Tracking the retail technology sector during the coronavirus
Retail Technology Innovation Hub rounds up the key Covid-19 developments from last week.
In preparation for the reopening of stores today, the British Retail Consortium, along with 25 retailers, including M&S, Poundland and Dixons Carphone, has launched five steps to encourage considerate shopping.
The UK government backed High Streets Task Force has announced new training, advice and online resources for high streets in England.
Currys PC World has announced a phased reopening of 131 of its stores, with these locations initially being used as Tech Help Hubs.
Research from buy now, pay later specialist Laybuy has revealed how UK consumers are preparing to return to bricks and mortar stores this week.
The company surveyed 2,000 people. As coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased and non-essential retailers reopen their stores, Brits are planning to avoid peak times, cited by 46% of the respondents, and use contactless payments only for purchases (40%).
Irish department store chain, Shaws, is to implement Eurostop’s mobile PoS solution to support social distancing in-store as coronavirus lockdown guidelines are eased.
EE will be deploying a virtual queueing system as it reopens its English stores this week.
Starbucks is speeding up plans to upgrade its US store portfolio as it looks to bounce back from the outbreak.
Over the next 18 months, it will increase its focus on drive-thru and curbside pickup options, as well as mobile order only Starbucks Pickup locations in dense markets, including New York City, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco.
UK consumers remain deeply cautious about returning to the shops, according to research from EY.
Its survey of 1,017 Brits found that 80% would be uncomfortable trying on clothes in a store. Even though visiting a supermarket has remained a necessity for many people during the coronavirus lockdown, only a quarter currently feel comfortable going.
Likes and followers are set to be more valuable as retailers increasingly rely on social media in a post-Covid-19, says GlobalData.
72% of UK retailers are suffering from supply and logistical issues during the Covid-19 crisis, according to research from Opinium and LiveArea involving 500 business managers.
Total UK retail sales decreased by 5.9% in May, against a slump of 1.9% in May 2019, according to research from the BRC and KPMG.
O2 is using virtual queuing technology and new store design to reopen its stores in Northern Ireland.
26% of UK supermarkets have experienced incidences of staff abuse from customers during the coronavirus pandemic, according to research by Shepper.
Online electricals retailer, AO, has opened a new distribution warehouse in Crewe, its third in the town.
Dunelm is testing out virtual shopping appointments.
The new service is being offered via its Redditch and Erdington stores and is available to customers across the UK. The aim is to make it easy for customers to browse in-store from their homes via a video call with a staff member.
For the first time in its 175 year history, The Co-op has completed its AGM as a digital only event.
