Ten retail technology investments you need to know about
These retailers and brands are leading the way in providing technology and experiences that are one step ahead of their customers’ expectations.
1. Marks and Spencer
M&S has launched a video chat service for online shoppers, linking them to sofa experts in-store.
It partnered with Go InStore and Appointedd on this.
2. BitPay
Blockchain payments venture BitPay has announced that its US prepaid Mastercard users can now connect with Apple Pay for purchases.
Google and Samsung Pay integrations are also in the works.
3. Post Office
Post Office has partnered with Yoti on the roll-out of new digital identity services both online and in-branch.
This includes an app that will combine customers’ personal data and biometrics to create a reusable ID on their phone, and in-branch services for those who do not have access to a smartphone or who prefer face to face contact.
4. Carrefour UAE
After deploying its first Simbe Robotics’ Tally robot in 2019, Carrefour UAE is now adding 11 more across select stores to support with stock management and control.
Tally is the first robot to be employed in the Middle East retail sector.
It is equipped with cameras and sensors that makes it capable of scanning up to 15,000 products, three times a day, checking for any stock errors, such as out of stock items, price mismatch, wrong barcodes, or stock misplacement.
5. Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty has launched a MatchMe digital foundation finder, powered by AI technology.
This has been developed in partnership with MIME (Make It My Experience).
6. Skinnydip London
Skinnydip London says that it has used Nosto technology to increase average online store visit value by 16% and sales conversions by 15%.
It has implemented a merchandising solution available through Nosto’s AI powered Commerce Experience Platform to automatically optimise the way it displays and ranks products on category pages based on real-time customer behaviour and onsite performance data.
7. Irgen Retail Management
Irgen Retail Management, a developer of shopping centres, retail parks and outlets in Italy, has selected Coniq’s geo-loyalty solution, IQ Connect.
It is looking to increase turnover by 10% this year at Cilento Outlet Village when normal footfall returns after Covid-19.
8. Ahold Delhaize USA
Ahold Delhaize, the third largest grocery retailer in the US, is to build an automated e-commerce fulfilment centre in Philadelphia.
This will be able to prepare 15,000 online delivery orders a week for customers of its Giant Direct business.
The facility will leverage AutoStore microfulfilment technology via a Swisslog solution, and will also tap manual picking capabilities courtesy of Ahold Delhaize’s Peapod Digital Labs initiative.
9. Lidl Sweden
Einride and Lidl Sweden are commencing operation of a warehouse to store electric transport system that has been in development since April of last year.
All electric trucks will operate from Rosersberg outside Stockholm.
Equipped with Einride's control and monitoring software, they will travel 324 km per day, making deliveries to five stores in the Stockholm region, with an average of 104 pallets per store.
10. Furniture Village
Furniture Village has opened a virtual store.
Using Matterport technology, it has mapped the inside of its Guildford branch, allowing customers to ‘walk’ around the store and look at products. Clicking on a product opens another web page showing further information.
