RTIH runs through this week's coolest retail technology plays
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ‘future of retail’ systems launches and deployments from the past week, including a quick commerce first, a tech recirculation initiative, and an autonomous stores milestone.
The Edit LDN
The Edit LDN, a marketplace for sneakers, is venturing into the metaverse by creating a store in partnership with Bloktopia.
Founder Moses Rashid entered the brand into Harrods in October 2021, and is now setting up shop virtually.
“We clearly see a trend that luxury brands need a Web3 strategy, and for us, this feels like a natural fit,” says Rashid.
“We're finding our audience is more digitally focussed, has an interest in crypto and NFTs, and an increasing desire to attain product in different ways.”
“Our partnership with Bloktopia is our first big step to executing our vision of being the most innovative player in the market.”
Migros Ticaret
Zapp
Rapid delivery firm, Zapp, has launched a Self-Love Store, to coincide with International Female Orgasm Day, 8th August.
Pitched as a quick commerce first, this sells the likes of premium vibrators, water-based lube, along with other self-love treats such as candles, champagne, chocolate, and skincare, all of which can be delivered to Londoners in minutes, 24/7.
ACF
Perfect Corp. has announced a partnership with Argentinian cosmetic brand, ACF (Advanced Cosmeceutical Formulations).
The latter will integrate its AI powered Skin Diagnostic technology that enables an assessment of key skin concerns, including wrinkles, moisture, and redness, and provides each customer with a regime customised to their individual needs.
ACF customers will be able to receive an instant skin evaluation directly on their mobile device.
Tesco
Tesco says it is the first retailer to launch a zero-emission electric lorry to make deliveries from its distribution centres to stores in city centres.
The first of these vehicles, made by Renault Trucks, is now delivering to more than 400 stores in Greater London, with further electric lorries entering service in the coming months.
Getir
Rapid delivery firm, Getir, says that it is rolling back several grocery prices to the 90s in response to the cost of living crisis and the highest inflation rates in 27 years.
Customers can bag the likes of a Cadbury Dairy Milk bar for 45p, a pack of spaghetti for £1.09, Salad Cream for £1.29p, and a 800g white medium Kingsmill loaf for £65p.
The price promotion is running throughout the whole of August on the Getir app.
Products will be available to deliver in minutes across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Southampton, Portsmouth, Leeds, Cambridge, and Leicester.
Co-op
Co-op has expanded a trial with tech recirculation startup, Spring.
The pair first partnered in October 2021 with the launch of self-service pods in 20 of the retailer’s convenience stores in London.
The move is designed to make recirculating electronic devices that can be reused or recycled more accessible, while enabling consumers to turn their unwanted items into cash.
The initiative has now been rolled-out to Co-op stores in: Birmingham; Brighton; Leeds and Manchester.
Spring’s Pods accept almost 14,000 different devices and customers receive payment to their Spring account within one to three days. The money can be transferred to a bank account or to charity.
Where devices cannot be re-used, Spring will ensure all components - which include materials such as: gold; copper; aluminium and, steel - are recycled.
AiFi
AiFi has reached the milestone of 80 autonomous retail stores open worldwide.
By working with technology providers and retailers such as Verizon, Microsoft, Carrefour, Aldi, Compass Group, Sodexo, Choice Market and Żabka Group, AiFi says that it has deployed the largest number of camera only, computer vision powered stores across North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
This year, it increased its speed of deployment to two stores per week.
AiFi showcased this rate of deployment by opening 50 computer vision powered locations with Żabka, Poland’s largest convenience store chain, in the span of a few months.
Amazon
Amazon One palm scanner payment technology is set to launch at over 65 Whole Foods stores in California.
This is the biggest roll-out to date, with stores in Malibu, Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Santa Cruz included in the initiative.
Amazon One was initially available in Amazon Go stores, with an eventual expansion to Whole Foods stores in Austin, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York City.
Customers can also try out the tech at the Amazon Style fashion store in Glendale, California, along with select Fresh and Go stores.
