Tracking the retail technology sector during the coronavirus

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

Lowe's says that it will install pickup lockers at all US stores by the end of March 2021. Parcel Pending by Quadient is providing the locker solution for the retailer.

Supermarkets and their customers face £3.1 billion a year of tariffs on food and drink unless a free trade deal is reached between the UK and the European Union, according to the British Retail Consortium.

Homebase has launched a new showroom dedicated to kitchens and bathrooms.

Located in a redesigned Bathstore site in Guildford, the split-level facility marks the retailer’s second trial of a smaller format high street store, following the launch of two DECORATE by Homebase stores in May.

Holland & Barrett is testing out Mercaux technology to support store colleagues delivering a specialist health and wellbeing service to customers.

The Sales Assist and Omnichannel solutions (accessed by tablet devices) will be deployed to train colleagues on the endless aisle, educate on new products and reduce lost sales by offering alternatives or omnichannel options.

In response to post-coronavirus lockdown social distancing measures, Mercaux’s new Queue Scenario is also being trialled to build baskets in queues at busy stores, before being transferred to staff to fulfil. This gives customers the option to only enter the store to pay as opposed to queueing and later realising something is out of stock.

Iceland boss Richard Walker took to Twitter to call for calm as coronavirus-related panic buying stories spread across the mainstream media, Twitter et al.

Some of the media are trying their very best to stir things up. Buy all the toilet roll you like - but there’s no product shortages and certainly no need for panic buying. pic.twitter.com/vuwjUNztKt
— Richard Walker (@icelandrichard) September 22, 2020

Aldi UK has launched its first Click and Collect service.

Following a trial with staff, customers can order from a full range of products online, then collect them from the discounter’s Allendale Road store in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Huzzah! After months of uncertainty, it looks like we finally have a date for Amazon Prime Day 2020.

Various publications went live with stories last week, flagging up Tuesday, 13th October, although we should stress that Amazon has not confirmed these reports.

The ethics and actions of brands during the coronavirus pandemic have significantly impacted customer loyalty in the UK and Ireland, according to research by PFS and LiveArea.

The two surveyed 2,5000 consumers and found that 58% feel greater loyalty towards online retailers and brands that have helped people during the outbreak. 53%, meanwhile, approve of those who have demonstrated a commitment to the safety of their staff.

Co-op Group CEO Steve Murrells sent an emotional message to his 60,000 colleagues as the UK prepared for tougher coronavirus restrictions.

75% of global consumers are reporting less work due to Covid-19 and, as a result, 60% have modified purchases to focus on essential items, like food and safety products, according to research by Selligent.