Ten retail technology investments you need to know about

These companies are leading the way in providing innovative retail systems powered customer experiences, including Sainsbury’s, Monoprix, Kroger, Gousto and TikTok.

1. Kroger

Kroger is working with KNAPP to expand the capacity and enhance the capabilities of its Great Lakes distribution centre in Delaware, Ohio, USA.

The facility is currently being renovated to add new technology, including KNAPP's OSR Shuttle Evo and RUNPICK systems, with work set for completion this summer.

The DC – which opened in 2003 and currently services 115 stores in central and northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and the Ohio River Valley region – will be expanded by 130,000 square feet.

2. Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s says that it is the first UK retailer to introduce fully electric refrigerated trailers to its delivery fleet.

New technology adds charge back into the battery by converting kinetic energy into electricity, keeping the onboard fridges cool and reducing energy consumption.

This is part of Sainsbury’s plans to invest £1 billion, over the next 20 years, into its operations, with the aim of eliminating carbon emissions and significantly reducing energy costs.

Today, Sainsbury's announces it is introducing its first electric refrigerated trailers, offering a more sustainable solution for the transport of groceries. For more information, read here: https://t.co/8vf1r9fKXt pic.twitter.com/cqGEj1YNMc
— Sainsbury's News (@SainsburysNews) July 8, 2021

3. Zara

Fashion retailer Zara has launched its Store Mode technology across all UK stores, connecting its physical locations with its website and app.

Originally tested in nine London locations, this lets customers check into any UK store online and view the products and sizes that are available in that specific store.

4. Currys PC World

Hullabalook’s PC Builder solution is now live on Currys PC World’s website.

“Shoppers can build and accessorise their dream PC in a matter of minutes. Our dynamic recommendation engine suggests the best products every step of the way, instantly reacting to shopper selections to avoid any compatibility issues,” says Hullabalook’s Geri Saks.

“Our technology not only looks cool, but it’s also driving cross-category purchases and higher AOVs for Dixons Carphone.”

5. Imagr

Imagr recently opened its first popup store in London, UK, located on Oxford Street.

The New Zealand-based startup fitted out a Sook adaptable retail space into a mini-market for “a fully immersive autonomous supermarket experience”.

It invited prospective customers, tech experts and press into the space for demonstrations of the offering, which includes smart carts and an imaging station.

6. TikTok

TikTok has opened its first popup venue in the UK, allowing fans to interact with influencers who have found success via the social media app and create their own films.

The venture has partnered with the Westfield London to create a TikTok For You House.

This will not be selling products, although those attending events will be given free merchandise.

Holly Harrison, Fashion and Retail Brand Partnerships, TikTok, says: “Creators are at the very heart of the TikTok experience, and to be able to celebrate them once again in real life with this incredible activation is a unique chance for our community to see the For You feed brought to life.”

“The experience of video and retail are becoming increasingly intertwined.”

7. Gousto

Recipe box venture Gousto has partnered with Spotify on a new platform that will provide recipe recommendations based on the listening preferences of the latter’s users.

8. Monoprix

Shekel Brainweigh has announced a second Paris-based autonomous store opening with Monoprix, part of French retailer Casino Group.

Located in Rue De Marseille, this features an autonomous section, which is part of a standard store during working hours, but once it closes, the section remains open with unique access control.

Shoppers use a mobile payment app to walk in, select their goods and walk out.

Monop’ réinvente le commerce de proximité avec un nouveau concept - 3 rue de Marseille, Paris 10. À la fois humain et digital, ce magasin hybride ambitionne de satisfaire tous les besoins à tout moment de la journée et de la semaine. Rdv sur l'Instagram @monopruedemarseille. pic.twitter.com/tnOMRDgGCv
— Monoprix (@Monoprix) July 8, 2021

9. Halfords

Halfords, a British retailer of car parts, car enhancement, tools, camping and touring equipment and bicycles, has entered the B2B software market.

It has launched Avayler, a new business, offering its proprietary field service management software to companies that operate in multiple locations.

The first customer is American Tire Distributors (ATD).

Avayler’s platform will underpin its operations, supplying tyres to 80,000 garages across the US. ATD will also be the exclusive provider of the Avayler mobile platform to the North American automotive market.

10. The Modern Milkman

Online grocery delivery provider, The Modern Milkman, has selected Peak technology as it looks to streamline its platform, alongside optimising operational efficiency and preventing food waste.

It will use Peak’s decision intelligence platform to ensure that the right products are in stock in its localised grocery hubs.