The world’s largest retail analyzer ShopperTrak has made Finnish RapidBlue its European research and development center and regional headquarters after buying the company last summer. ShopperTrak plans to grow its headcount and increase its R&D activities in Finland.
Last June, American ShopperTrak acquired RapidBlue, a Helsinki-based provider of retail data and analytics. It also announced that RapidBlue would operate as its Nordic headquarters.
— ShopperTrak made RapidBlue its European R&D center because Helsinki is a great location. There are lots of skilled people with a great work ethic. Helsinki is also close to Russia, Eastern Europe and the rest of the Nordic region, which will hopefully open new business opportunities for us, said Director of Location Analytics Gavin Weigh from RapidBlue.
The Helsinki office still operates under the name RapidBlue but eventually it will be integrated completely with ShopperTrak.
Doors open to the world
While RapidBlue is in charge of ShopperTrak’s European and Middle Eastern research and development, it also works on the company’s global R&D initiatives. In addition to R&D, RapidBlue runs its normal operations, including sales, logistics and hardware installations.
RapidBlue’s technology complements ShopperTrak’s solutions. The company serves customers of all sizes, from small and medium retailers to shopping centers and some of the largest retail chains in Finland. It uses radio frequency technology to collect anonymous information on shoppers’ movements to help retailers with marketing, merchandising and running their business. RapidBlue’s hardware is designed in Finland.
— The acquisition has given our product a fully global presence. It is used in more and more retail stores around the world, which is great for a product designed here in Finland, said Weigh.
Win-win acquisition
If Finland and Helsinki can give ShopperTrak skilled employees and a great business location, Gavin Weigh thinks ShopperTrak can in exchange offer know-how and resources. RapidBlue has already recruited a few new employees, thanks to the acquisition, and operates currently with a staff of nine people.
— ShopperTrak is committed to increasing the Helsinki office’s headcount in the future. We will also continue to grow our R&D operations and widen our expertise. In addition to resources, large international companies like ShopperTrak can offer Finland valuable strategic and business experience.
Article is published in cooperation with Good News from Finland.
