10 innovative retail technology deployments and pilots

These retailers and brands are leading the way in providing technology and experiences that are one step ahead of their customers’ expectations.

1. Coles and Ocado Solutions

Australian retailer Coles has secured sites in Sydney and Melbourne for its first two Ocado Solutions powered customer fulfilment centres. These will commence operation in FY23.

2. Broni&Bo

British online retailer Broni&Bo is tapping 3D and augmented reality tech from Bublar Group's Sayduck subsidiary to enable customers to virtually try on bow ties.

3. Coop Estonia

Coop Estonia has deployed the Cleveron 501 robot for curbside grocery pickups.

This is capable of storing fast moving consumer goods and frozen food and has been tested for three months on the outskirts of Tallinn at Laagri Maksimarket. The two companies will now discuss further cooperation.

4. Asda

StarStock is powering a new initiative from Asda to help vulnerable and shielded customers receive food and essential items.

Closely following the launch of the former’s mypubshop platform, foodboxes.asda.com provides access to the supermarket’s new Cupboard Filler box.

5. Shinsegae Duty Free

Blockchain rewards platform MiL.k has teamed up with Seoul-based retailer Shinsegae Duty Free.

The partnership allows Shinsegae customers to connect their existing rewards accounts to the MiL.k mobile app. They can trade their Shinsegae loyalty points for the in-house cryptocurrency called MLK. This, in turn, can be exchanged for reward points of other partnering vendors.

6. Lidl

Lidl Ireland is launching a WhatsApp chatbot to help people shop at the quietest periods during the coronavirus outbreak.

7. Decathlon

Decathlon is rolling out MishiPay’s mobile self-checkout solution across its 81 German stores.

The technology is now live in stores in Berlin (Berlin Hauptbahnhof), Munich (Munich Connect), Cologne (Marsdorf), Schwetzingen and Plochingen, with more locations being added every week.

8. Superdry

Superdry has deployed 46 Hikrobots in its Burton-on-Trent distribution centre after a pilot project involving six of the robots in 2018.

Over 80,000 sq ft of the warehouse, which is operated by Clipper Logistics, is being set out with 1,000 transportable pick-wall modules and 12 pick-to-light stations to facilitate the adoption of the robots. The site will also feature QR codes on the floor for the robots to follow.