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. Walmart names Jamie Iannone as deputy to e-commerce boss Marc Lore
Jamie Iannone is taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer for US E-commerce at Walmart.
Iannone, who joined Walmart in 2014, previously ran the web, membership and marketing operations of the retailer’s wholesale subsidiary Sam’s Club, according to a memo obtained by Bloomberg News. He will report to US E-commerce President and CEO Marc Lore and to new US CEO John Furner.
2. Target aims to play retail tech offence
Target plans to continue its significant investment in technology, supply chain and new stores, its new CFO has said.
3. Amazon speeds up same day deliveries in select US cities
Amazon has installed “mini-fulfilment centres” closer to where customers live in Philadelphia, Phoenix, Orlando, and Dallas. These allow the e-commerce giant to reduce same-day delivery times down to just a few hours for Prime members.
4. Ant Financial Group invests in PayTech firm Klarna
Alibaba Group’s Ant Financial Services Group, owner and operator of Alipay, has taken a minority stake in Swedish buy now, pay later specialist Klarna.
5. Boots pulls Advantage Card payments as cyber crooks swoop
Boots has suspended payments using Advantage Card points in stores and online after a cyber attack. The incident closely follows a similar issue that hit 600,000 Tesco Clubcard holders.
