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 Farfetch, Asda, Ikea, Big Y and Ocado Group.
1. Farfetch
Farfetch has marked the launch of pre-order collections on its e-commerce platform by partnering with fashion startup DRESSX to digitally dress its global community of influencers and produce virtual editorial shoots, for the first time ever.
2. Manchester City
English Premier League club, Manchester City, has released a second NFT (non-fungible token) collection.
This follows one in May with artist Jon Noorlander to mark winning the Premier League title.
City has launched a Creation collection, comprised of three pieces by mixed media artist, Alan Bolton, The Football Laboratory, The Football Academy and To The Blue Moon.
3. Schnuck Markets
Following the introduction of Simbe Robotics’ autonomous robot Tally in select stores, Schnuck Markets has announced a multi-year, full scale roll-out at 111 locations across the US.
It says that this makes it the first grocer in the world to utilise AI powered inventory management technology at scale.
4. Blue Diamond
UK garden centre group Blue Diamond has partnered with customer interaction management specialist Critizr.
The company operates 37 garden centres in the South of England and the Channel Islands.
It has implemented the Critizr Connection platform in each centre to give regional teams the feedback and insights they need to take action and quickly make improvements on behalf of customers.
The tech also offers management a complete view of the customer across the group for the first time.
5. Vans
Skate brand Vans has partnered with online platform Roblox, allowing players to digitally shop in an interactive experience with their avatars.
6. Big Y
US-based supermarket chain Big Y has partnered with FutureProof Retail to roll-out its new myExpress Checkout Scan & Go service.
Customers can now check out on their phone and skip the line at the cash register.
They scan their items with the myExpress Checkout app, bag their items and pay in the app to complete their purchase. They can also view Specials, and redeem myBigY targeted offers and digital coupons while they shop.
7. Asda
Customers at the Asda Stevenage innovation store can now create a personalised gift card after a new piece of technology launched last month.
The option is only available at this store and is one of a number of ‘test and learn’ trials currently live at the location.
Shoppers can use the kiosk to take a selfie or upload a picture, select a background design and write a personalised message before taking it to the till to activate.
The cards are available in denominations of between £5 and £500, with the whole process taking less than two minutes to complete.
8. Ikea
Ikea’s holding company Ingka Group, through its Ingka Investments arm, has invested $22.5 million in Jifiti, for a minority stake in the FinTech venture.
Jifiti provides white labeled Point of Sale financing solutions for banks, lenders and merchants.
9. Ocado Group
This week marked one year since Marks and Spencer went live on Ocado.
The move saw the latter begin to sell and deliver food from M&S rather than Waitrose, after M&S splashed out £750 million to acquire a 50% stake in Ocado’s retail business.
“With operations commencing at Ocado's latest fulfilment centre in Purfleet, capacity will soon increase to 600,000 (from around 356,000) orders a week,” M&S tweeted.
The Purfleet site is Ocado’s third customer fulfilment centre (CFC) to launch this year, and up to 1,500 people could work there once it is at full capacity.
It will be the company’s second biggest CFC, behind one in Erith.
10. VkusVill
Russian health food chain VkusVill has launched a new project offering delivery of hot meals.
The service is available via the venture’s mobile app.
Eligible customers will see the addition of a new section — Sgoryacha. Prepared food will be delivered in a thermal container within two hours from when an order is placed.
Hot meals are prepared using dark kitchens. VkusVill currently operates 11 of these in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Volgograd and Cheboksary.
