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 some of the most important and interesting stories from the past five days.

1. UK retailers combat coronavirus with contactless payments

The contactless limit for in-store card transactions is increasing from £30 to £45. 

This is in response to the coronavirus epidemic, with the aim of reducing the need for physical contact with PIN-Entry Devices (PEDs) at points of sale.  

2. Coronavirus to take a huge chunk out of UK retail spend

The impact of coronavirus will wipe £12.6 billion from retail sales this year, according to GlobalData. 

3. Cash takes a major hit as stores close due to coronavirus

Cash usage in Britain has halved in just a few days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

4. UK supermarkets feel the pressure as coronavirus sparks online ordering frenzy

Ocado, Sainsbury’, Tesco et al have been struggling as huge numbers of customers try to order food online.

5. Next big thing in grocery retail is AR, says former Amazon exec

Check out our interview with Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant who has also worked at Amazon, Deloitte and Capgemini, here.

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