Six 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. KFC Middle East

Kentucky Fried Chicken has announced a blockchain pilot across the Middle East for its digital advertising and media buying.

The company is also looking to address issues like security and privacy of advertisers, publishers and consumers.

2. Dixons Carphone

Dixons Carphone has worked on drive through and zero contact stores, as well as livestreaming its sales assistants during the coronavirus pandemic.

The ShopLive service, developed with Go Instore, connects customers with employees at Currys PC World via a video link.

3. Tesco

Tesco CTO Guus Dekkers and CEO Dave Lewis have praised the grocery giant’s technology team for their hard work during the coronavirus outbreak.

4. Asos

Asos has ramped up its use of augmented reality technology to simulate real-life model photography in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Using technology developed by Israeli firm Zeekit and trialled at the start of the year in See My Fit, the pureplay will be offering customers a simulated view of up to 500 products each week on six real life models.

5. SHEIN

Online retailer SHEIN is hosting its first ever digital entertainment festival, SHEIN Together.

This will take place on 9th May and run for four hours. It will be streamed via SHEIN’s app, with the aim of supporting and raising awareness and donations for the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organisation (WHO), powered by the United Nations Foundation.

6. Waitrose

Waitrose is opening a six acre customer fulfilment centre in Enfield, North London, as it looks to double its online grocery orders in the capital by September.

The site is creating 370 new jobs, building to 850 when at full capacity, by which time it will be adding 13,000 weekly delivery slots for London customers.