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 REWE Group, Trigo, H&M Group, Google Cloud, Walmart, Deliveroo, and Criteo.
1. REWE preps Trigo powered hybrid checkout-free supermarket launch in Berlin
REWE Group has announced the upcoming opening of a second Trigo powered hybrid checkout-free supermarket.
Located in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany, this builds on a launch last year in Cologne.
Shoppers at the 400 square metre Schönhauser Allee location can walk in and grab items including fresh baked goods, weighted fruits and vegetables and other grocery products, then exit the store and receive a receipt within minutes.
A traditional checkout option will also be available.
2. H&M Group taps Google Cloud tech for CX and supply chain push
Google Cloud has announced a new partnership with H&M Group which will see the Swedish multinational leverage its data analytics capabilities and sustainable global infrastructure to enhance its customer experience and supply chain enablement.
The pair will collaborate to develop an enterprise data backbone including a core data platform, data product, and advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities.
This will also include the establishment of a new data mesh to further make all types of data and events accessible from multiple sources including in-store, online, its brands ecosystem and suppliers.
3. Kingfisher deploys new 3D Cloud by Marxent technology
3D Cloud by Marxent is partnering with Kingfisher to roll-out new 3D visualisation, planning, and design tech across a number of its banners.
The initiative includes a 3D kitchen, bathroom, and storage planner with virtual reality capabilities in addition to a series of mobile 3D product configurators.
Kingfisher's B&Q and Brico Depot Romania have already launched the system in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Romania.
B&Q UK has also rolled out a line-up of intuitive, mobile first 3D product configurators for fireplaces and for the Kingfisher exclusive Atomia and Alara product lines.
Using the aforementioned tools, shoppers are able to explore, design, visualise and checkout in a single app. More sophisticated design features are available for experienced designers.
4. Asia-Pacific key as self-checkout technology market booms
An increasingly diverse range of retailers are embracing self-checkout technology, from convenience with fuel firms to fashion chains, according to research from RBR.
2021 marked another record year of activity in this space, with 200,000 shipments globally. The global market grew by 11% last year, boosted by strong demand in Asia-Pacific.
Major Chinese retailers continue to ramp up self-checkout deployments, while in Australia leading supermarket chains are adding more units per store. Elsewhere, pilot projects are underway at retailers across the region, including in Indonesia and Malaysia.
5. Deliveroo teams with Criteo for new advertising platform
Deliveroo has announced the launch of a new advertising platform, Deliveroo Media and E-commerce.
The rapid delivery firm is working on this offering with Criteo who are supplying the advertising technology and media sales services.
Brands will be able to advertise to Deliveroo customers with relevant offers across its app, on the company’s website and as part of social media, email and push notification campaigns.
For the first time, advertising is planned for Deliveroo’s order tracker page, with new formats to launch over the coming months, alongside sponsored search listings.
The venture’s network of delivery only ‘Editions’ kitchens and rapid grocery delivery ‘HOP’ stores are also part of the new advertising proposition.
6. Walmart set to acquire AR optical tech company Memomi
Walmart has entered into an agreement to acquire augmented reality tech company, Memomi.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition is expected to close in the coming weeks, with Memomi employees joining the Walmart Global Tech organisation.
Since 2019, Memomi has enabled digital measurements for Walmart and Sam’s Optical customers, across more than 2,800 Walmart Vision Centres and 550 Sam’s Clubs, and also powers the optical e-commerce experience on SamsClub.com.
