Web3 tech powered loyalty: Check out the six biggest retail technology news stories of the week
It’s Friday, the weekend is almost upon us, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful week for the retail systems space. Here's your briefing on the most important stories from the past five days, including Starbucks, New Look, Walmart, DroneUp, BestBuy, and TalkShopLive.
1. “Our next big innovation in loyalty”. Web3 tech powered Starbucks Odyssey experience begins
Starbucks Odyssey, an extension of Starbucks Rewards powered by Web3 technology, has launched in beta to a small group of waitlist members, including customers and employees in the US.
The retailer brought in Adam Brotman, the architect of its Mobile Order & Pay system and the Starbucks app, to serve as a special advisor.
Participants will be able to engage in Starbucks Odyssey ‘Journeys’ which are a series of activities to earn collectible ‘Journey Stamps’ (NFTs) and Odyssey Points that will unlock access to new benefits and experiences.
“Starbucks has a history of harnessing emerging technology to innovate on behalf of our customers and making it easily accessible and approachable for the mainstream,” says Brady Brewer, Starbucks Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
“Our innovative spirit and the desire to continuously exceed the expectations of our customers has led to the launch of Starbucks Odyssey.”
2. New Look agrees digital payments partnership with e-commerce startup Primer
Digital payments firm, Primer, has announced a partnership with New Look.
The UK startup was founded by alums of Braintree and PayPal and provides a drag and drop framework for merchants to build online payment stacks.
It says that the tie up will provide the fashion retailer with “an expansive, no-code payment infrastructure that will invigorate its online shopping experience and ensure it keeps pace with the sector’s demand”.
With Primer, New Look will be able to onboard, maintain and automate dozens of new solutions ranging from payment service providers and fraud tools to express checkout modules, wallets, buy now pay later offerings with just a few clicks in a dashboard.
3. Best Buy and TalkShopLive team on in-store pickup for livestream shopping
Live commerce platform TalkShopLive is offering customers an in-store pickup option for the first time in partnership with Best Buy.
The tie up launched via a live show hosted by TikTok star Noah Schnacky who highlighted some of his favourite products.
According to those involved, this is the first time in-store pickup is offered on a live shopping platform that is embeddable anywhere on the web.
TalkShopLive says that it chose to launch its in-store pickup feature with Best Buy due to its longstanding relationship with the retailer. Best Buy was the first major retailer to onboard to TalkShopLive.
4. An autonomous stores first in Germany as REWE opens Trigo powered Pick&Go location in Munich
The latest Trigo powered REWE store is now live in central Munich.
The REWE Pick&Go location is in the Maxvorstadt neighbourhood, which is also known as the cultural heart of Munich.
This high traffic area is only a few minutes’ walk from the city’s central train station, museums, and galleries, and some of Germany’s top universities, making it a good location for both REWE and Germany’s first ever 100% autonomous store.
In an online post, Michael Gabay, CEO at Trigo, said: “This store is a product of the close and long standing partnership between REWE and Trigo, who, together, created effective and efficient processes over time that serve as a model for additional store expansion.”
He added: “Opening the first fully autonomous store in Germany makes a bold statement in the retail industry. REWE’s ambitious innovation goals and unwavering commitment to creating the best possible customer experience have made them true partners in building the future of retail.”
“These strong partnerships and extensive expertise in successful autonomous store deployment will drive Trigo forward as we continue to expand our StoreOS suite of solutions and accelerate multiple global initiatives.”
5. Walmart drone delivery service hits Arizona, Texas and Florida markets with DroneUp
Walmart’s drone delivery service is now available for select customers in the Arizona, Texas and Florida markets.
In Phoenix, Arizona, the option will be fulfilled from four stores.
In the Dallas area of Texas, it will be fulfilled from 11 stores.
And from seven stores in Tampa and Orlando, Florida.
This follows Walmart’s announcement of plans to expand its DroneUp network to reach four million additional households across six US states.
“Drone delivery makes it possible for our customers to shop those last minute or forgotten items with ease, in a package that’s frankly really cool. Being on the forefront of that innovation at Walmart is something we’re proud of,” says Vik Gopalakrishnan, Vice President, Innovation & Automation, Walmart U.S.
“It may seem like a futuristic option, but it’s giving our customers what they’ve always wanted, and that’s time back to focus on what is most important to them.”
6. JYSK taps Relex Solutions AI and machine learning demand forecasting solution
Home furnishing retailer, JYSK, is partnering with RELEX Solutions to strengthen demand forecasting for its global distribution centres.
JYSK operates more than 3,200 stores in 48 countries and supplies goods from 10 DCs across Europe. The ambition is to grow to at least 5,000 stores.
It sources goods from a widespread network of suppliers, each of which operates with a great deal of variation in lead times.
As an added challenge, most of its sales are campaign driven and seasonal.
The RELEX solution, powered by AI and machine learning, will support JYSK in managing and improving the outcomes of its increasingly complex short- and long-term demand forecasts.
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