Celebrating global innovation. 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 JD Sports, Asos, RELEX Solutions, Walmart, and the 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards.
1. 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards winners and highly commended entries announced
Now into their fourth year, the awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
We received a record number of submissions this year across 14 categories (you can find a full rundown of the 2022 shortlists here).
Our winners and highly commended companies were announced during a sold out event that took place in central London this week and was attended by retailers, tech suppliers, members of our judging panel, and sponsors.
So, without further ado, here is the 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards hall of fame.
Congratulations to our latest entrants!
2. JD Sports turns London Oxford Street storefront into giant arcade machine
To promote its festive campaign, King of the Game, JD has teamed up with Snap to create an augmented reality experience transforming its Oxford Street, London storefront into a free, interactive AR claw grabber that replicates the one seen in the retailer’s commercial.
To play, shoppers can scan the Snapcode on the corner of the JD Oxford Street store window, to see the claw machine arcade game appear on the storefront in AR.
Alternatively, they can point their Snap Camera at the storefront and use the Scan function to unlock the AR experience, thanks to Snap’s Landmarker technology.
Snapchatters will be able to try their hand at the grabber machine, loaded with footwear and signature JD teddys which appear in its King of the Game Christmas film.
3. RELEX Solutions founders establish charity foundation to tackle climate change and inequality
Michael Falck, Mikko Kärkkäinen, and Johanna Småros, the three co-founders of RELEX Solutions, together with one of the Finnish retail tech firm’s first employees, Marko Nikula, have announced a new charity foundation, RELEX Foundation for a Better Future.
This has received a cash injection of €10 million and almost €100 million worth of RELEX Solutions’ stocks from the founders.
“It’s important for us to reinvest our success into causes that accelerate positive impact in the world,” says RELEX Foundation's Chairman of the Board, Marko Nikula.
“RELEX Foundation is on a mission to help build societies where people want to live their lives. We support and advance initiatives that preserve the environment, mitigate climate change, and drive more equal societies.”
4. Monsoon onboard as eBay teams with ACS to make second hand items more accessible
eBay has announced a partnership with clothing resale, sanitisation and repair specialist ACS to expand the online marketplace’s second hand offering.
It says that the tie up will help more brands and retailers to create and quickly scale resale offerings, while giving eBay UK’s 20 million plus customers more choice in second hand goods.
The first retail partner to launch on ACS’ eBay Shop is Monsoon, with other high street names set to follow.
ACS cleans, sanitises and repairs second hand items, making them resale ready, as well as arranging the logistics of item listing and delivery. The eBay platform will connect its millions of shoppers worldwide with this stock.
5. Asos teams with HIVED for sustainable rapid deliveries across Greater London
HIVED, a startup that was founded in 2021, has announced a partnership with Asos to fulfil the fast fashion pureplay’s same-day delivery orders in Greater London.
In an online post, the company said: “We operate an entirely electric fleet of vans, cars and bikes and offer same-day, next-day and two-day shipping options to all of Greater London.”
“With a 99.99% on-time delivery rate and a 99% first-time success rate, we are excited to offer consumers the best possible delivery experience.”
6. Walmart taps image recognition technology for new TrendGetter offering
Walmart has launched TrendGetter, a technology that uses image recognition to make it easier for customers to find deals on on-trend products for the holidays.
In a nutshell, you take a picture of a pair of designer sunglasses or an expensive bag. And by uploading the pic at TrendGetter, you can find a similar item at Walmart.com.
Casey Schlaybaugh, Vice President of Brand Strategy & Marketing, says: “We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed and your favourite influencer is wearing the must have accessory of the season.”
“Or you’re watching the latest viral TikTok video, and you find brag worthy home décor.”
“Maybe gifting inspiration hits for the hardest person to shop for on your list during your favourite TV show. The problem? You can’t find a shoppable link or any product details, or it’s way out of budget.”
He adds: “This holiday season, we know our customers are searching for what they love at can’t miss prices. Now, whenever you find a product you love, you can easily search for a similar item at Walmart’s everyday low prices and purchase as soon as inspiration strikes.”
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