The latest coronavirus related retail technology news
Retail Technology Innovation Hub rounds up the key Covid-19 developments from last week.
24% of retailers plan to close physical stores in 2021 and two thirds of shoppers don’t expect to visit the high street this year, according to research by Brightpearl.
With the UK in its third coronavirus lockdown, year-on-year UK retail footfall decreased by 76.9% in January, a 30.8 percentage point worsening from December.
This is the largest drop in UK footfall since May 2020 (-81.6%). according to the BRC and ShopperTrak.
UK shoppers are missing in-store experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. They are also want more convenience from online retailers, according to research from Fresh Relevance.
The company surveyed 2,000 people and found that 40% miss not being able to touch and try products before making a purchase.
Computop is providing a contactless payment function for CEWE photo stations situated in many Boots’ stores around the UK and Ireland.
These devices enable customers to transfer photos from smartphones so they can be printed out. 2,200 photo stations will feature the Computop solution.
Capgemini Invent has partnered with SharpEnd on the launch of a new interactive retail store, CornerShop.
Located on the ground floor of The Drum Labs in Shoreditch, London, this taps various technologies to reimagine food, drink and fashion experiences.
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.
Only 28% of Brits believe companies now deliver an improved digital experience compared to before the coronavirus pandemic, according to research by VMware.
78% of UK consumers are concerned about visiting attractions in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to research by Omnico Group.
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.
Dixons Carphone is stumping up £1 million for disadvantaged pupils, parents and teachers as part of the retailer’s efforts to tackle digital poverty in the UK.
The business behind Currys PC World and Carphone Warehouse has teamed with The Learning Foundation, and the cash will go to the charity’s Digital Access For All (DAFA) programme to support digital learning.
Former Just Eat CEO David Buttress is joining the board of Egypt-based food discovery and ordering platform, elmenus, and making an undisclosed investment in the company.
British fashion retailer, Monsoon Accessorize, has partnered with Astound Commerce for a digital makeover.
Two-thirds of European retailers believe self-scanning solutions will give consumers confidence to return to physical stores after coronavirus lockdowns, according to research by Scandit.
Dominic Rose has left social shopping app Depop, where he served as Chief Operating Officer, “after an epic 2.5 years that has seen explosive growth, expansion of the team from 85 to over 400 and a global pandemic”.
SamCart, a US-based e-commerce platform pitched at direct to consumer brands, has announced a $10 million Series A funding round led by TTV Capital.
Asos and boohoo paid just £48.1 million tax on £4.5 billion sales last year, according to a report by The Sunday Times.
That compares with the £160 million in business rates paid by Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia Group and Debenhams, whose brands the aforementioned online fast fashion giants are set to snap up.
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