DMS Talk 11: Retail Innovation & Corp-Ups — Shaping the Future of Retail.

Everything stays different — a saying that has never been more relevant in retail. Many new opportunities are on the horizon. And in this DMS Talk, we’re thrilled to welcome Oliver Nitz, CMO of DMS, with Werner Wutscher, founder and managing partner ofNew Venture Scouting, sharing his expert insights with us.
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Modern Talking: Retail Is Changing

First of all: a lot is happening — and this is the kind of change that’s reshaping the retail world. But it’s not just about developments like artificial intelligence, which already opens the door to countless new possibilities. It's innovations like these that drive transformation — but there's more.
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When It “Clicks” in Retail

On one side, BILLA is halting deliveries to rural areas after online ordering. On the other, providers like Alfies are adapting their offerings — especially around delivery times. Then there’s the rise of empty storefronts, as discussed in DMS Talk 8. Dr. Roman Schwarzenegger from Standort + Markt and Manuel Friedl from the trade association explained how retail is “clicking” more than ever. Online retail is no longer just a growing trend — it's now mainstream.

During the pandemic, online shopping was often the only option — safe, convenient, and above all, possible. Since then, the digital domain has remained the preferred space for many consumers. Retailers have adapted — and not just survived but optimized their online options. Yes, it clicked. Online retail not only saves on store rental costs, but also impacts layout and staffing needs. The result: more vacancies in physical retail — and a growing low-cost provider segment. Companies like Action, Temu, and Shein, despite facing public criticism, continue to generate strong sales both online and in wardrobes. However, economic uncertainty, inflation, and unstable geopolitical conditions continue to challenge start-up and scale-up investments — keeping the landscape tense.

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Ideas and Innovations — Sought and Promoted

At a time like this, retail needs fresh ideas — and the good news is: they’re out there. Austria in particular must now invest in meaningful innovation. While much of the funding is still concentrated in the early stages, scale-ups are gaining more traction thanks to expanding financing channels — and universities play a big part in this momentum.

Austria boasts the third-highest research rate in Europe. And the motto remains: Challenge and promote. Why? Because the know-how collected through research can deliver a real boost for retail. The goal: to push the industry upward.

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Excellent Shared Memories

Oliver Nitz and Werner Wutscher revisit their own memorable experience: Wutscher awarded Nitz and his DMS team the prize for Most Innovative POS Solution — developed for ABHof and METRO. As Head of Innovation in Retail Group, Wutscher presented this award at the 2019 Retail Innovation Awards. A true wow moment for DMS — and one we’re proud to talk about again here.

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Even More Wow Experiences: We’re Already Working on the Next DMS Talks

Our job isn’t just to inspire — it's also to continuously exchange insights with industry experts. We stay connected and explore trends that often surprise. Stay tuned!

And of course: if you're interested in our solutions — whether it’s Digital Signage, In-Store Radio, Content Production, or Location Analytics — we’re here to inspire you, your customers, and your partners. Always guided by our motto: What isn’t wow, isn’t from DMS.

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