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’ll be a very digital Xmas, but don’t underestimate the importance of stores

I told the BBC back in Sept that it would be a very digital Christmas for retailers. Now it’s looking like an almost exclusively digital Christmas.

But don’t underestimate the importance of stores, even when closed. #clickandcollect https://t.co/9uVe4qBOQ1
— Natalie Berg (@Natalie_Berg) November 2, 2020

2. Remember local book shops during the coronavirus lockdown

Please remember your local bookshops over lockdown - whether they're a chain or an indie they would desperately appreciate an online order to keep them going until they can open up again in Dec. If they don't have a website, order from https://t.co/9acQxramnx to support them.
— Adam Kay (@amateuradam) October 31, 2020

3. And also remember our beleaguered pub retailers and brewers

We’re sad to close our pubs in England but hopefully not for long. Right now it’s important everyone plays their part to keep people safe – our teams have been amazing this week closing pubs down safely. We hope to see you all soon for a freshly-poured drink and Christmas cheer🍻 pic.twitter.com/aMQC06HZVG
— Greene King (@greeneking) November 5, 2020

4. Walmart has a supply chain designed for a company stuck in the 80s

“Where are the big ideas for transforming the supply chain? Where are the AutoStore, Fabric, Attabotics, Exotec and/or Alert Innovation micro-fulfilment centres in your stores and dark stores, Walmart?” former Amazon exec Brittain Ladd said in this RTIH article.

Humans rule as #Walmart bins Bossa Nova Robotics #robotics #retailtech #retailtechnology @Brittain_Ladd @gtfsheff https://t.co/5jK41lcPHp
— RTIH (@RTIH_RetailTech) November 3, 2020

5. M&S is putting the x in Xmas

Who wants a bite of Santa’s Yumnut? Oooerrrr! Fnarr, fnarr etc etc.

Who wants a bite of Santa’s Yumnut™? Our yum yum-doughnut hybrids have been given a Christmassy makeover, with delicious flaky pastry layers and a sweet Santa’s belt topping. Find them in our in store bakery. pic.twitter.com/BcWwxOo26r
— M&S (@marksandspencer) November 5, 2020