Columbian supermarket chain Olímpica is modernising and improving the in-store customer experience using technology from Japanese giant Toshiba.

As the first retailer in Latin America to implement Toshiba’s full Elera Security Suite, Olímpica can prevent losses and improve store security through AI-powered image recognition and behavioural detection at checkout.

By deploying Toshiba’s self-checkout and security, Olímpica hopes to boost operational efficiency while delivering a seamless shopping experience.

“Olímpica is revolutionising stores by partnering with Toshiba for state-of-the-art technology, expert consulting and comprehensive support at every stage of implementation,” said Omar Villamil, IT manager at Olímpica. “This project complements our traditional checkout processes while maintaining the warm, personalised service that Olímpica is known for. With Toshiba’s self-checkout systems, we aim to enrich our customers’ shopping experience by offering modern and efficient payment alternatives, including cash, cards or electronic methods like QR codes. Additionally, we are rolling out this to more stores nationwide, reinforcing our innovation strategy to continue enhancing the customer experience without compromising service quality.”

Through a decades-long relationship, Toshiba worked closely with Olímpica to understand its needs and provide tailored options that optimise store operations and improve customer engagement while ensuring seamless integration with its existing operations. Olímpica also sought to upgrade customer service by reducing wait times and transforming its checkout processes.

The Elera Security Suite leverages the AI and computer-vision technologies to enhance scanning accuracy, reduce manual interventions and cut shrink through integrated loss prevention at self-checkout. These innovations optimise checkout efficiency and empower store associates to focus more on providing customer service.

“Retailers today must balance efficiency with innovation to meet evolving consumer expectations,” said Manuel Medecigo, vice president at Toshiba. “Olímpica needed to reduce wait times and modernise its image while seamlessly integrating with its existing infrastructure without disrupting operations. By implementing Toshiba’s self-checkout and Elera Security Suite, Olímpica can optimise customer flow, enhance payment accuracy and deliver a faster experience. This partnership highlights our commitment to supporting retailers with innovative, scalable, customised technologies that drive long-term success.”

Toshiba’s partner, Redsis y Sistemas Integrados (redsisusa.com), helped align technical and commercial aspects, ensuring smooth integration with Olímpica’s existing payment infrastructure and providing local market expertise. Toshiba’s local presence, with more than 200 engineering and service professionals across Colombia, coupled with Redsis’ technical expertise, meant Olímpica received continuous support.

Olímpica (www.olimpica.com) is one of the leading supermarket chains in Colombia, with more than 70 years of experience serving millions of customers.

Toshiba Global Commerce (commerce.toshiba.com) empowers retail through a dynamic ecosystem of smart, agile services that help them evolve.