Tracking the retail technology sector during the coronavirus

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

Online electricals retailer, AO, has announced the creation of 650 new jobs across the UK in its retail, mobile, tech, financial services and logistics divisions.

The coronavirus pandemic has given a massive boost to UK convenience stores, helping the market grow by more than double the rate achieved in 2019.

UK cash management specialist, Loomis, reports a significant increase in the number of retailers accepting cash again and a rise in the amount of notes and coins being used by consumers since the coronavirus lockdown eased, non-essential retailers re-opened and the Eat Out to Help Out scheme started.

A new Waitrose report shines a light on how the coronavirus outbreak has turned the UK into a nation of online shoppers.

Based on OnePoll research of 2,000 Brits (not just Waitrose customers), it found that 77% of people now do at least some of their grocery shopping online, compared to 61% a year ago.

Tesco Mobile is partnering with charity Crisis for two years to shine a light on the impact of digital exclusion on homelessness.

It will donate £700,000 worth of phones, devices and connectivity in the first year of the tie up. The public will also be able to get involved in the campaign by providing their old smartphone or donating directly to Crisis.

Amazon is set to create 3,500 new tech and corporate jobs across six cities in the United States.

It's a notable move amid a coronavirus outbreak that has caused many companies to freeze hiring, while unemployment claims have soared across the country.

90% of UK consumers will conduct their back to school shopping online this year, with the majority making purchases in August, according to research from Rakuten Advertising.

Domino’s Pizza is looking to hire about 20,000 new team members in the US.

Job openings include delivery drivers, customer service representatives, managers and assistant managers. The retailer's supply chain centres are also on the hunt for production and warehouse team members, as well as CDL drivers.

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.