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.

Press Release: we’ve published a review of the future regulation of the unsecured credit market by Christopher Woolard CBE, our former Interim Chief Executive https://t.co/DIZHZRlkd7 pic.twitter.com/YBtVNlh4mH
— Financial Conduct Authority (@TheFCA) February 2, 2021

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.

https://t.co/IF9Fior6HI Announces Financial Results and CEO Transition https://t.co/lN3MShbiwD
— Amazon News (@amazonnews) February 2, 2021

3. Ocado Zoom trials green electric assisted delivery vehicles

Ocado is testing out electric and pedal-powered vehicles to deliver groceries.

The trial is operated by its Zoom rapid delivery service and is based out of the retailer’s flagship site in Acton, west London.

Check out our new green electric assisted vehicles which we are currently testing. Snap a pic and tweet us if you see one out on the roads in #westlondon pic.twitter.com/ceNYEuCAn5
— Ocado Zoom (@OcadoZoom) February 2, 2021

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.