This week’s choice quotes from the retail technology world…

“In announcing its 2017/18 preliminary results, Dixons Carphone makes no explicit mention of the hacking scandal and how much damage it's done. And it looks like investors will have to wait almost six months before getting extra detail on Alex Baldock's transformation plans.

Bulls will perceive the reiterated gloomy profit guidance as a clearing of the decks by a new CEO, who doesn't need to sugar coat and can afford to under-promise and over-deliver. At 5.9%, the current dividend yield certainly looks tempting. But Dixons still faces myriad challenges that could put further strain on its cash flows. Even if wage growth recovers and consumers get more comfortable about splashing out on new computers or phones, leaner and meaner online competitors like Amazon will be ready to pounce too.” Fiona Cincotta, Senior Market Analyst, City Index

“When it comes to retail, an industry that has always led with change and innovation, there are a few big names that are really disrupting what it means to provide a delightful delivery experience. There are, however, many that are too slow, too reactive and too nervous to really put thought and investment into their customer supply chain – and that needs to change if omnichannel retailers are to reimagine themselves to better meet the needs of connected shoppers.” David Grimes, Founder and CEO, Sorted

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that shoppers are favouring online channels over physical ones to a greater degree than they used to, which is accelerating the pace of change for multi-channel retailers. There is nothing new in online taking a greater share of sales of course, the question is what happens to physical retail. Traditional shops won’t vanish entirely – there will always be some level of demand for them – but how High Streets and other retail spaces evolve more generally in response to lower shopper interest is a matter for some debate.

Many speak about focusing on in-store ‘experience’ but in many cases the solutions don’t seem to be very different from what was there before. It seems likely that retail is in for a rocky period of readjustment, that might take several years, before blueprints for a successful physical retail space become more apparent.”Andy Mulcahy, Strategy and Insight Director, IMRG

“For technology to be successful, it must move away from being a playful add-on and actually help customers during the retail journey, making it as easy and convenient as possible for them to shop but not distract them. For most, this is not happening yet, with several retailers focusing on implementing technology gimmicks that have gone under used.” Scott Clarke, Chief Digital Officer and Global Consulting Leader, Retail, Consumer Goods, Travel and Hospitality, Cognizant

“This partnership opens up a broad range of possibilities to offer a superior retail experience to consumers throughout the world. This marks an important step in the process of modernising global retail. As we celebrate our 18th June anniversary sale, this partnership opens a new chapter in our history.” JD.com’s Chief Strategy Officer Jianwen Liao

“We’re far from becoming a cash-free society and despite the UK transforming to an economy where cash is less important than it once was, it will remain a payment method that continues to be valued and preferred by many. These trends are likely to shift further over the next decade. Developments such as Open Banking are expected to bring extensive changes to the payments landscape, something that will likely shape how we interact with our money in the coming years.” Stephen Jones, Chief Executive, UK Finance

“These figures highlight just how quickly we’re moving towards a cashless society, but this doesn’t mean that debit cards will become the de facto payment method. In fact, it’s only a matter of time before we become completely paperless and don’t carry debit or credit cards at all.

There are more options than ever when making a purchase – for example, mobile payments and applying for credit at the till or via a retailer’s website – and this points towards a society wherein using plastic cards actually becomes increasingly marginalised. As cash fades into the background, the brands that thrive will be those that can offer customers flexibility in how, when and where they pay for their goods.” Gary Little, co-CEO, Duologi