Walmart trolls Amazon: RTIH presents 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 Kingfisher, Asos, Secret Sales, Sam’s Club, and Amazon Fresh.
1. Kingfisher Chief Digital and Technology Officer JJ Van Oosten departs to focus on personal interests
JJ Van Oosten has stepped down from the role of Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Kingfisher, the retail group whose brand portfolio includes B&Q, Castorama, Screwfix, Brico Dépôt and Koçtaş.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “It is now time for me to pass the baton over to the wonderful team and to focus on my personal interests.”
“Over the last there years, together, we have doubled our e-commerce participation from 8% to 16% of group sales. We put stores at the centre of our fulfilment strategy. We also offered more choice and speed to our customers.”
He added: “We successfully launched marketplaces in the UK for B&Q, in Iberia for Brico Dépôt and have clear roll-out plans. In the UK, our Screwfix customers can get their products under 60 minutes using 'Sprint' on the app.”
“Above all, we have developed and attracted world class talent across e-commerce, digital marketing, data (science), product management and technology. We have clear plans. Thank you. I wish you all the very best.”
2. Fast fashion pureplay Asos launches non-full price partnership with Secret Sales
Secret Sales and Asos have announced a new non-full price partnership, where visitors to the former’s platform will be able to shop from an initial selection of up to 1,000 products from the latter’s owned brands.
This will include Asos Design, Collusion, Reclaimed Vintage, Topshop, Topman, and Miss Selfridge.
It launches initially in the UK, with all of the selected discounted items no longer being available on Asos as products will be housed on Secret Sales.
Purchases will be fulfilled by Asos using its existing fulfilment infrastructure and capability, including packaging and shipping.
3. Automation key as Sam’s Club announces new clubs, distribution and fulfilment centres
Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart and a membership warehouse club, has announced plans to open over 30 new locations across the US over the next several years.
The first one, which is planned in Florida, is slated to debut in 2024.
In addition, the company will launch five new supply chain fulfilment and distribution centres in 2023, including automation, with the first location planned in Georgia in Q3.
It says that the decision to invest in expanding its physical footprint was motivated by historic comparable sales growth, and a record rise in membership over the last two years.
4. A smart move by Amazon to charge delivery fees on Fresh grocery orders under $150. Here’s why
Beginning on 28th February, Amazon will start charging delivery fees on Fresh grocery orders that are under $150.
This service is only available to Amazon Prime members who pay $139 a year to participate.
In a notice to customers, the e-commerce giant said it was adding fees to some orders so that it could keep prices low.
It’s a move that has been applauded by Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive.
Check out his thoughts on the matter here.
5. Grocery veterans Claire Peters and Peter Bowrey join Amazon Fresh leadership team
Claire Peters and Peter Bowrey have officially joined Amazon Fresh, taking on the roles of Vice President of Retail and Vice President, Amazon Fresh Operations respectively.
RTIH first reported on their appointments in August of last year.
Peters comes onboard 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.
In a LinkedIn post from last year, Tony Hoggett, SVP Worldwide Physical Stores & Speciality Fulfilment, Amazon, said: “I’m excited to announce Claire and Peter are joining our growing Amazon Physical Stores leadership team.”
“Both Claire and Pete will join Amazon in early 2023, bringing decades of grocery, international and multi-channel retail experience.”
He added: “I’m inspired by the Amazon Physical Stores and Speciality Fulfilment leadership team we have in place, and we’re all looking forward to growing the business together with our two new members.”
6. RELEX Solutions hooks German supermarket chain EDEKA as forecasting and replenishment customer
RELEX Solutions’ forecasting and automatic replenishment solution will be implemented in EDEKA stores and distribution centres throughout Germany.
The aim is to increase forecast accuracy and product availability and minimise food waste.
RELEX will initially be implemented in one of EDEKA’s seven regional wholesale companies and is then to be gradually rolled out to the rest.
“A steadily increasing number of leading grocery retailers are successfully planning with RELEX’s solution for forecasting and automatic replenishment. This is the best proof of our outstanding competence in the grocery retail sector,” says Michael Hoffmann, Vice President of Field Operations DACH at RELEX Solutions.
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