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 the most important and interesting stories from the past five days.
1. LINK and PayPoint launch free cash withdrawals pilot
UK ATM cash machine network, LINK, and PayPoint, an in-store payment services and ATM provider, have begun a trial enabling consumers to take out cash in smaller shops without paying a fee.
More than 1,500 cash withdrawals and 165 balance enquiries have thus far been made with an average withdrawal size of £26.80.
2. Co-op brings Starship delivery robots to Northampton
Co-op is expanding its use of autonomous home delivery in partnership with Starship Technologies.
It plans to use around 300 of Starship’s robots by the end of 2021 as it looks for more towns and cities to operate autonomous deliveries after launching in Milton Keynes, and now Northampton.
3. Ocado and Kroger expand partnership and prep new CFC
Ocado and Kroger have announced plans to construct a new customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in the south region of the USA, alongside a roll-out of Ocado's in-store fulfilment software across Kroger stores, beginning in 2021.
The new facility will measure 200,000 square feet. Exact location and construction dates will be announced soon.
4. Next at Morrisons collect and return tie up goes live
Next has partnered with Morrisons to trial Click & Collect delivery and return pods in the latter’s supermarket car parks.
5. Nectar360 teams with CitrusAd on online retail media platform
Nectar360, part of Sainsbury’s, is working with CitrusAd on a platform that enables brands and ad agencies to launch targeted sponsored product, banner advertising and reporting and analytics across Sainsburys.co.uk.
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