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. Alibaba among first to receive Chinese government cryptocurrency

The People’s Bank of China is set to give its first round of central bank digital currency (CBDC) to Alibaba Group and seven others, including internet giant Tencent.

2. Sainsbury's embarks on landmark reverse vending tech trial

Sainsbury’s is the first retailer in England to test out a reverse vending machine that takes both glass and plastic bottles.

3. Future High Streets Fund expanded to 50 more areas

Fifty towns in England are to be given a share of £1 billion to revitalise their High Streets.

4. Business as usual at Overstock following Patrick Byrne’s departure

US online retailer Overstock’s new interim CEO is not planning any major changes to its blockchain efforts following the departure of founder, Patrick Byrne, last week.

5. AliExpress and D.Phone choose intu for European physical first

intu has announced the opening of AliExpress’ first physical store in Europe at its Madrid shopping centre, intu Xanadú.

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