Eight 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. BWG Foods

MishiPay has launched its Scan, Pay & Go mobile self-checkout solution in Ireland with BWG Foods.

A pilot scheme will see the tech being tested out at two locations within the retailer’s estate: SPAR Cherrywood in Dublin and Londis Newcastle in Galway.

2. Marks and Spencer

M&S is tapping Doddle technology for two new Click and Collect trials: in-store contactless collection (at its Hempstead Valley, Camberley & Longbridge stores) and drive-up collection (at Camberley).

3. Tesco

Tesco Technology, which is in the process of building Tesco Connect, is looking for a Software Development Engineer III to join its team.

Tesco Connect is an application which enables both the retailer's supply chain business team and suppliers to manage the demand and supply of all products across its stores and depots globally.

4. Lidl Ireland

Lidl Ireland has expanded its home delivery partnership with Buymie.

As a result, customers can now have their full shop delivered in Cork City, as well as Dublin, Bray, Greystones, Leixlip, Maynooth and Celbridge. They just need to download the Buymie Android or iPhone app now and they can get products delivered in as little as an hour.

5. JD.com

UK startup Everledger has partnered with Chinese retailer JD.com, and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), on an online diamond purchases project.

Through blockchain interoperability technology, the Everledger platform syncs GIA diamond grading information to the JD Blockchain Anti-counterfeiting and Tracing Platform, and provides customers with independently verified diamond certificates and origin information through the JD.com app, as well as on the retailer's mobile and desktop websites.

6. George at Asda

George at Asda has partnered with Sorted on a trial aimed at providing real-time order updates for its customers.

Sorted’s REACT platform will notify people of any issues with their delivery and automatically refer them to the customer service team.

7. Alimerka

Cimcorp has landed a deal to automate the distribution of fresh produce for Spanish grocery retailer, Alimerka.

Robotic systems at the company's Lugo de Llanera distribution centre, just north of Oviedo, will serve all 173 of Alimerka’s stores across Northwest Spain, as well as another dozen or so customers of its fresh produce distribution subsidiary, Codefrut.

8. Facebook

Facebook has announced several new e-commerce features both within its main app and on Instagram.

This includes the social media giant testing a section called Facebook Shop. Like Instagram Shop, it’s a place where you can find products from various businesses (it's different from Facebook Marketplace as that is designed for peer-to-peer sales).