Ten 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. Asda
Asda has launched a wine recommendation kiosk at its innovation store in Stevenage.
Customers answer a few questions on their likes and dislikes and then, using AI, the display will identify wines to suit their palate.
2. AliExpress
Alibaba Group’s online marketplace AliExpress has launched a money saving and social commerce initiative called Bonus Buddies.
This enables users to earn instant rewards upon getting a friend to register on AliExpress. They can withdraw these for their next purchase once they have hit the value of 20 Euros.
3. Tesco
Tesco will shortly go live with its first urban fulfilment centre (UFC) as it looks to capitalise on the coronavirus powered online shopping boom.
4. Instacart
Instacart has entered the convenience store space with a 7-Eleven partnership.
Its same-day delivery service will roll-out in phases to more than 7,000 7-Eleven US stores over the coming weeks. It has thus far launched in 750 locations in the Dallas, Miami, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., metropolitan markets.
5. The Co-op
The Co-op has partnered with startup Pinga to offer zero emission online grocery deliveries in East London.
Over 500 of the convenience retailer’s products will initially be available through Pinga’s app, serving up to one million people living close to five stores located in Hackney, Stepney and Stoke Newington.
6. Dolls Kill
US startup Vop is powering a solution for Dolls Kill that connects TikTok data with the business intelligence platform Looker.
According to Vop founder Mike Angell, the move gives the online fashion brand “an edge to discover data and insights other brands are missing”.
7. H&M Group
H&M Group has deployed a smart vending machine from Social Vend at its & Other Stories store in Galeries Lafayette, Paris.
This sells some of its beauty products, including hand soap, hand cream and perfume. The plan is to roll-out the machines more widely in 2021 following a pilot.
8. Amazon
Amazon is developing its Amazon Scout vehicles for use in the UK following the coronavirus powered boom in online shopping. Work is taking place at its Cambridge centre.
9. Just Eat
Just Eat has added Bitcoin payment support for its France subsidiary.
The venture has partnered with Bitpay on this, with the initiative covering 15,000 restaurants across France.
10. Gaia Design
Mexican furniture retailer, Gaia Design, has gone live with new Stickers technology from startup Hullabalook.
The aim here is to recreate the showroom experience that has been lost due to Covid-19. Gaia Design used the tech to launch Sketchbuilder, which allows you to visualise your space with 2D stickers and share or buy products on any device.
