The five biggest retail technology news stories of the week
It’s Friday, the week is almost done, so let’s kick back and reflect on an eventful start to the year for the retail systems space. Here's your briefing on the most important stories from the past five days, including Deliverect, Amazon, Debenhams, and the RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers List.
1. Deliverect bags unicorn status as it raises $150m in Series D funding
Deliverect, a Belgian startup that aims to simplify online food delivery, has secured more than $150 million (€130 million) in a Series D funding round led by Coatue and Alkeon Capital, as well as existing investors OMERS Ventures, DST Global, Redpoint Ventures, Newion and Smartfin.
This brings Deliverect to $240 million raised to date and puts the company's valuation at over $1.4 billion.
2. Amazon takes Just Walk Out technology to the US suburbs
Amazon is prepping a new Amazon Go convenience store format aimed at suburban shoppers and powered by the e-commerce giant’s Just Walk Out frictionless checkout technology.
The first of these locations, which will offer grab and go foods, beverages and everyday essentials, is set to open in the near future in the Seattle suburb of Mill Creek, Washington.
Amazon will then target the Los Angeles region.
The new stores will line up alongside Amazon's existing fleet of smaller, urban focused Go outlets.
3. Daniel Finley takes on Chief Executive role at Debenhams
Daniel Finley has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at Debenhams.
He joins from JD Sports Fashion, where he spent 10 years as Group Multi-Channel Director.
British department store retailer Debenhams collapsed into liquidation in 2020 after failing to secure a last minute rescue sale with JD Sports.
In January 2021, fast fashion pureplay boohoo group announced plans to acquire Debenhams, with the deal resulting in the closure of all the latter’s stores.
4. RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers List - nominations now open
The second edition of the RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers List is now open for nominations, following a blockbuster debut last year.
This annual offering, which is presented in no particular order, covers retailers, technology suppliers, startups, consultants, analysts, and thought leaders who are making an impact in the retail technology space.
This year we are expanding the list from 50 to 100 influencers, after we received an overwhelmingly positive reaction in 2021.
5. Mall of the Emirates taps Cisco tech for Store of the Future launch
Majid Al Futtaim owned and operated Mall of the Emirates has worked with Cisco to launch the ‘Store of the Future’.
The first retailer to take over the space is THAT Concept Store.
An immersive, digitalised, and personalised shopping experience has been created through five of Cisco’s core technology features: Digital Display Canvas, Lift & Learn, Magic Mirror, Beauty Mirror, and Store Analytics.
