This week's coolest retail technology reveals
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ten ‘future of retail systems’ deployments from the past seven days, including Aldi UK, Shein, Albertsons Companies and Balenciaga.
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 make its 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
Discount retailers are tech laggards, right? 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. Shein
Fast fashion e-commerce venture Shein has enlisted Saweetie, The Chainsmokers, Darren Criss, Thuy, Willie Gomez, Riley Clemmons, and Blu DeTiger for a music and fashion based virtual event.
According to a press release, Shein X Rock The Runway 2021 is “an exciting hybrid special event that is part music concert, mixed with innovative choreographed dances in a non-traditional fashion show.”
5. 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.
6. Balenciaga
7. 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.
8. Jerome’s Furniture
US retailer Jerome’s Furniture has announced the launch of WebAR on Jeromes.com, extending its augmented reality furniture shopping experience to all smartphone shoppers.
The retailer first implemented AR in 2016 and already offers Marxent powered AR apps for both iPhone and Android.
Powered by the Marxent 3D Cloud, the new WebAR experience allows users shopping on smartphones to launch 3D AR products directly from jeromes.com. Over 1,000 Jerome’s product SKUs are WebAR enabled.
9. Hy-Vee
US retailer Hy-Vee has partnered with Simbe Robotics to roll-out its autonomous inventory management and retail intelligence solution, Tally, to five stores across Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri.
10. Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury's is partnering with Lollipop, enabling customers to connect what's in their fridge or cupboard with their online orders.
