The retail technology space during the coronavirus pandemic

Retail Technology Innovation Hub rounds up the key retail systems related Covid-19 developments from last week, including Vue Cinemas, The Moot Group and Critizr’s Proud Of My Store competition.

Vue Cinemas has chosen Retail Assist to provide first line IT help desk support to its Multikino and Cinema 3D cinemas in Poland.

Retail Assist has worked with Vue International since 2009, helping drive incidents down in its 90 UK locations.

The former’s IT help desk will support Multikino's 44 cinemas in Poland and one in Lithuania, 8am-12am, seven days a week.

We are thrilled to announce that @vuecinemas has chosen us once again to support their growth and provide 1st line Help Desk support to its Multikino and Cinema 3D cinemas in Poland 🎞️

Read the news release here: https://t.co/Nex62Tv0Kv #NewCustomer #HelpDesk pic.twitter.com/pHOE42zJwY
— Retail Assist (@RetailAssist) July 14, 2021

42% of UK consumers say they have missed, on average, three deliveries due to miscommunication by a brand or courier during the coronavirus pandemic, according to research from Sorted.

The company surveyed 2,000 people and says that, with 63% expecting to be out of the house more frequently now that Covid-19 restrictions have begun to lift (rising to 77% of those aged 18-34), retailers must focus on customer communications and a connected delivery experience to put fears at rest.

Proud of My Store, the competition from customer interaction management specialist, Critizr, that celebrates frontline retail workers in the UK, is being extended until the end of July.

Nearly 150 entries are currently featured on the competition website, telling tales of dedication, community spirit and customer service that went above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic – from big name supermarkets to small regional boutiques and cafes.

🛍️Do you work in a retail store, salon, restaurant, pharmacy or bank?

🎉We are celebrating retail stores and staff who go above and beyond for customers and each other. Tell us why you're proud for a chance to win. Entering is easy and only takes 2 mins: https://t.co/5UsQMvNK4R pic.twitter.com/gayu2S2Aq0
— Critizr UK (@Critizr_UK) May 14, 2021

E-commerce technology platform startup, The Moot Group, secured £5 million in seed funding in a round led by Fuel Ventures.

This is set to be followed by a Series A round anticipated to be in the region of £20 million.

Faced with a reopened high street and further easing of coronavirus restrictions, UK online retail sales continued to fall to record breaking lows in June, down -14.1% YoY, according to research from IMRG and Capgemini.

UK retail sales growth continued in June, albeit at a slower rate as the re-opening of hospitality and leisure sectors led to a dilution in consumer spending, according to research from the BRC and KPMG.

On a total basis, sales increased by 13.1% in June (Yo2Y), against a decline of 1.3% in June 2019 (YoY), with 2020 performance stripped out of comparisons because of the closure of stores during Covid lockdowns.