The five most important retail tech news stories of the week
It’s Friday, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful week for the retail technology space. Here's your briefing on the most important and interesting stories from the past few days.
1. Klarna Laybuy welcome Woolard Review BNPL regulation move
Buy now, pay later big hitters Klarna and Laybuy have responded to the publication of The Woolard Review into the unsecured credit market.
As part of the review, interest free buy now, pay later credit agreements will be regulated by the FCA, after rapidly increasing in popularity due in no small part to the coronavirus pandemic driving shoppers online.
By regulating the products, consumers will be able to seek recourse with the Financial Ombudsman Service, should they have a complaint.
2. End of an era as Jeff Bezos steps down from running Amazon
Amazon Founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, will transition to the role of Executive Chair in the e-commerce giant’s Q3 this year.
Amazon Web Services Chief Andy Jassy will become CEO at that time.
Bezos goes out on a high note, with Amazon reporting record revenues for its core Christmas quarter, topping $100 billion for the first time as the coronavirus pandemic powered a surge in online shopping.
4. Amazon steps up Rivian electric delivery vans trial
Amazon’s electric Rivian vans will start making deliveries in 16 US cities this year.
These are already delivering to customers in Los Angeles.
Amazon plans to expand its testing to 15 more (unnamed) cities this year, as it eyes a fleet of 10,000 vehicles by 2022.
5. Carrefour puts faith in Pricer electronic shelf labels system
Carrefour has chosen Pricer as its preferred electronic shelf labels supplier.
Pricer will equip and upgrade in-store communication and management systems in all store formats across France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Romania, Poland, Brazil, Argentina and Taiwan.