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. Alibaba Group
Alibaba Group is this month rolling out its Xiaomanlv logistics robots to 15 universities in China.
Students can set a pick-up time to get deliveries to their dorms.
Xiaomanlv, which means little donkey, made its debut last year, tapping the artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology of Alibaba’s research and innovation institute DAMO Academy.
2. JD
JD.com has revealed plans to help nearly 100 fresh produce markets in Shanghai go digital.
A pilot programme, the result of a partnership between JD Fresh, Shanghai Municipal Government and Beijing Rally Data Software, launched in March.
Using JD’s omnichannel fulfilment service, people will be able to access fresh produce online via JD and get their orders delivered in as quickly as one hour.
3. Paradies Lagardère
Paradies Lagardère has introduced MishiPay’s Scan, Pay & Go technology in the US airport market.
The solution is being rolled out at the Univision travel essentials store at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Charlotte Gifts & News store at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
4. Cox & Cox
UK homeware e-commerce brand Cox & Cox is promoting its use of Hullabalook’s Stickers technology via an instagram competition.
5. GANT
Clothing brand, GANT, which has over 750 stores in 80 countries, is close to completing a roll-out of Cegid Retail’s Unified Commerce Platform across Europe.
The cloud-based Point of Sale and merchandising solution has recently been added in France and goes live in the UK in March.
6. Travis Perkins
Travis Perkins, a UK-based supplier of materials to the building and construction industry, has launched “an industry first” Android and iPhone app.
7. TopPharm
TopPharm has selected Advertima to implement its artificial intelligence solution with 240 digital screens in 120 pharmacies in Switzerland by June.
It says that this makes it the first pharmacy brand offering offline media space with real-time targeting capabilities and performance-based pricing models for its supplier brands and other advertisers.
8. Missguided
InPost has launched a QR code online returns solution.
The Instant Returns service means that there is no need to print a label at home or at the drop-off point.
Shoppers scan a QR code on their mobile at an InPost locker and put the parcel inside.
Missguided is one of the first UK retailers to introduce the offering to its customers.
9. Ted Baker
Ted Baker has become the first British fashion brand to launch a culture platform on invitation only audio-chat iPhone app Clubhouse.
10. Crew Clothing
British retailer Crew Clothing has selected Origin from Retail247 as its PIM platform.
Richard Surman, Head of IT at Crew Clothing, says: “Origin's comprehensive functional breadth, its modern, scalable, technology and its retail pedigree made our solution choice an easy and unanimous one.”
