The five most important retail tech news stories of the week

It’s Friday, the week is nearly done, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful week for the retail technology space. Here's your briefing on some of the most important and interesting stories from the past five days.

1. Apple Pay leapfrogs Starbucks to take mobile payments gold

Apple Pay has overtaken Starbucks as the most popular mobile payment app in the US, according to eMarketer.

2. John Lewis Oxford store pushes ‘reduce, reuse and return’ culture

John Lewis & Partners has launched a pilot at its Oxford store focusing on ways in which the retailer and its customers can reduce their impact on the planet.

3. JD.com notches up major IIoT logistics milestone

JD.com has launched what is pitched as China’s first 5G-powered smart logistics park in Beijing, just ahead of Singles’ Day.

4. Bakkt tests consumer payments app with Starbucks

Cryptocurrency custody and futures trading platform Bakkt is developing a consumer payments app and merchant portal. It is currently testing this with launch partner Starbucks.

5. Clearpay lands Marks and Spencer online payments deal

In October, we reported that Marks and Spencer had become the latest retailer to enter the booming buy now, pay later space. The retailer has now announced that its offering will be in partnership with Clearpay, part of Afterpay Touch Group