These are the RTIH retail systems articles that caught your fancy last week, including Buyk, Fridge No More, AiFi, Getir, Amazon Just Walk Out technology, and the Retail Technology Show.

Analysing the demise of rapid grocery delivery startups Buyk and Fridge No More

These are erm, eventful, times for the red hot rapid grocery delivery industry, with two major players, Buyk and Fridge No More, both shutting down operations.

On the surface, the apparent reason is that both companies have Russian founders, and the events in Ukraine have resulted in them losing access to capital due to sanctions.

But there is more to the story, observes Brittain Ladd, a former Amazon exec and supply chain consultant.

Big hitters back AiFi as it announces $65m Series B funding round

Checkout-free technology startup AiFi has raised $65 million in a Series B funding round.

Qualcomm and Verizon Communications participated in the round through their venture arms.

Discounter Aldi, German supermarket chain REWE and Polish convenience giant Żabka Group also took part.

The round brings AiFi’s total funding to $80 million, with the cash primarily being used to expand its technical team.

RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers List: 70 to 61

The latest edition of the RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers List has arrived! Here are the people who made a splash in 2021 and are set for a barnstorming 2022.

Currys launches Cash for Trash technology recycling scheme

Omnichannel technology retailer Currys has launched what is pitched as the UK’s first ever recycling scheme that gives monetary reward for old tech, even if customers think it’s worthless.

Called Cash for Trash, this runs from 16th March to 15th April and calls on Brits to bring in any old, broken, or unused electronics to their nearest Currys store in exchange for a voucher worth at least £5.

Tech like TVs and small domestic appliances can also be traded in for new products.

Iceland brings Swift convenience stores to London with Wembley opening

Iceland is rolling out its Swift c-store format, and has decided upon London as the next location.

Launched as a single store pilot in Newcastle last year, Swift will extend to four more stores in London over the next few months, with the first one located in Wembley.

Getir announces mega funding round

Turkish rapid grocery delivery startup, Getir, is now worth nearly $12 billion after raising $768 million.

SNL brilliantly spoofs Amazon Just Walk Out technology

A sketch from last week’s Saturday Night Live, which was hosted by The Batman star Zoë Kravitz, featured Amazon Go, the online giant’s chain of checkout-free convenience stores. And it was glorious.

New Strong Customer Authentication rules change UK online shopping game

UK consumers can now expect changes in the way they shop online, a result of new Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirements.

These will change how Brits confirm their identity when making online purchases.

Skechers USA invests in the future as it enters metaverse

Skechers has announced a push into the metaverse with the signing of a lease in the Fashion District of Decentraland.

Retail Technology Show Startup Safari line up announced

Consulting firm, Baringa, has announced the line-up of companies that will feature on its Startup Safari initiative at Retail Technology Show next month.

Taking place at London’s Olympia on 26th-27th April, this will enable visitors to explore the top ten picks of the most exciting technologies set to disrupt the retail sector.

The top ten consists of: London Dynamics; Ometria; Personify XP; Shoppermotion; Blockdox; TruRating; Slip; Brand Conscience; Kindred; Face Donate.