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, including Tmall Global, Klarna and Popeyes UK.

1. Tmall Global launches UK & Ireland Go Global 11.11 Pitch Fest

Alibaba Group’s Tmall Global cross-border e-commerce platform has announced the launch of the UK and Ireland edition of Go Global 11.11 Pitch Fest.

This follows on on from its Pitch Fest 2020 event in the US.

The initiative will provide an opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to be fast tracked into Alibaba’s 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, which last year generated $74.1 billion in GMV.

2. Kroger Delivery launches in Florida, powered by Ocado technology

Kroger has opened a customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in Groveland, Florida, powered by Ocado Group technology.

This marks Kroger's entry into the Florida market with an e-commerce delivery service that features vertical integration, machine learning, and robotics.

Our Kroger Delivery network continues to expand, and we're now operating our Customer Fulfillment Center in Groveland, FL powered by @OcadoGroup. This marks Kroger’s entry into Florida with a e-commerce service that delivers fresh food fast. Read more: https://t.co/PaE23Xw8tk pic.twitter.com/aswHOQsLEw
— Kroger News (@KrogerNews) June 9, 2021

3. Klarna announces another big funding round, valuing it at $45.6bn

Buy now pay later big hitter Klarna has raised $639 million at a post-money valuation of $45.6 billion.

This comes just three months after the Swedish company’s last mega funding round and cements its status as Europe’s most valuable private FinTech venture.

4. Marks & Spencer taps Medallia tech for Voice of the Customer programme

Medallia and KPMG UK have been selected to deliver Marks & Spencer’s new Voice of the Customer programme across its UK and International business.

Powered by Medallia’s technology and delivered by KPMG’s customer consulting team, this will bring together all of the retailer’s global data sources within one platform.

The aim is to gain a live, connected view of the customer experience across its operations for the first time, support its business transformation and help use data to drive decision making.

The programme will go live this quarter with a contract lasting four years

5. Popeyes UK hires David Carey as Chief Technology Officer

Following the recent announcement of its UK launch, US fried chicken restaurant brand Popeyes has unveiled its senior team as it works towards its first restaurant opening this autumn.

UK CEO Tom Crowley will lead the team, comprised of: Chief Development Officer, Tom Byng; Chief Technology Officer, David Carey; and Chief Operating Officer, Neil Williamson.

Carey is formerly of The Restaurant Group, where, as Digital Director, he was responsible for brands including Wagamama, Frankie & Benny’s, and Chiquito.

According to a press release, “he will lead on all restaurant and consumer tech, building systems to simplify operations, enable frictionless guest experiences, and understand and analyse guest data.”

Carey will oversee the creation and roll-out of Popeyes UK’s app, which will have its own delivery service.