The five biggest retail technology news stories of the week

The weekend is almost upon us, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful week for the retail systems space. Here's your briefing on the biggest stories from the past few days.

1. Kroger and Drone Express green light grocery delivery by drones pilot

Not to be outdone by Amazon and Walmart, The Kroger Co. has teamed with Drone Express, part of TELEGRID Technologies, for a pilot involving grocery delivery via autonomous drones.

Anything, anytime, anywhere – and now by drone. Read more about our new partnership with Drone Express, a division of @Telegrid, to deliver groceries to customers via autonomous drones. https://t.co/V9jyKhReWX pic.twitter.com/avz7FQ3Jk1
— Kroger News (@KrogerNews) May 3, 2021

2. Made.com inks UK warehousing facility expansion deal

Online furniture retailer Made.com has announced the development of an additional 350,000 square foot warehouse at DP World’s London Gateway Logistics Park in Tilbury.

The UK-based firm’s current furniture warehouse at the Tilbury site measures 225,000 square feet, handles approximately 750,000 units per year and has an average SKU range of 2,300.

3. ReCharge nabs $2.1 billion following major funding round

Subscription e-commerce venture, ReCharge, has raised $277 million in growth capital from Summit Partners, ICONIQ Growth, and Bain Capital Ventures.

This values it at $2.1 billion.

🎉 We are incredibly excited to announce that we have raised $277 million in growth capital at $2.1 billion valuation from @SummitPartners, @ICONIQGrowth, and @BainCapVC.

Read the press release here: https://t.co/m6LQ1NVzMh
— ReCharge (@ReChargePayment) May 6, 2021

4. It's Christmas round two as Aldi UK preps Junemas event

Aldi UK will mark the lifting of coronavirus lockdown restrictions with Junemas, a summer sequel to the damp squib that was Christmas 2020.

On 25th June, shoppers will be able to tuck into festive treats, including mince pies, and celebrate the Christmas they missed out on due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Let's be honest, last Christmas didn't have our hearts, and sleigh bells weren't ringing like they usually do. Time for round two!
Just one thing. It's in June.
INTRODUCING ✨🎄JUNEMAS🎄✨ Mark your calendars for June 25th & look out for some surprises instore! #AldiJunemas pic.twitter.com/K9NJlKuIoh
— Aldi Stores UK (@AldiUK) May 5, 2021

5. DPD Project BREATHE air quality monitoring programme launches in UK

Delivery firm DPD is rolling out a new air quality monitoring programme across six UK cities.

Project BREATHE is live in London with 100 mobile air quality sensors on the roof of DPD vans and 20 fixed units on the company’s PickUp shops close to schools and play areas.

By the end of May, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff will join the initiative, creating a network of over 400 sensors in total, delivering 1.5 million pollution readings a day.