Albertsons Media Collective, the retail media arm of Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI), has officially launched its highly anticipated in-store digital display network, a forward-thinking initiative revealed during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France. This bold step represents a major evolution in how the grocery retailer connects with shoppers in real-time and at critical points in their purchasing journey.
By introducing this advanced digital advertising solution across select Albertsons stores, the company is aiming to redefine the in-store experience, turning physical shopping environments into dynamic, engaging platforms for brand storytelling and product discovery. The effort underscores Albertsons Media Collective’s long-term vision of blending digital innovation with traditional retail to provide shoppers with more personalized, relevant, and helpful content at the moment it matters most—when they are making purchase decisions.
Strategic Collaboration with STRATACACHE to Deliver Scalable In-Store Media
To bring this initiative to life, Albertsons Media Collective has partnered with STRATACACHE, Inc., a global leader in intelligent shopper engagement technology and digital signage solutions. Known for its expertise in delivering interactive experiences and deep retail analytics, STRATACACHE provides the technology backbone for the new digital screen network, enabling the deployment of large-format, high-definition displays throughout select Albertsons stores.
These displays will be strategically placed in high-traffic areas—such as store entrances and produce departments—to maximize visibility and influence during key customer touchpoints. The partnership allows Albertsons to integrate real-time, data-driven advertising campaigns in a retail setting, giving brand partners of all sizes—from national CPGs to regional niche players—an opportunity to engage shoppers with targeted, contextually relevant messaging.
Jennifer Saenz, Chief Commercial Officer at Albertsons Companies, emphasized the value this initiative brings not only to brands but also to shoppers:
“At Albertsons Cos., we’ve identified a significant opportunity to enhance our in-store customers’ shopping experience by delivering relevant and impactful messaging at the point of purchase. Our partnership with STRATACACHE enables brand partners to engage directly with our shoppers at this key moment, providing them with compelling offers, meal inspiration and timely information.”
Growing Market for In-Store Retail Media
The launch of the digital display network is strategically timed to coincide with growing interest in in-store retail media. According to EMARKETER, retail media networks are becoming one of the fastest-growing advertising segments. Notably, 75% of U.S. adults are likely to notice in-store advertisements, according to a Morning Consult report cited by EMARKETER. Moreover, projections indicate that in-store retail media spending is on track to exceed $1 billion by 2028, signaling a strong shift in advertiser priorities toward physical store engagement.
As retail media expands beyond e-commerce into brick-and-mortar spaces, Albertsons Media Collective is positioning itself as an early mover in this transition—bridging the gap between digital precision and in-store influence. By offering new avenues for audience targeting and message optimization, the company is helping brands bring more nuance, immediacy, and interactivity to their campaigns.
Advanced Measurement Capabilities for Performance Insight
A key differentiator of the new digital display network lies in its built-in advanced measurement and attribution capabilities. These analytics tools are vital for demonstrating the impact of in-store advertising on both shopper behavior and sales outcomes.
Albertsons Media Collective will provide advertisers with access to proof-of-play metrics, sales lift analysis, and direct sales attribution—data that is often elusive in traditional in-store advertising. These insights will help brands better understand how their messaging drives action at the shelf and allow them to continuously refine their strategies.
Liz Roche, Vice President of Media and Measurement at Albertsons Media Collective, explained the importance of these capabilities:
“Understanding the impact of in-store digital advertising is key. STRATACACHE’s technology foundation for closed-loop measurement was a significant factor in our decision to partner with them. Being able to reach customers through compelling brand messaging at the point of purchase and then understand performance helps us fully realize the potential of the in-store channel.”
Elevating Full-Funnel Marketing Through Digital Screens
This digital screen rollout is designed not only to inform but to inspire and convert. As a full-funnel marketing tool, in-store digital advertising enables brands to build awareness, drive consideration, and influence purchase decisions—often within seconds.
Content showcased on the screens will include everything from meal and snack ideas to lifestyle tips, health and wellness highlights, and special promotional offers. These immersive experiences are curated to align with the customer’s mindset at each stage of their shopping trip. By complementing digital screen campaigns with in-store audio, endcaps, and even cross-channel activations like connected TV (CTV), social media, and offsite display ads, brands can deliver an integrated and consistent narrative that strengthens shopper loyalty.
Melissa Pitmon, Customer Director of Omnichannel Activation at Mondelēz International, noted the powerful potential of this format:
“Mondelēz’s focus is to meet customers in the moments that matter—and few are more powerful than when they’re standing at the shelf, ready to decide. Albertsons Media Collective’s new digital screens will enable us to deliver inspiring, hyper-relevant content right where purchase decisions are made. It’s a natural complement to our digital strategy and a powerful reminder that the store remains one of the most influential spaces to build brand connection and drive conversion.”
Pilot Launch and Nationwide Expansion Plans
The digital display network will begin its pilot phase this summer, launching in select Albertsons Companies stores across two key U.S. regions. These stores were carefully chosen based on customer traffic patterns, store format, and brand partner interest.
Following the pilot, Albertsons Media Collective plans a phased rollout of the network across more locations in 2025 and beyond. The long-term vision is to build one of the largest and most sophisticated in-store digital media ecosystems in the grocery retail industry, providing unparalleled value to advertisers while delighting shoppers with informative, engaging content.
Reinventing the Grocery Store Experience
With this move, Albertsons Media Collective is not merely introducing digital screens—it’s reimagining the very nature of the grocery shopping experience. By fusing storytelling with technology at the point of decision, the company is creating a new standard for how retail media is delivered, measured, and optimized within a brick-and-mortar environment.
As consumer expectations continue to evolve and media budgets increasingly shift toward measurable and immersive experiences, Albertsons’ initiative provides a clear path forward. It is a demonstration of how retailers can innovate in-store media to create meaningful customer connections—while offering brands new ways to drive loyalty and sales.
Albertsons Media Collective’s in-store digital display network represents a pivotal moment for retail media. Through cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and a sharp focus on shopper engagement, it is poised to shape the future of in-store advertising.
