Arsen Avakian

Arsen Avakian is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Cooler Screens, a company that is revolutionizing the in-store retail experience by bringing digital technology to brick-and-mortar stores.14

Professional Background

Before founding Cooler Screens, Avakian was the CEO and Co-founder of Argo Tea, a company he built over 15 years into one of the largest tea cafe chains in the United States.7 His entrepreneurial success led to his induction into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame at the University of Illinois Chicago Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies in 2016.5

Cooler Screens

Avakian co-founded Cooler Screens with the vision of reimagining the consumer experience in physical retail stores. The company's technology transforms traditional cooler and freezer doors in stores into smart digital screens that provide an e-commerce-like experience for shoppers.12 These screens offer:

1. Dynamic product information
2. Contextually relevant advertising
3. Real-time inventory updates

Under Avakian's leadership, Cooler Screens has:

• Partnered with over 200 active advertisers3
• Developed AI and computer vision capabilities to enhance the shopping experience3
• Formed partnerships with major retailers like Kroger2

Innovation and Vision

Avakian is known for his innovative approach to retail media. He sees Cooler Screens as building "the world's first and largest in-store digital media, retail media platform".1 His vision is to merge the informative richness of online shopping with the tangible experience of physical stores, creating a new paradigm in retail.14

Avakian frequently speaks at industry events and summits, sharing his insights on the future of retail, the convergence of physical and digital shopping experiences, and the role of technology in transforming consumer behavior.26