The retail technology space during the coronavirus pandemic
Retail Technology Innovation Hub rounds up the key Covid-19 developments from last week.
Footfall on the UK high street surged during the first weekend after non-essential retail re-opened, according to data from Sensormatic Solutions.
However, shopper traffic remained below pre-pandemic levels, down almost a third compared to 2019.
US-based The Save Mart Companies has launched a pilot involving the Simbe Robotics autonomous inventory robot Tally.
It will deploy Tally in three Save Mart stores in the Modesto area; two Lucky California stores in Dublin and San Ramon; and two FoodMaxx locations in Modesto and Tracy.
UK-based on-demand grocery delivery business, Beelivery, has secured a £4.5 million investment.
Walkers has partnered with VCCP to launch a campaign exploring a range of reactions to the good old crisp sandwich.
UK and Amsterdam-based VC firm Finch Capital has, through Nomu Pay, acquired Wirecard APAC entities: Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand.
German parcel delivery platform startup Seven Senders has announced a Series C financing round of $40 million led by Digital+ Partners and also involving btov.
62% of Brits say a retailer’s ethics are more important to them now, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to research by payments big hitter Adyen.
Tesco has issued its 2020/21 preliminary results, with the grocery giant notching up £825 million in pre-tax profits, down from £1,028 million in the previous year.
White label engagement platform, Loyalize, has raised £250,000 in pre-seed funding as it ramps up product development and works towards a larger round later this year.
With restrictions on essential retailers lifting this past week, 60% of UK consumers plan to hit the high street once more, according to new research from Emarsys and IMRG.
The pair surveyed more than 1,000 people and also found that 16% will be going shopping more now than before the coronavirus pandemic.
Sustainable shopping startup EcoCart has raised $3 million in seed funding led by Base10 Partners' Chris Zeoli.
The number of users of software-based facial recognition to secure payments will exceed 1.4 billion globally by 2025, up from 671 million in 2020, according to Juniper Research.
This is being fuelled by its low barriers to entry, a front-facing camera and appropriate software.
The implementation of Face ID by Apple as accelerating the growth of the wider facial recognition market, despite challenges during the pandemic around face mask use.
As non-essential retailers began to reopen last week, the British Retail Consortium and its members called on the public to help create a safe and enjoyable environment for shoppers and shopworkers.
Asap has entered the booming q-commerce space.
The startup is currently delivering across London, with new locations being added on a regular basis. Products are distributed from its micro-fulfilment centres, and drivers use electric vehicles and bicycles.
