In Swiss pharma retail, we’re used to thinking with precision. And now, your POS displays can do the same—thanks to a new smart shelf technology we now offer through our trusted partners.

Whether you’re working with a premium layout or managing a tighter retail footprint, smart shelves are redefining how we measure, optimise, and manage in-store execution.

Here’s what’s new—and how it’s already improving outcomes in real pharmacies.

Two Setups, One Goal: Better Data, Smarter Execution

We now offer access to two smart shelf configurations, developed by external partners and integrated into our execution services to match different campaign needs:

• Premium Smart Shelf (Weight-Sensor Plate): This version uses a precision sensor plate that measures the weight of each product on the shelf. It provides extremely detailed data—detecting each time a product is picked up, replaced, or removed entirely. Ideal for insight-driven launches and high-stakes campaigns.
• Budget-Friendly IoT Pusher System: A cost-effective setup using IoT-connected pusher trays to detect product movement. It’s simple to deploy, discreet, and integrates easily into standard shelf layouts.

Both systems are designed to integrate directly into existing pharmacy and drugstore shelving—no major infrastructure changes required.

Each setup feeds into R8’s campaign dashboard, giving you a new layer of operational insight—far beyond install confirmation photos.

Use Case: A Live Test with Avène

In a recent pilot with a leading derma-cosmetics brand (Avène), we deployed the IoT Pusher version in one high-volume pharmacy. As a pilot project, the goal was to explore what types of behavioural and operational data this system could potentially surface in a real-world environment.

The goal was to track a wide range of data points during a live campaign: movement vs. actual sales, restock timing, stock loss, and shopper interaction—not to compare different store locations.

What We Expected to Learn:

• Impact of shelf location: We aimed to observe whether certain zones within the pharmacy would show stronger product movement.
• Sales vs. movement discrepancies: The system could help detect instances where products were picked up but not purchased, revealing possible consumer hesitation or pricing friction.
• Restock needs in real time: By tracking depletion rates, we hoped to support pharmacy staff with timely replenishment.
• Shrinkage signals: The technology might flag inventory loss not linked to sales, helping identify theft or misplacement.
• Execution improvement opportunities: With granular usage data, we could identify adjustments to layout, messaging, or product positioning.

Although this pilot was primarily exploratory, these were the types of insights we expected the smart shelf system to uncover—offering a glimpse into a more measurable, adaptive future for physical POS campaigns.

Why This Changes the Game

The value of smart shelf tech isn’t in the tech itself—it’s in what it unlocks:

• Real-time sell-out vs pick-up comparison
• Micro-location testing within the pharmacy
• Dynamic campaign iteration based on shelf data
• Improved stock management and merchandising reactivity

And crucially—it’s invisible to the consumer. Discreet sensors and elegant materials keep the pharmacy look intact, while R8 manages the integration, campaign coordination, and data consolidation.

This technology integrates directly into the existing shelving system at the point of sale—minimising disruption and maximising insight.

Smart Shelves, Smarter Campaigns

We believe campaign success isn’t just about placement—it’s about learning, adapting, and evolving. Smart shelves give marketers the power to do just that.