Tracking the retail technology sector during the coronavirus

Retail Technology Innovation Hub rounds up the key Covid-19 developments from last week.

John Lewis says that its Click & Collect delivery and returns service will be available in over 500 Co-op food stores by the end of the summer.

Asda is testing out autonomous floor cleaning robots at three of its stores.

These are based on machines built by Tennant Company, which are fitted with artificial intelligence systems from Brain Corp.

Walmart is asking customers to use debit and credit cards instead of cash during the coronavirus outbreak as it grapples with a US-wide coin shortage.

Without further government action, retailers in London’s West End are facing £5 billion sales losses and 50,000 job cuts.

That’s according to New West End Company, which represents 600 businesses across Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street and Mayfair. Its research shows that in the first full month of non-essential retail reopening, the West End welcomed 5.1 million visitors since 15th June, down 73% year-on-year.

The Watches of Switzerland Group has launched a By Personal Appointment service.

PayTech big hitter Adyen has announced a partnership with Greater Manchester arts venue, The Lowry, and its ticketing agency, Quaytickets.

This will give The Lowry and Quaytickets a single payment solution online and across the 40 other venues that the former operates on behalf of.

Asos sales rose sharply during the early months of the coronavirus outbreak.

The fast fashion retailer said revenues grew by 10% to £1 billion in the four months ending June, with a significant acceleration following a sales decline of up to 25% when lockdown measures came into play during March.

Shake Shack has launched Click and Collect ordering as part of its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Powered by QikServe’s Preoday product, the service will initially be available at its London locations in Brent Cross, Canary Wharf, Mansion House, Stratford, Tottenham Court Road and Victoria.

US shoppers want more voice-activated demos, augmented reality try-ons and mobile-activated self-checkout options in post-pandemic retail environments, according to research by Outform.

June saw a return to growth in UK retail sales, primarily driven by online as a result of coronavirus lockdown measures being eased and pent up demand being released, according to research by the BRC and KPMG.

Despite footfall still being well below pre-outbreak levels, average spend was up as consumers made the most of their occasional shopping trips. On a total basis, sales increased by 3.4% in June, against a decrease of 1.6% in June 2019. This was the highest since May 2018.

Beekeeper, a communication and operations platform designed for frontline workers, has announced a $10 million extension on its Series B round.