Check out this week's coolest retail technology plays
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ‘future of retail systems’ deployments from the past week, including virtual fashion models, football meets blockchain technology, and smarts carts in Mexico.
Dickies
Dickies reports a 94% increase in conversions since implementing 3DLOOK’s AI powered size and fit recommendations widget on Alibaba Group’s Tmall global platform in China.
The workwear and apparel brand was also able to drive up satisfaction rates and its Net Promoter Score (NPS).
Chedraui
A2Z Smart Technologies Corp. has launched a pilot for its Cust2Mate smart carts with Mexican retailer Chedraui, which operates more than 250 stores as well as locations in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada under the name El Super.
The first smart carts have arrived at Chedraui's flagship store in Mexico City.
A2Z's Cust2Mate solution recognises every purchased item and enables in-cart payment so that shoppers skip lines, while also allowing grocers to direct shoppers to discounted products and in-store promotions.
Domino’s Pizza
what3words is being made available to Domino’s Pizza international franchisees.
Those using the company’s Global Online Ordering (GOLO) platform will be able to add a what3words address field at checkout.
The latter has divided the globe into a grid of 3m x 3m squares, and given each one a unique combination of three words, a what3words address, with the aim of achieving efficient and accurate deliveries.
what3words has been piloted in Domino’s franchises in the UK, North America and Saudi Arabia.
Sonae MC
Portugal-based retailer Sonae MC is inviting startups to test their solutions in a real life environment during the third edition of its Disrupt Retail – Call for Technology initiative.
Sonae MC is accepting applications until 6th March and the chosen projects will be announced in April.
The company is looking for solutions that can make a meaningful impact in the retail value chain, with an emphasis on the store of the future, e-commerce, new ways of working, health and wellness services, consumer experience and digital universe.
Its most valued technologies are artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, Internet of Things, robotics and blockchain.
Apple
Apple is set to introduce a new Tap to Pay iPhone feature that turns the device into a contactless payment terminal.
Later this year, US merchants will be able to accept Apple Pay and other contactless payments, such as credit cards and debit cards, by using an iPhone and a partner enabled iOS app.
Tap to Pay on iPhone will be available for payment platforms and app developers to integrate into their iOS apps and offer as a payment option to their business customers.
Stripe will be the first payment platform to offer Tap to Pay on iPhone to their business customers, including the Shopify Point of Sale app this spring.
Waitrose
Waitrose is gearing up to trial the Deliveroo Hop rapid delivery service which launched in September 2021.
The first Hop delivery only store, in partnership with Waitrose, will open in Bermondsey, London later this month. It will give access from 8am-midnight each day to products in as little as ten minutes.
Manchester United
Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, has announced blockchain firm Tezos as its new official training kit and technology partner.
Manchester United’s previous sponsorship deal with Aon expired last month, and Tezos will be paying 33% on top of that agreement at $27 million yearly.
The latter’s branded training kit will be worn by the first team squad for the first time prior to this weekend’s match against Southampton.
Manchester United is looking to build a metaverse like fan ecosystem on the Tezos blockchain, offering personalised experiences via Web3 technology, and making use of the native token of Tezos, XTZ.
Iceland and The Food Warehouse
Iceland and The Food Warehouse have teamed up with global product discovery platform RangeMe.
They now have access to more than 800,000 products from over 200,000 suppliers.
Their team of buyers will tap RangeMe’s software to discover brands and products faster, connect with suppliers, request samples, and discuss next steps.
Kroger/Ocado Group
PrettyLittleThing
Fashion retailer, PrettyLittleThing, has entered the metaverse with the introduction of its first ever digital model.
‘’As a reactive brand we have always listened to our customers’ requests to provide them with innovative and progressive content,” says a PrettyLittleThing spokesperson.
“Virtual Girl bridges the gap between the metaverse and real life, where for the first time, our customers can discover products showcased by the latest addition to our model/influencer family.”
