Top 10: last week’s most essential retail technology articles
These are the RTIH articles that caught your fancy last week, including AiFi, Cainz Corporation, Amazon, Adyen, Pinterest, Waitrose, and QuikTrip.
AiFi launches first autonomous store in Japan with Cainz Corporation
Japan’s Cainz Corporation, a home improvement chain with 230 stores, has announced a new autonomous location, called Cainz Mobile Store, on the first floor of its HQ in Honjo City, Saitama.
The computer vision technology implemented into the store, powered by US-based AiFi, will allow customers to shop for Cainz brand household products and snack items without having to go through a cash register or self-checkout.
This will open in the near future and may expand to other locations in the future.
People will be able to download the dedicated Cainz app, present a QR code at the gate to enter the store, and begin shopping.
To complete payment, they can exit the store and await a digital receipt, which is sent through the app shortly after leaving.
The system is powered by computer vision through cameras on the ceiling that recognise customer movements and the products they pick up, then it automatically processes the payment through the smartphone application.
QuikTrip taps Amazon Just Walk Out tech for checkout-free store first
US convenience retailer, QuikTrip, has opened a store in Tulsa powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. This is its first venture into the checkout-free space.
Those visiting the new location (in the BOK Tower at One Williams Center) will be able to insert their credit card at the entry gate to enter, shop like normal, and then leave.
Just Walk Out technology determines what items shoppers take from or return to the shelves, and when they leave, the credit card they inserted will be charged for the items they took.
Pricer research examines pressures on stores to drive digitisation
The squeeze on stores, which is putting pressure on bricks and mortar estates to perform more digital roles and support e-commerce operations, is accelerating UK retailers’ investment in digitalising their physical locations, with autonomous, replenishment and contact free capabilities becoming prioritised on tech roadmaps, according to research from Pricer.
Far too many supply chain execs think small when they should think big
The majority of supply chains were designed for another era, according to Brittain Ladd, a consultant and former Amazon executive.
Reacting to an article by The Hill, which makes the argument that supply chains are being transformed, in a LinkedIn post, Ladd said: “They aren't being transformed. In fact, the majority of activity taking place globally related to supply chains is doing nothing more than making incremental improvements at best.”
Amazon Fresh makes key appointments in physical stores push
Peters joins from Woolworths Supermarkets where she served as Managing Director.
Her CV also includes a stint as Chief Operating Officer at Tesco Stores.
Bowrey, meanwhile, worked for Tesco for over 30 years across various functions and internationally.
Most recently, he was Retail Director at Boots.
Global IT Director Chris Norman departs Dyson for new opportunity
Chris Norman has left Dyson where he served as Global IT Director - Digital Business Technology.
In a LinkedIn post, dated 15th August, he said: “After nearly 12 years I have decided to take some time out search for my next role outside of Dyson and today is my first day of garden leave.”
He added: “It’s been quite a journey since joining in 2010 and I have had the privilege of building and leading an amazing team.”
Adyen takes wraps off in-house designed payments terminal range
Adyen has launched its first in-house designed payments terminals, running on the company’s single technology platform.
Said platform acts as a payment gateway, payment service provider and offers risk management and local acquiring.
Waitrose creates first Pinterest Pin Extension for Summer Food Festival campaign
Pinterest has launched Waitrose’s latest campaign on its platform, showcasing its “colourful variety in food choices for this year’s summer dishes”.
Raising awareness of its “high quality products and everyday food range”, the retailer is looking to inspire Pinners to prepare tasty meals, utilising Pinterest’s immersive ad format, the Pin Extension, for the first time.
Five retail technology questions for Playrcart’s Glen Dormieux
RTIH asks major players in the retail technology space for their thoughts on the sector, and throws in a random question to keep them on their toes. This time around, our five questions go to Playrcart Founder Glen Dormieux.
Five retail technology funding rounds you need to know about
RTIH rounds up the retail tech ventures whose funding rounds have been making headlines, including Shopic, KatKin, CleverTap, and Ottonomy.IO.
