RTIH runs through this week's coolest retail technology plays
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ‘future of retail’ systems launches and deployments from the past week, including drone deliveries Down Under, autonomous supermarkets in Brazil, and robot delivery services on US university campuses.
Muffato
Sensei reports that Muffato has adopted its AI platform for what is pitched as Brazil's first autonomous supermarket.
The Muffato Go store, which opens tomorrow and is situated in Curitiba, Paraná, comes without queues, self-scanning or any form of physical checkout, and is the first deployment of Portugal-based Sensei's technology outside of Europe.
Shoppers download Muffato’s app, which generates a QR code that enables them to enter the store, pick up their items and leave.
A network of sensors provides the input Sensei's AI needs to keep track of the items each customer selects and returns throughout the 250 square metre location.
Coles Group
Off the back of a pilot in Canberra, Australia earlier this year, Coles Group is expanding its drone delivery programme with operator Wing to its Gold Coast customers.
It says that it will be the first major supermarket to launch a store to door drone delivery concept in Australia.
From this week, customers in the Gold Coast suburbs of Ormeau, Ormeau Hills, and Yatala will be able to the try out the new model, directly from the Coles store at Ormeau Village Shopping Centre.
The service will gradually expand to include other nearby suburbs, delivering 500 of the most popular Coles grocery items including bread, fresh produce, convenience meals, snacks, health care items, and household essentials.
These will be delivered to customers’ home within 10 minutes on average.
Coles team members will process and pack orders, and Wing staff will load the drones and oversee operation of the delivery service.
Ingka Centres
Ingka Centres, part of the Ingka Group, is opening what is pitched as a first of its kind PlayLab, giving visitors and local communities in Europe and China the chance to immerse themselves in a series of interactive and educational activities.
The aim here is to encourage and inspire parents and children to play more together.
Shoppers can enjoy the 3D Art Exhibition and Illusion Space. They can also experience the Anti-Gravity Room or unleash their inner artist, by picking up a paint brush and getting creative at the Wall Mural.
Those unable to make it down to the PlayLab are invited to try out the online VR Kit at home.
Starship Technologies
Starship Technologies has launched its robot delivery service at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
A fleet of 24 robots will be providing deliveries from campus merchants.
Starship is also launching a giveaway for students who take a selfie with the official ‘I Voted’ sticker.
They can upload their photos to Starship’s Instagram account and tag their school. One winner at each school will be randomly selected to choose a t-shirt, hat or tote bag from a newly launched line of Starship branded merchandise.
Coach
Coach has unveiled its first virtual shopping destination, with a focus on the holiday season.
Inspired by a vintage Coach store, the immersive experience allows guests to move throughout themed rooms, shop the holiday collection and play a game with Rexy, the house's mascot, to unlock special prizes.
Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to shop via livestream videos alongside friends and influencers.
The virtual store, which is powered by Obsess, will feature Coach styles including the Tabby and Rogue, along with a dedicated section for holiday party bags and new giftable items, and a special collection featuring Rexy.
Countdown
New Zealand supermarket chain Countdown has launched an augmented reality campaign, Countdown Bricks Farm.
Working with Zappar, the retailer has unveiled a collectible campaign that encourages Kiwi kids to learn more about where their food comes from while also boosting customer engagement beyond the checkout and into their homes.
NASCAR and Amazon
NASCAR is to open its first concession using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology and Amazon One offering during NASCAR Championship Weekend (4th-6th November).
Fans at Phoenix Raceway will be able to purchase snacks and beverages without waiting in line at a checkout. This marks the first time Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology and Amazon One are being used at a professional racetrack.
Burberry
Burberry x Minecraft launches this week.
In a LinkedIn post, Phillip Hennche, Director of Channel Innovation, Marketing at Burberry, said: “Over a year in the making, this is one of my proudest moments at Burberry.”
“At first glance, it feels wholly unexpected but as you start to discover more, it becomes entirely natural: we are both firmly rooted in adventure and exploration, nature and the great outdoors and the power that creativity has to open you up to new worlds and experiences.”
Ocado Solutions and Lotte Shopping
Ocado Solutions and Lotte Shopping have announced a partnership to develop the latter’s online business in South Korea with the Ocado Smart Platform (OSP).
The pair will develop a network of customer fulfilment centres (CFCs) across the market, underpinned by the end-to-end capabilities of the OSP. Ocado's in-store fulfilment (ISF) solution will also be rolled out across Lotte's store estate.
Tesco
Tesco has announced an expansion of its GetGo autonomous stores trial, with Chiswell Street Express now open in central London.
There will also be another location in London and one in Birmingham, allowing customers to shop and pay without scanning a product or using a checkout.
Like Chiswell Street, these will also offer the option of using a self-service or attended checkout if preferred.
The sites in Fulham Reach Express in Parrs Way, London, and Aston University Express in Aston, Birmingham are due to open over the next few months.
Tesco launched its first GetGo store in High Holborn in October 2021, which will continue to offer a purely checkout-free model.
Shoppers need to download the Tesco app and select the GetGo option. They can then walk in and pick their shopping, before scanning their app as they walk out.
Continuing Tesco's partnership with Trigo, a combination of cameras and weight sensors will establish what customers have picked up and charge them for products directly through the app when they leave the store.
GameStop
Video game retailer GameStop has announced the official launch of its NFT Marketplace with ImmutableX.
This unlocks access to Web3 games (which are currently being built on ImmutableX), and NFT gaming assets for GameStop players and GameStop Powerup Pro loyalty customers across the United States.
According to a press release, the partnership will allow for “100% gas free and carbon neutral minting and trading on the NFT marketplace”.
Ralph Lauren and Epic Games
Ralph Lauren and Epic Games, the creator and publisher of online game Fortnite, have announced a partnership.
This will see the debut of a digital apparel and accessories collection in the Fortnite Item Shop, as well as a physical apparel capsule.
Marks and Spencer
Last week, M&S hosted its sixth hackathon, with 18 teams of over 270 colleagues from across the business coming together to develop digital and data solutions to real life situations in a 24 hour period.
The retailer tweeted: “It was our biggest hackathon yet, helping cement a culture of innovation across the entire business!”
Claire's
Claire's Stores has taken the wraps off ShimmerVille, a digital world to explore, work, play, shop and connect with friends.
ShimmerVille taps the Roblox platform to emphasise Claire's purpose of empowering self-expression and personal style.
The concept and development came through a partnership with interactive media and gaming company Wonder Works Studio, which Claire’s has invested in.
Continue reading…