Ten retail tech investments that should be on your radar
These retailers and brands are leading the way in providing technology and experiences that are one step ahead of their customers’ expectations.
1. Cleveron
Cleveron has launched a space efficient indoor parcel robot pitched at PUDOs, kiosks and small stores.
2. The Kessler Collection
The Kessler Collection, an American luxury hotel brand, has begun accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a payment option.
It has partnered on this with BitPay.
3. Blackwell’s
Jellybooks has partnered with book retailer Blackwell’s to exclusively showcase six new debut titles.
An interactive window display was unveiled this month at Blackwell’s flagship store on Oxford’s Broad Street.
People can scan QR codes in the window display while on their daily coronavirus lockdown walk to start reading the new titles.
At the same time, those based anywhere in the world can enjoy these first looks and thousands of other titles online, thanks to Jellybooks’ new cloud platform for book excerpts and audiobook snippets, DISCOVERY.
4. Made
Online furniture retailer, Made, has become the first European brand to launch a Pinterest Trend Badge campaign based on an insight from the social media venture’s Predicts 2021 report.
With a focus on those looking to improve their sleep environment and invest more in their bedrooms, Made opted for the “Invest in Rest” trend and commissioned Matthew Spade, Editor and lifestyle blogger, to bring to life his minimalist bedroom makeover, featuring the pureplay’s products.
5. Walmart
Walmart has hosted a second shoppable livestreaming event on social video app TikTok, focusing on beauty products, including L'Oréal's Maybelline and NYX Cosmetics brands, Bliss, The Lip Bar, Kim Kimble and Marc Jacobs fragrances.
The retailer’s Spring Shop-Along: Beauty Edition let viewers order products directly from its TikTok channel.
6. Amazon
Amazon has continued its UK bricks and mortar push with the opening of an Amazon Fresh store at Wembley Park, London.
It’s the second such convenience store to offer Just Walk Out Shopping tech in the UK, which was pioneered at the Amazon Go offering in the States.
7. Starbucks
Starbucks has begun offering in all US stores a free service called Aira.
This connects blind and low vision people to trained visual interpreters who provide access to information through a third-party smartphone app.
8. Flying Tiger Copenhagen
Flying Tiger Copenhagen has launched MishiPay’s mobile self-checkout solution.
Using the technology, customers at 30 stores in Denmark, Norway and Sweden can now scan and pay using their smartphones, leaving them free to exit without having to wait in line at a conventional checkout.
9. Ahold Delhaize USA
Quotient has launched a new promotion amplification tool as part of its Retailer Performance Media Platform.
Ahold Delhaize USA’s digital, e-commerce and commercial engine, Peapod Digital Labs, partnered with Quotient on the solution and Ahold Delhaize USA’s local brands are the first to offer it through the AD Retail Media platform.
