The five most important retail tech news stories of the week

It’s almost the Easter weekend, 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 few days.

1. Boots deploys Nike cobots during coronavirus outbreak

Nike has lent Boots nine of its cobots (collaborative robots) to help the retailer’s warehouse staff keep picking and packing for customers as the coronavirus intensifies.

2. Tesco is working on a £45 contactless payments limit rise

Tesco is updating its tills as it eyes an increase in the contactless payments limit during the coronavirus outbreak. The new £45 limit has been operational at some other UK retailers since 1st April.

3. UK retailers set for disappointing Easter as coronavirus looms large

Brits will spend £902 million on Easter this year, according to research by shopping comparison site finder.com that involved 2,000 people.

4. Alipay looks to support Wuhan businesses hit by coronavirus

Alipay, a mobile commerce platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, has announced a series of initiatives to support small businesses in Wuhan as the city emerges from coronavirus lockdown.

5. GMB slams Asos fat cats and calls for coronavirus shutdown

The GMB union has stepped up its word of wars with Asos, labelling bosses ‘fatcats’ and accusing them of “revelling in extravagant profits while workers risk their safety to keep the empire afloat”.