any bag into a secure, mobile self-checkout system with digital payment functionality.
SANGROVE
Cutting-edge technology for sustainable business
This solution offers a green commerce approach for consumer brands and retailers, addressing the issues of overproduction and excess inventory. Using a pre-order system to align supply with demand, it provides real-time visibility into customer needs, helping to eliminate overproduction.
SNAPFEET
The digital shoemaker
With a 3D foot scan, Snapfeet allows customers to virtually try on footwear in advance. The app aims to reduce incorrect size orders and returns, enhancing customer satisfaction and retailer efficiency. In doing so, it provides businesses with valuable insights to improve product development and size consistency.
NOTARIFY
Digital solution for certifying and protecting document authenticity
Notarify offers a universal system for “digital certainty”. It uses Blockchain and artificial intelligence to protect citizens, businesses and government organisations worldwide from digital risks. Specialising in document notarisation and process automation, Notarify transforms any digital data into an authenticated “original”. With a certified timestamp, it safeguards against non-compliance with agreements, counterfeiting of contracts and other business documents, as well as theft of intellectual property, trade secrets and know-how.
