February 2022: top ten most clicked retail technology articles

These are the RTIH retail systems articles that caught your fancy during February, including Carrefour, PrettyLittleThing, RELEX Solutions, Asda and Nike.

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.”

Hamish Morjaria snaps up omnichannel retailer Ideal World

Shopping channel and retailer Ideal World has been sold to entrepreneur and investor Hamish Morjaria.

Morjaria purchased the company from asset management firm Aurelius Equity Opportunities for an undisclosed sum.

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.”

A new deal for data in the metaverse: how to create value for all

Check out this insightful article by Joe Abi Akl, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Majid Al Futtaim and Guillaume Thfoin, Head of Business Analytics & Intelligence, Majid Al Futtaim.

RELEX Solutions raises €500 million at €5 billion valuation

RELEX Solutions has announced a €500 million funding round led by funds managed by Blackstone Growth (BXG), Blackstone’s growth equity investing business.

This put its valuation at €5 billion.

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.

Asda tests out digital ID tech at self-checkouts

Asda is trialling an automated age verification solution at self-checkouts.

As the result of a partnership with NCR and Yoti, customers at the UK grocery retailer’s Pudsey and Stevenage stores can use privacy preserving age estimation technology when purchasing alcohol, which works via a camera in the self-checkout screen.

Retail technology and FinTech collide as Gorillas and Revolut team up

German rapid grocery delivery startup Gorillas has announced a partnership with FinTech giant Revolut.

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.”