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. Blackwell’s
Blackwell’s and Jellybooks have received a grant from Innovate UK to create a cloud-based platform enabling booksellers to feature samples online.
The objective is to provide independent shops with digital tools that support better book discovery and wider online retailing choice for consumers.
2. Kroger
Bitcoin rewards startup Lolli has announced a partnership with Kroger.
Its users can now earn up to 1.5% Bitcoin back on grocery orders for pickup or delivery.
3. Walmart
Walmart is partnering with autonomous vehicle company Cruise to test grocery delivery in Scottsdale, Arizona.
As part of the pilot, which begins early next year, customers can place an order from their local store and have it delivered, contact-free, via one of Cruise’s all-electric self-driving cars.
4. Marks and Spencer
M&S has announced the roll-out of its checkout-free shopping technology Mobile Pay Go to all 573 of its UK stores.
This lets customers buy their groceries, up to £45, without visiting a till, using the M&S mobile app.
5. Glovo
Barcelona-based startup, Glovo, has launched a new business unit, Q-Commerce, which will focus on delivering the likes of groceries, toys, books, flowers and beauty products within cities in 30 minutes or less.
It says that this is made possible by its development of virtual dark stores - Glovo Market - that cater specifically for third parties.
6. Currys PC World
Currys PC World is adding more colleagues to its online offering ShopLive and Order & Collect service to cope with demand in the lead up to Black Friday and Christmas.
Having launched with 20 staff members in June, ShopLIve now has 800 experts to help guide customers through their tech purchases during the coronavirus outbreak, with a view to ramping this up to 2,100 by Black Friday.
7. Amazon
Amazon is expanding its Key by Amazon’s In-Garage Delivery service to more than 4,000 cities across the United States.
This lets eligible Prime members with a myQ smart garage door opener enjoy contactless package delivery inside their garage, and offers delivery confirmation by using the Key by Amazon app.
8. IBM/Kaya&Koto
IBM and Kaya&Kato, a textile company that manufactures uniforms and work wear, have developed a blockchain network for the fashion industry, with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development (BMZ).
The aim is to create transparency about the origin of garments, providing consumers with the knowledge that their clothes are sustainably produced.
9. EE
EE has tapped augmented reality tech for a new campaign starring singer-songwriter Rita Ora and actor Kevin Bacon, promoting the launch of the new Apple iPhone 12 Pro and EE’s Full Works Plan for iPhone.
