These are RTIH’s most popular retail technology articles on LinkedIn
We’re big fans of LinkedIn and are busy building an amazing community of retail tech enthusiasts on the social media platform. These are the articles that are currently on their radars, including Boots UK, Uber Eats, Evri, Ambi Robotics, Jisp, Firework, and the 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards.
Boots UK announces 14 store rapid delivery trial with Uber Eats
Beauty essentials and healthcare products from Boots can now be found on Uber Eats, offering rapid delivery to customers’ doors.
The retailer has kicked off a pilot in 14 of its stores around the UK, with 13 of those giving people within range access to third-party doorstep delivery of its products for the very first time.
Uber Eats customers within range of participating Boots stores can choose from more than 900 products, including toiletries, medicines for minor ailments, food and drink options, and beauty and gifting options.
Evri taps machine learning and AI for Parcel Vision solution
Evri has developed bespoke software designed to improve parcel delivery accuracy and customer communication, ahead of this year’s peak Christmas period.
This is currently being trialled regionally in the UK.
Parcel Vision has been designed to detect and flag any safe place photos that are taken by the courier as proof of delivery but which fail to show the parcel and where it has been left.
This is for when the parcel may not be clearly visible, be too close to the lens or the camera lens covered.
The software has been developed using a machine learning model that was trained using thousands of SafePlace photos and will detect these issues, alert the courier explaining the problem and ask them retake the photo.
Former Best Buy CEO Brad Anderson joins Spacee advisory board
Spacee, a US-based startup which provides computer vision and AI solutions for businesses, has added Bradbury “Brad” Anderson, the former Best Buy CEO and Vice Chairman, to its advisory board.
Anderson retired from Best Buy in 2009 after 36 years with the company.
He started as a salesperson for Sound of Music, a small chain of stereo stores that were the precursor to Best Buy, and worked his way up to CEO in 2002.
Ambi Robotics raises $32m for AI powered parcel sorting systems
Ambi Robotics has announced $32 million in additional funding.
Existing investors Tiger Global and Bow Capital are joined by Ahren and the company’s strategic partner, Pitney Bowes. The cash will fuel the deployment growth of AI powered parcel sorting systems.
Total funding to date stands at $67 million.
Klevu and Klaviyo team on AI email and SMS personalisation
Klevu, a specialist in artificial intelligence powered product discovery technology for digital commerce, has released an integration for Klaviyo.
This allows for AI on-site e-commerce search data to be passed to Klaviyo for shopper segmentation, and personalised email and SMS marketing automation.
CoolR Group raises $10 million for automated ordering platform
CoolR Group, a US-based specialist in automated ordering for brands using AI-based image recognition, has announced a $10 million round led by long-term VC investor First Analysis.
Moneta Ventures and Remarkable Ventures also participated. The company will use the capital to drive growth and invest in R&D.
Its platform, Playbook, uses cameras along with third party apps and devices to collect images in real-time from shelves, then translates those pictures into prioritised actions, allowing brands to deploy their people and resources to the most immediate and beneficial issues.
Jisp Media Insights goes live in UK independent space
Jisp, a shopping and rewards app In the UK independent sector, has announced the launch of Jisp Media Insights.
This equips brands, wholesalers, and market operators in the indie space with the ability to understand shoppers and retailers with insights, actions, and recommendations.
Tapping first-party data, Jisp Media Insights will support all three to understand shopper sentiments, attitudes, what they purchase, where they purchase, when they purchase and how they can grow sales, shoppers, distribution, and loyalty on-going.
Selazar opens new warehouse in Hellaby, Yorkshire
E-commerce fulfilment company Selazar has announced a further expansion of its operations, with the opening of a new warehouse in Hellaby, Yorkshire.
Operated in partnership with business processing outsourcing firm, Parseq, this will see the UK-based venture increase its reach across the north of the UK.
The Hellaby facility covers 2,427 square metres and can facilitate 6527 pallet spaces. The opening is part of a phased expansion in the UK, Europe, the US and Latin America, following a £20 million investment in Selazar in November 2021.
Selazar, which was founded in Belfast and also has offices in London and Leicestershire, has developed a proprietary e-commerce fulfilment platform and primarily services medium-sized and bespoke retailers throughout the UK.
Natori and Firework agree livestream shopping tie up
Firework has announced a new partnership with fashion brand, Natori, to bring video commerce capabilities to the company’s flagship web property.
Natori kicked off the tie up with its first livestream shopping event on 6th October. This was hosted by its President Ken Natori and featured Founder and CEO Josie Natori.
RTIH announces judging panel for 2022 retail technology awards
RTIH has finalised the judging panel for its 2002 Innovation Awards, featuring representatives from the likes of Selfridges, Marks & Spencer, Boots, Stanley Black & Decker, and Compass Group.
