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. It’s all about the clicks, baby!
Last week, a fake Twitter account (set up by an A -level student) claimed that Woolworths was returning to UK high streets, fooling lots of people, including a number of UK national news websites.
Instead of being nostalgic for a time when Woolies ruled the retail roost, perhaps we should pine for the days when the media had reporters rather than churnalists and subs who checked copy.
2. We like you, Morrisons, you’re alright
Morrisons has become the first major UK supermarket to announce an in-store discount for teachers and school staff.
Recognising their efforts in keeping schools open during the coronavirus pandemic and ensuring key workers with children can continue to work, the 10% discount will kick off on Monday and run until 3rd January 2021. It will cover both groceries and Nutmeg clothing.
3. Is nice!
Amazon Studios’ Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, the company’s first original global tentpole, was streamed by “tens of million of customers” during its debut over the weekend, resulting in huge engagement across the Prime Video platform.
4. Be sure to check out Bookshop.org
Bookshop.org, which went live in the US earlier this year, goes online this week in partnership with more than 130 UK shops.
The aim is to unite independent book sellers to rival Amazon. With a second coronavirus lockdown looming large, the launch couldn’t have come at a better time. Use Amazon less and these guys more, we say!
5. He don’t care about the old folk
Julian Metcalfe, the founder of Pret and Itsu, has hit out at a second UK coronavirus lockdown.
“Society will not recover if we do (a coronavirus lockdown) again to save a few thousand lives of very old or vulnerable people,” he said.
A few thousand lives of very old or vulnerable people. Oh dear. You’re all heart, Julian.
Sign up for our free retail technology newsletter here.
