Six innovative retail technology initiatives

These retailers and brands are leading the way in providing technology and experiences that are one step ahead of their customers’ expectations.

1. Tesco

Tesco is to add free online grocery delivery to its Clubcard Plus loyalty scheme.

The move closely follows Amazon's announcement that it is offering its Amazon Fresh service to Prime subscribers, giving them free two-hour food delivery slots on orders of more than £40.

2. Walmart

Blockchain-powered gamified shopping loyalty platform StormX is now letting its users earn cashback in cryptocurrencies when shopping at Walmart.

They can earn up to 4% crypto back on purchases from the US retail giant, with Diamond members eligible to receive up to 14% on most purchases.

3. American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle Outfitters is installing 26 autonomous picking bots from Kindred AI in its US distribution centres.

The retailer has been using the artificial intelligence-powered robots at facilities in Hazleton, Pa., and Ottawa, Kan., since 2018 and is adding more to meet safety distancing standards and a rise in e-commerce sales during the coronavirus outbreak.

4. Aeon

Aeon and Ocado Solutions have announced the location for their first Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC), following the signing of a partnership last year.

Situated in Honda, Chiba, Japan, this will serve customers in Tokyo, launching in 2023.

5. Morrisons

Morrisons customers can now do their full food shop on Amazon.co.uk and get free same-day delivery on orders over £40 as part of their Prime membership.

Morrisons on Amazon launches in Leeds and will be expanded to millions of Prime members across the UK in the coming weeks.

6. Klarna

Buy now, pay later big hitter Klarna has announced its first virtual festival.

Klarnival will take place between 20th and 23rd August and will “celebrate the performing arts industry and the UK’s passion for homegrown talent and festivals”.

It will host themed events, competitions and masterclasses across beauty, fashion, outdoors and tech. This will include festival styling masterclasses with a fashion stylist from New Look, and how to transform your garden into a VIP worthy glamping experience with GoOutdoors and Comet.