Six retail technology investments you need to know about
These retailers and brands are leading the way in providing technology and experiences that are one step ahead of their customers’ expectations.
1. Farfetch
Online marketplace Farfetch is gearing up to launch a new Browns store on London Mayfair’s Brook Street.
Farfetch acquired Browns, a British fashion and luxury goods boutique, in 2015, as part of its omnichannel strategy.
The new store will open on 12th April with an emphasis on personalising the customer experience via the use of Farfetch tech.
2. EE
Pop star Liam Payne will perform in an EE BAFTA real-time augmented reality mobile experience at 6:45pm this Sunday, ahead of the EE British Academy Film Awards.
This will be recorded live and beamed to fans in the UK on their mobile phones via the AR app The Round.
On the night, Payne’s body, facial movements, and live audio data will be instantly transformed into 3D animations.
3. Boots
Boots is set to deploy Yoobic’s task management platform across its 2,500 retail stores.
The solution is designed specifically for frontline teams.
Yoobic provides a mobile application called MyHub, with the platform rolling out across the store network in November.
4. Chop’d
Chop’d has announced “a huge tech investment” as it gears up to reopen stores on 12th April.
The healthy eating venture currently operates from 12 high street locations across London, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester.
Its tech investment, the amount of which was not revealed, includes the launch of a new app, created in partnership with Qikserve, available for iOS, Android and web, and allowing customers to use a Click and Collect service.
5. Scotch & Soda
Dutch fashion retailer Scotch & Soda has opened its largest ever store, in the city of 's-Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch.
The brand’s physical push is being combined with an omnichannel and unified commerce project, set for completion in 2022, and involving a new sustainable 27,500 square metre warehouse in Hoofddorp and the integration of RFID technology in partnership with Nedap for stock level optimisation.
6. HelloDone/DHL Parcel UK
HelloDone has teamed up with DHL Parcel UK to offer customers with disabilities delivery accessibility options through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
The partnership integrates the messaging apps with the carrier’s in-flight parcel tracking, enabling DHL Parcel UK drivers to be updated throughout the last mile.
Using HelloDone’s conversational AI technology, customers can now inform their driver about accessibility requirements for pick up and drop offs.
