Ten retail technology investments that should be on your radar
These companies are leading the way in providing innovative retail systems powered customer experiences, including JD.com, Aldi UK, Asda, PetSmart and Coop Switzerland.
1. JD.com
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has launched a new JD MALL brand, an upgraded version of its E-Space omnichannel retail experience store.
This will first debut in Xi’an on 30th September.
With an area of 42,000 square metres across five floors, the aim is to offer an immersive experience through 200,000 items from over 150 domestic and international brands.
Consumers are able to place orders through the official WeChat Mini Program by scanning QR codes on each of the items, and JD will handle the last mile delivery side of things.
2. Aldi UK
Aldi UK is trialling new checkout free technology in one of its London stores.
The discount retailer says that the tech will allow customers to scan a smartphone app to enter the store, pick up their shopping, and walk out without the need to pay at a till.
They will then receive an email receipt and be charged automatically using their chosen payment method.
A press release did not mention where in London the trial is taking place, or which tech firm Aldi is working with on the project.
It did reveal, however, that staff are currently involved in the test, and further testing will be carried out with the public.
3. Nisa
Jisp has launched an augmented reality vouchering system, Scan & Save, for brands, independent retailers and their customers.
The solution will initially be deployed in 12 Nisa stores across the UK and will allow customers to exclusively save up to 60% on more than 65 products from the likes of Mondelez, PepsiCo, Kelloggs, Molson Coors and Nomad Foods.
4. Asda
Asda has partnered with startup Wayve to test out autonomous vans as part of the grocery giant’s last mile operation.
The trial will begin in early 2022 and Asda will be the first to commercially test the solution, using Wayve’s deep learning expertise to help navigate complex delivery routes in London.
The vans will operate under the supervision of a Wayve safety driver throughout the 12-month trial.
5. Dubarry of Ireland
Footwear brand, Dubarry of Ireland, has consolidated its global online payment infrastructure to Adyen’s single platform.
It says that integrating Adyen acquiring has improved its authorisation rates by up to 15%, and its shoppers can now enjoy a seamless and localised checkout experience.
6. Coop Switzerland
Zetes has supplied a new estate of handheld terminals to the Swiss Coop Group across more than 2,200 sales outlets.
This comprises 10,000 Zebra PS20 personal shoppers for customers and 13,500 Datalogic Memor20 mobile computers for store employees. The aim was to replace an ageing device pool, previously supplied by Zetes.
7. Vivienne Westwood
Accenture has helped Vivienne Westwood design and deploy a new product lifecycle management (PLM) platform.
This is based on PTC’s FlexPLM solution, which integrates data sources relevant to the design and development of products, enabling Vivienne Westwood to understand where a product is at each stage of its lifecycle.
8. Albertsons Companies
Shoppertainment platform venture, Firework, has announced a new partnership with Albertsons Companies.
The food and drug giant is the first US grocer to utilise the Firework platform, bringing online shoppers shoppable, short-form and livestream video experiences.
9. Starship Technologies
US-based autonomous delivery company Starship Technologies is launching in Tallinn, Estonia.
“We’re expanding our clean, low cost and convenient delivery service in cooperation with national grocer Selver and new dark store Bloom,” the venture tweeted this week.
10. PetSmart
US retailer PetSmart has announced a buy now, pay later partnership with Afterpay, covering both in-store and online.
Customers can make purchases and pay for them in four interest-free instalments, due every two weeks.
Afterpay is available for all PetSmart products, as well as services like grooming, training, and day camps.
Having recently added offerings like curbside pickup and same day delivery, this latest move is part of PetSmart's strategy to “give customers more freedom and flexibility when shopping for their pets and ease stress that comes with becoming a new pet owner”.
