This week's five most important retail technology news stories

It’s Friday, it’s almost the weekend, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful week for the retail systems space. Here's your briefing on the most important stories from the past few days.

1. Marks and Spencer boosts online capacity with new automated warehouse

M&S is building an automated online warehouse within its Bradford distribution centre as part of the retailer’s Never the Same Again programme.

This will line up alongside a Castle Donington facility (which opened in 2012) and in-store pick model.

Working closely with @XPOLogistics_Eu , we've begun to extend our Bradford DC so it becomes a second online warehouse for M&S dotcom, with 300 new jobs to be created in the local community later this year.

Read more here: https://t.co/VWLNpdlteu pic.twitter.com/ppHx1NScXf
— M&S News (@MandSnews) April 19, 2021

2. ICA Gruppen taps Ocado Group tech for online warehouse in Gothenburg

Swedish retailer ICA Gruppen has opened a dark store in Arendal, outside Gothenburg.

This is powered by Ocado Group tech.

NEW 🧵: 🇸🇪 Swedish partner @ICAGruppen has launched their dark store in Gothenburg, powered by @OcadoGroup's tech! Another important market live w/ OSP & a big milestone for our partnership ahead of our 1st Swedish CFC go-live next year! Full release here: https://t.co/vHzoETOWWp pic.twitter.com/vCV6tmPzlW
— Luke Jensen (@LukeJensenOcado) April 21, 2021

3. Amazon taps latest retail technology for London hair salon launch

Amazon has announced the launch of Amazon Salon, an experiential hair care and styling venue where the e-commerce giant will showcase new products and technology.

This will be set over two floors and more than 1,500 sq. ft. on Brushfield Street in London’s Spitalfields.

Hair today, gone tomorrow. Amazon Salon is all about innovative retail technology #Amazon #retailtech #retailtechnology #augmentedreality #ecommerce #retailnews https://t.co/uDm79hmyGq
— Retail Technology Innovation Hub (@RTIH_RetailTech) April 21, 2021

4. Misfits Market nabs unicorn status with Series C round

Misfits Market, a US-based e-commerce platform specialising in the delivery of food that would otherwise be wasted, has completed a $200 million Series C funding round.

This brings the company's total funding to $301.5 million. It is now valued at $1.1 billion.