Top 10: last week’s most popular retail technology articles
These are the RTIH retail systems articles that caught your fancy last week, including retailers in the metaverse, NFT marketplaces, and robotic catering startups.
PrettyLittleThing dips toes in the metaverse with first virtual model
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.”
Domino’s online ordering platform adds what3words location tech
what3words is being made available to Domino’s Pizza international franchisees.
Ogury appoints Geoffroy Martin as Chief Operating Officer
AdTech venture Ogury has announced the appointment of Geoffroy Martin as Chief Operating Officer.
Martin was the CEO at online art retailer Art.com from 2010 to 2015.
Prior to joining Ogury, he was General Manager and Executive Vice President of Growth Portfolio at Criteo.
Nike launches Nikeland, Roblox experience in New York store
After venturing in to the virtual world of Roblox in November, Nike is now bringing its Nikeland experience to the brand’s New York City store on Fifth Avenue.
Throughout January, the Kids space - 1F floor of Nike NYC, House of Innovation - had visual elements decked out in the theme, while augmented reality features through Snapchat Lenses offered avatars and games.
GameStop preps Immutable X powered NFT marketplace
Video game retailer GameStop is partnering with blockchain startup Immutable to launch a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace later this year.
This will enable gamers to buy, sell and trade in-game assets.
Immutable X is a layer-2 scaling solution for NFTs on Ethereum, and GameStop will be using its liquidity platform.
The two companies have also set up a $100 million grant fund to support developers who will launch their gaming NFT projects on the marketplace.
Former Walmart exec Drew Cashmore joins shoppertainment startup Firework
Livestream commerce and shoppable video platform provider, Firework, has announced Drew Cashmore as its new Head of Global Marketing.
“The team at Firework has developed a truly transformative platform,” he comments.
“With their bold and visionary approach to content, commerce, and customer experience, Firework is poised to entirely reshape the online ecosystem. And I couldn’t be more excited to join them in that endeavour.”
Clarks Shoes brings in Simon Clarke as CIO
British shoe manufacturer and retailer Clarks has appointed Simon Clarke as Chief Information Officer.
Clarke joins from La Perla where he also served as CIO.
His CV also includes stints at Oxford University Press (Group Supply Chain Director), Enotria Winecellars (Supply Chain and IT Director), and Faconnable (Group Logistics & IT Director).
Card Factory taps digital screens for new store format
Card Factory has announced its first major store format upgrade in over 20 years.
The UK retailer’s refurbished Coventry store reopened on Saturday, 5th February as part of its ‘Opening Our New Future’ strategy.
Self-service food startup Bolk closes €4m funding round
Robotic catering startup Bolk has raised €4 million in a first funding round that involved the likes of Kima Ventures.
A Bolk robot takes up less than two square metres of floor space and is plugged into the mains. It can produce up to 60 meals an hour, with up to 300 different combinations, either to be served cold or be reheated.
Carrefour makes metaverse move as it buys land in The Sandbox
Carrefour has bought land in The Sandbox, a virtual gaming world where players can build, own, and monetise their experiences.
Elodie Perthuisot, Chief E-Commerce, Digital Transformation and Data Officer and EXCOM member at Carrefour, said in a LinkedIn post: “This is our first move in the metaverse on The Sandbox. A virtual field and above all a field of innovation for Carrefour, in line with our digital transformation strategy.”
“The field will be at the heart of our metaverse activities, as we experiment, to understand the evolutions of retail and consumption that will come. Concrete projects will follow soon.”
