Amazon Go heads up Webloyalty digital innovation report

Amazon Go has been named the digital retail innovation of 2019 in a new Webloyalty report.

This highlights how technology is being used to create a more personalised shopping experience, with 68% of retailers tapping into either AI (37%), augmented reality (AR) (15%), payment technology (22%) or delivery technology (13%).

Burberry took second place for its use of Instagram’s shopping feature. The new checkout element means that consumers can directly buy through the platform when spotting an item on the feed. Also in the mix were Kroger (autonomous grocery deliveries), Casino (cashierless store) and Waitrose & Partners (farming robots).

“Changing commercial environments, emerging technologies and consumer power are having a clear impact on the pace of change. Despite store closures, business failures, job losses and tough seasonal performances, retailers are focusing on digital innovation to achieve a competitive edge by delivering unprecedented value, convenience and a personalised experience, by thinking innovatively about the technologies which exist today,” says Ben Stirling, Managing Director, Webloyalty Northern Europe.

“While some businesses clearly have the digital infrastructure and capabilities to innovate, take Amazon with an impressive four innovations appearing in this year’s top ten, others are leaning on collaboration to achieve their strategic advantage. It is important to celebrate all of these businesses and innovations within the report.”