Five retail tech things we learned last week
RTIH takes a not always serious look back at another eventful week for the retail technology space.
1. Tech innovation is great, but people still matter
Retail could be on the verge of running out of inspiring ‘from the shop floor to the boardroom’ stories as technology and digital strategies transform the space.
That’s the view of Andy Clarke, who served as Asda CEO from 2010 to 2016, until being replaced by Sean Clarke (no relation), the head of parent company Walmart’s operations in China.
We’ve enjoyed listening to all this morning’s speakers at @retailTRUST’s #forthefour virtual event but the standout has to be the captivating session with Andy Clarke, Chairman of Newton, whose insight into recent & future #retail trends leaves us very excited for the future. pic.twitter.com/UmVhfBqZei
— T21 Training (@T21Training) October 19, 2020
2. Our politicians have lost the plot
Supermarkets in Wales have cordoned off 'non-essential items' in line with government guidance.
A great example of politicians making policy based on how it will play out on social media.
Dumb beyond belief. https://t.co/C9xlZNmbvv
— Scott Thompson (@ScottThomps74) October 24, 2020
3. It’s not all doom and gloom on UK high streets
Geek Retreat is set to open 100 new stores on UK high streets over the next two years, creating around 600 jobs.
The retailer, which launched in 2013 and currently has 14 stores, attributes much of its success to the popularity of ‘geeky’ franchises such as Marvel and Stranger Things.
Another high street good news story: Scottish gaming retailer Geek Retreat (currently 14 UK stores) plan to open another 100 stores over the next two years. The stores combine retail space with cafes and gaming and events areas.
— Jonathan De Mello (@DeMelloRetail) October 19, 2020
4. Let’s support independent book and record shops during these tough times
“Buy books from people who want to sell books, not colonize the moon” pic.twitter.com/z1Rd35bkG8
— kevinchesters (@hairychesters) October 15, 2020
We made a list of over 100 independent record shops who are taking orders online. They need us more than ever, and we definitely need them https://t.co/PG1Mrm5cbR pic.twitter.com/v8Xb2L2uNC
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) October 21, 2020
5. The PoS market could be about to heat up
The hottest, most interesting battlefield between fintech and incumbents in the next few years will not be the app but at the POS, both consumer and merchant side of ithttps://t.co/rSLV2SLAkS
— Shaul David (@ShaulDavidUK) October 21, 2020