What's hot in retail technology investments right now?
These retailers and brands are leading the way in providing technology and experiences that are one step ahead of their customers’ expectations.
1. La Perla
Data optimisation specialist Clekt is partnering with La Perla as part of its digital transformation push.
The retailer is implementing a new data driven approach as it looks to streamline global operations and offer customers a unified brand experience. It is also moving its site to a new e-commerce platform.
2. Pret
FinTech venture GoodBox has partnered with Pret A Manger to enable The Pret Foundation donations via in-store contactless devices across Manchester and London.
A trial was launched two weeks ago, with the retailer reporting that it has increased total donations in participating stores by 122%.
3. Rémy Cointreau
French spirits group Rémy Cointreau has embarked on a digital transformation initiative with Google Cloud’s range of systems, applications and products.
It is looking to optimise the supply chain process and the manufacturing of products, adapt to consumer needs and competition from premium beverage brands and create data driven personalised experiences for its customers.
4. Adyen
PayTech big hitter Adyen is rolling out Giving, enabling its merchants to accept charitable donations during the online and in-store checkout process.
It has partnered with the likes of Gap, Delivery Hero and Crocs for the launch and says that it will absorb the full cost of donations, subject to eligibility criteria.
5. PayPal
PayPal is taking on the likes of Klarna and Laybuy with the launch of Pay in 3, which allows UK shoppers to pay for purchases between £45 and £2,000 in three interest free instalments.
Retailers including Crew Clothing, French Connection, Robert Dyas and Ryman are integrating the solution, which will be available from late October.
6. Caper
Caper, the New York-based company behind the Caper Cart, an AI-powered shopping cart for grocery stores, is rolling out the Caper Counter, a plug and play countertop pitched at mini markets and retail stores with under ten thousand feet.
The venture says that this has been deployed in several stores with a national convenience retailer, with additional locations coming soon.
7. AO
Online electricals retailer AO is partnering with Tesco to launch its first ever physical retail experience.
It is working on five store-within-a-store concepts as part of a six-month pilot with the grocery giant. The first will open in Middleton on 22nd October.
8. Farfetch
Stockholm-headquartered startup Bambuser has entered into a live video shopping pilot agreement, worth £35,000, with online fashion venture Farfetch.
9. Very
Online retailer Very has launched a partnership with second-hand clothes specialist, Re-Fashion.
The aim is to encourage Very’s customers to give up their unwanted clothes for new owners, in order to reduce items being sent to landfill sites.
10. Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market has partnered with Infarm in the UK.
The latter will install its modular vertical farming units in two of the retailer’s London locations – High Street Kensington and Fulham – so shoppers can buy fresh produce that has been grown in-store.
Infarm produce will also appear in Whole Foods Market stores in the capital at Piccadilly Circus, Stoke Newington, Richmond, Clapham Junction and Camden at the end of October and during November.
