Tracking the retail technology sector during the coronavirus
Retail Technology Innovation Hub rounds up the key COVID-19 developments from last week.
Dutch startup Crobox emerged as the winner of the LVMH Innovation Award 2020. It was one of 30 startups shortlisted for the fourth edition of its challenge, which was an online-only affair due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The British public’s perception of retail staff has improved since the pandemic began, according to research by the BRC and Opinium.
2,002 people were surveyed between 26th and 29th June, with 35% saying their view of retail employees has improved, compared with 3% who say it’s got worse (62% stayed the same or unsure).
Prior to Covid-19, retailers were already moving towards mobile-first shopping, with phones being used to link the in-store and digital experience. The pandemic has pressed fast forward on this transformation, opening up both challenges and opportunities for retailers.
Walmart is converting 160 of its US store parking lots into drive-in cinemas.
Just 16% of UK consumers intend to return to their old shopping habits post-coronavirus lockdown, according to research from Wunderman Thompson Commerce.
Older consumers could drive economic growth in the post-coronavirus pandemic recovery, but business is failing to meet their needs, according to a new report by the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC).
Sainsbury’s has paid tribute to the strength and flexibility of its digital and technology platforms during the coronavirus outbreak.
The grocery giant said last 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.
Online stationery retailer Papier is using Kameleoon’s AI driven personalisation and A/B testing platform.
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.
Irish e-commerce venture Scurri has announced a €1.5 million investment round. This involved existing investors and associates including Act Venture Capital, Episode 1 and Pa Nolan and brings the company’s total funding to €8.5 million.
Lost Stock, a fashion initiative set up in the wake of Covid-19 to save lives in Bangladesh, has launched kidswear boxes.
For £35, customers receive a personalised selection of childrenswear stock (cancelled by high street retailers) direct from manufacturers. Each purchase supports a family in Bangladesh for one week.
Domino’s Pizza has launched a carside delivery service Stateside.
Customers can choose the option when placing a prepaid online order, with the offering available from 4-9 pm in stores across the US.
Waitrose has announced a third London-based online centre as it looks to boost shopping slots in and around the capital.
The centre, in Greenford, West London, will be opened and operated with logistics company Wincanton and potentially could be up and running by December of this year.
