Meerby is on a mission to redefine the in-store shopping experience through IoT-powered solutions and real-time analytics. By blending technology with hands-on insights into retail, Meerby’s platform offers an intelligent system that connects staff to customer needs at the right moment. Through this transformative approach, Meerby is helping stores manage resources more effectively while enhancing the shopping experience. Read on to learn how Meerby, led by founders Allan and Elizabeth Malcomson, is elevating the standard for retail interactions.
About the Company:
Meerby is an IoT-powered retail solution that leverages intelligent help buttons and real-time data analytics to reimagine the convenience of in-store shopping. By integrating advanced IoT technology, Meerby connects staff with customer needs instantly, streamlining both customer service and store operations. The platform collects and analyzes real-time data to optimize staff deployment, ensuring that the right resources are directed where they are most needed. This not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the in-store shopping experience by reducing wait times and increasing customer engagement. Meerby transforms traditional retail by merging IoT with data-driven insights, offering a smarter, more responsive way to manage staff and deliver exceptional customer service.
Learn more about the company at meerby.com
1. What’s the main problem your startup is solving, and how are you tackling it in a way that stands out?
Meerby, is solving the inefficiency of in-store customer service and dynamic challenges facing staff management in retail environments. We stand out by using IoT technology and real-time data analytics to create a system that intelligently connects staff to customers and operational tasks at the right time. Our smart help buttons allow customers to quickly request assistance, while our platform dynamically allocates staff to handle requests based on real-time priorities. Meerby balances customer needs, staff-to-staff support, and operational duties in a way that optimizes store efficiency and improves customer satisfaction.
2. How did your product come to life, and what makes it different from what’s already out there?
We were frustrated by what solutions existed on the market. We were fortunate enough to spend 2 years developing the product initially to solve our own business problem. However, as it became more robust, we had peers inquire about the opportunity to implement the program in their own businesses. Currently, no product on the market has been curated from inside the problem, dynamically solving actual day-to-day realities of retail management.
3. Can you share a key lesson or challenge you’ve faced on your entrepreneurial journey and how did you work through it?
Some people won’t try new things even if they make sense financially, emotionally or otherwise. The biggest obstacle to making positive change is the status quo and the customer’s fear or lack of interest in doing something better tomorrow. It is not in Elizabeth and my genetic material to accept today, so it is/was frustrating to engage with peers who clearly had the opportunity to make a difference and opt-out. Be better tomorrow!
4. What are you most excited to learn or experience during the L-SPARK Accelerator?
I think the basics related to fundraising strategies and SaaS business models are both very interesting. I am excited to digest as much information as possible to ideally position my team, my product, and myself in a strong position for success by the end of the program.
5. What’s been your biggest milestone so far, and how has it shaped where you’re headed?
Physically installing our hardware and application in another location (Followed closely by depositing cheques). It reaffirmed we had a product that other businesses understood the value proposition, we had product market fit, and we needed to do the work to bring it actually to market.
As one of the newest companies to join the L-SPARK Accelerator, our team is very excited to work with Allan, Elizabeth, and their team to refine their approach and continue building momentum for their smart retail solution. With their deep-rooted passion for merging technology and customer service, we can’t wait to see what lasting impact they have on the retail sector. Don’t miss your chance to meet the team in person November 13th-14th at SAAS North Conference and hear first-hand what Meerby is all about.
About the Founders:
Allan Malcomson, Co-Founder & President
Allan’s focus is on using technology to enhance staff-customer interactions in retail locations, rather than replacing staff. He grew up in a Canadian Tire store, where he learned the importance of providing exceptional customer experiences and supporting staff. Allan is passionate about ideating and testing innovations that improve store operations with a particular focus on utilizing the capacity of IOT devices and cutting edge data analytics to re-imagine the convenience of in-store shopping. No one ever ended up being excellent by accident!
Elizabeth Malcomson, Co-Founder & Director of Business Operations
Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s vision and product. Her deep understanding of customer experience and operational efficiency has been instrumental in driving the innovation behind Meerby’s success. With a hands-on approach and a passion for improving retail interactions, she works alongside Allan to ensure that Meerby is not just a tool, but a transformative solution for staff and customers alike. Elizabeth’s dedication to creating a seamless blend of technology and human touch is what sets her apart as a leader and co-founder.
