Metro, the fifth-largest retailer in the world, is going ahead with its plans to incorporate RFID technology throughout its supply chain. The Germany-based companies plans for stores of the future include using the wireless-tracking technology to help customers navigate the aisles and to keep the shelves stocked. Metro has 2,370 locations in 28 countries.
Earlier this year, it finally sunk in with the retailing industry that Metro was dead serious about its RFID concept. The company highlighted a mock Future Store at the National Retail Federation show in January. Although not as influential as Wal-Mart , Metro holds considerable sway as the fifth largest retailer in the world and definitely can influence trends.
Metros RFID rollout is scheduled to begin in November when 20 consumer-products suppliers to the major international retailer will place RFID tags on pallets of goods, with another 80 suppliers scheduled to follow next year. By January 2006, the company plans to have 300 suppliers sending RFID-tagged pallets and cases to its distribution centers.
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