What the Metcash Food Expo taught me about the future of independent retail

By Chris Ridd, Executive Director, PaySauce Australia

Greetings from the Gold Coast. I've just wrapped up an incredible couple of days at the Metcash Food Expo, and the energy here has been absolutely contagious. Between the bustling floor and the inspiring conversations, one thing is abundantly clear: the independent retail sector is gearing up for a massive, technology-driven future.

This year's event theme was "Partners Powering Growth," and as I walked the floor representing PaySauce, it struck me just how deeply that sentiment hits home for us.

A shared DNA: supporting the 97%

Walking around the expo, I couldn't help but notice the profound cultural alignment between Metcash and PaySauce. We are both fiercely dedicated to championing the underdog.

Small and medium enterprises represent a staggering 97% of all registered ABNs in Australia. They are the absolute lifeblood of our communities, yet they constantly face the daunting task of competing against the big end of town, the massive corporate duopoly of Coles and Woolworths.

Metcash builds value through a community-first approach, championing the Independent Grocers Association as well as many other SME retailers and business operators across the country. They act as the ultimate enabler to connect local retail owners and suppliers.

At PaySauce, we operate on that exact same wavelength. Our goal is to make running an SME easier by taking the heavy lifting out of small business management. We've tailored our mobile-first payday software specifically for the [1-5 / 1-15] employee market, automating complex Award interpretations and taking the stress out of compliance like the newly implemented Payday Super laws.

When independent businesses don't have to drown in administrative paperwork, they can focus on out-manoeuvring the corporate giants.

The tech revolution is here

One of the most exciting themes of this year's expo was Metcash's aggressive push to help its members embrace the digital age. They are proving that being a local, independent store doesn't mean relying on legacy systems.

Metcash is rolling out a brand-new procurement portal called MetCash Services, designed to put world-class technology directly into the hands of its members. I spent time with Matt Shotton, Procurement Partner, Enterprise & Corporate Services, who has steered this initiative and is clearly passionate about supporting the thousands of MetCash members and associated businesses with this new service.

We are thrilled to announce that PaySauce is now an official partner in this space, and we are in incredibly good company. Standing alongside other innovative, trailblazing providers like Xero, UseVerb, Auror, and Lightyear, we are proud to be amongst the first technology solutions selected for this launch, giving retailers a complete operational toolkit for their businesses.

Getting "Sorted"

We also got a front-row seat to look at "Sorted," Metcash's brilliant online B2B marketplace. It is a phenomenal example of technology-led value for its members, and we got to spend time with Simon Williams, General Manager, B2B Engagement at Metcash, who has championed this innovative software initiative from inception.

For IGA owners in particular, Sorted completely streamlines the stock-ordering process, allowing them to source and manage products from an unbelievable network of over 70,000+ suppliers all in one digital hub. It eliminates manual admin, cuts down on paperwork, and keeps independent shelves stocked with exactly what local communities want.

Standing together for the future

Leaving the Gold Coast, I'm incredibly energised by what's ahead. Metcash is demonstrating that a unified, tech-empowered independent network is a force to be reckoned with.

We stand fully behind Metcash and their vision to help independent retailers and businesses, from local IGAs to neighbourhood bottle shops and hardware stores, become the best in their towns, keeping the heartbeat and economic wealth of our communities exactly where it belongs.

The entire team at PaySauce is incredibly proud of this partnership, and we look forward to a long, bright future of making business easier, together.

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