Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has achieved a landmark in the Indian retail sector by implementing 100% in-store mobile checkout for Croma stores. This pioneering move, facilitated through TCS OmniStore, represents a significant advancement in retail technology and promises to reshape the shopping experience across India.

TCS OmniStore Revolutionises Retail Checkout

TCS OmniStore, an acclaimed AI-driven unified composable commerce platform, has been at the core of this transformation. Known for its advanced microservices architecture, OmniStore integrates various retail functionalities into a single platform, enabling a seamless checkout process. This innovation allows Croma customers to complete transactions using their mobile devices from any location within the store, providing a quicker and more efficient shopping experience. The platform’s ability to handle real-time data and process transactions swiftly has significantly cut down checkout times, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Impact on Croma’s Retail Operations

Croma, a leading Indian electronics retailer, boasts a vast network of over 500 stores in more than 160 cities, offering a diverse range of 22,000 products from 550 brands. The retailer’s decision to expand its partnership with TCS in 2019 was a strategic move aimed at integrating cutting-edge technology to maintain its competitive edge. The implementation of TCS OmniStore has led to notable improvements in sales and foot traffic. The mobile checkout solution has also streamlined store operations by eliminating the need for traditional checkout counters and specialized hardware.

The new system supports over 80 payment options, including digital wallets, credit and debit cards, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and instant loans. This variety caters to a broad customer base, ensuring that payment processes are as convenient as possible. Additionally, the integration of click-and-collect and scan-and-go features provides customers with flexible shopping options, enhancing their overall experience.

Strategic Partnership and Technological Advancements

Shibashish Roy, Deputy CEO of Croma, emphasised the importance of a seamless omnichannel experience in today’s retail environment. He stated that “crafting a seamless, delightful omnichannel journey is imperative for us, and OmniStore is key to enabling it.” This sentiment reflects Croma’s commitment to delivering top-tier customer service and satisfaction.

The shift to a cloud-based checkout model has enabled Croma to optimise store space by 83%, facilitating a more efficient use of retail environments. With the ability to set up billing processes four times faster than before, Croma is well-positioned to rapidly expand its store footprint across the country.

TCS’s Role and Future Outlook

Krishnan Ramanujam, President of TCS’s Consumer Business Group, praised Croma’s proactive approach and its significant investments in technology. He noted that “Croma is ahead of the curve in its multi-channel strategy,” highlighting the retailer’s forward-thinking approach as a key factor in its ongoing success.

TCS’s extensive experience and its suite of innovative retail solutions, including TCS Optumera—an AI-powered platform for strategic merchandising—underscore its commitment to enhancing retail operations. TCS’s partnerships with top global retailers, alongside its deep industry expertise, position it as a leader in driving technological advancements in the retail sector.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of retail technology, setting a new standard for mobile checkout and omnichannel shopping experiences in India. As both companies continue to innovate, they are expected to lead further advancements in retail technology, paving the way for future developments in the sector.

  AI, Croma, mobile checkout, omnichannel shopping, retail technology, Tata Consultancy Services, TCS OmniStore