The five most important retail tech news stories of the week

It’s Friday, the week is nearly done, 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 five days.

1. John Lewis backs IT outsourcing model with Wipro deal

John Lewis Partnership is shaking up its technology operations via a new partnership with Wipro.

This will see the latter take over IT infrastructure services for the retailer, with 244 non-customer facing John Lewis employees being transferred to Wipro later this year under TUPE regulations, a measure that acts to preserve staff members’ terms and conditions during a switch of employer.

2. Retail tech key as Sainsbury's business changes fundamentally

Sainsbury’s has paid tribute to the strength and flexibility of its digital and technology platforms during the coronavirus outbreak.

The grocery giant said this week that total first quarter sales increased by 8.5% as it beat expectations despite the pandemic. Although it was forecasting a £500 million profit hit due to crisis-related costs, stronger grocery sales and business rates relief would offset the shortfall, it added.

3. Brits happy with retailer coronavirus efforts

53% of Brits feel that retailers are doing enough to protect the public from coronavirus, with only 9% disagreeing, according to research from the BRC and Opinium.

4. Major retailers team up to combat climate change

Twenty retailers, including Amazon, Boots UK, Ikea, Next, M&S and Ocado, have signed a declaration to tackle the causes of climate change.  

5. Marks and Spencer overhauls Sparks loyalty scheme

M&S has written to its seven million Sparks members to let them know the loyalty scheme will now be ‘digital first’.

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