A TikTok social commerce first in London: RTIH’s 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 TikTok, Sook, Simbe Robotics, Roku, Shopify, AEON, and Ocado Group.
1. TikTok claims social commerce first as it teams with Sook to launch pop up shop on Oxford Street, London
Last week, TikTok hit London’s Oxford Street, working with Sook to open a pop up shop.
In a LinkedIn post, Lin Chen, Electronics Category Lead, Social E-Commerce, TikTok Shop, said: “What an incredible week it has been! We did it!”
For a span of seven days, we unveiled the world's first physical TikTok shop on London's bustling Oxford Street. We showcased a revolutionary shopping experience that seamlessly merged offline and online social commerce in a delightful and interactive manner.”
She added: “Throughout these seven days, we focused on three primary product categories: technology, home and living, and books. We invited existing merchants who have gained popularity in trending TikTok communities such as #Coffeetok, #TechTok, #FoodTok, #HairTok, and #HomeTok”
In addition, TikTok showcased products from the likes of Swan Products, RKW, Beauty Works, Cookology, and Nothing. Creators were able to scan a QR code to directly buy or sell products on TikTok Shop.
Chen added: “We had the pleasure of welcoming some prominent brands. They visited our shop to learn about the operation of TikTok Shop, how to engage with creators, and unlock the enormous potential of social selling using their existing physical infrastructure.”
“We were also thrilled to host top TikTok creators and have the esteemed Gadget Show host, Jason Bradbury, interact with merchants and their latest products.”
She concluded: “Social commerce is indeed a thriving reality, and we are here to support businesses navigate this exciting frontier.”
2. Ocado Group announces go live of first customer fulfilment centre in Asia with AEON
Ocado Group and AEON have announced the official go live of their first customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in Japan.
This began taking orders today from customers across the Kanto region.
In April, AEON NEXT revealed its online grocery delivery brand, Green Beans. The service will offer a 50,000 SKU product range at scale as well as a smart cart function and one-hour delivery slots to customers.
A second CFC will be based in Hachioji, Tokyo. Further CFCs will follow, and the capacity will be served using a configuration of different sized facilities from the Ocado ecosystem.
The launch of the Honda CFC represents the first official launch of an Ocado CFC in Asia.
3. Roku notches up a first as it brings a Shopify purchase experience to television for merchants
Roku is partnering with Shopify to enable people to purchase products from the latter’s merchants through their TVs.
Viewers will be able to interact with a Roku Action Ad for a Shopify merchant by using their TV remote.
They can buy a product with Roku Pay. The merchant will send an email confirmation of the order once the transaction has been processed.
Roku Action Ads are any advertisements on Roku streaming devices that provide a down funnel action, such as sending users a text, scanning a QR code, or making a purchase.
Integrating Shopify purchases into Action Ads is the first commerce integration for independent Shopify merchants on TV streaming.
Men’s apparel brand True Classic, the game-based connected rower Ergatta, and wellness brand Olly have signed on as initial partners.
4. Women's fashion retailer Oh Polly teams with Packfleet to provide carbon free deliveries
Oh Polly has partnered with Packfleet to provide London-based shoppers with carbon free fashion deliveries.
Aided by all electric courier Packfleet’s live map tracking, customers can follow their parcel every step of the journey.
On delivery day, they will have the option to change everything about their shipment – including the time their parcel arrives, the address it arrives at and even whether drivers ring the doorbell.
The deal will see Packfleet handle all of Oh Polly’s orders within the M25, with occasion wear, activewear and swimwear being hand-delivered by the former’s drivers.
5. Domino’s Pizza inks exclusive delivery deal with Uber Eats, with initial roll-out set for autumn
Domino’s Pizza has entered into a new agreement with Uber.
This allows US customers to order its products through the Uber Eats and Postmates apps with delivery taken care of by the retailer and its franchisees.
The initial roll-out of the agreement will begin this autumn in four pilot markets, with ordering on the Uber Eats and Postmates apps anticipated to be enabled across the country by the end of 2023.
Uber Eats will be the exclusive Stateside third-party platform for Domino’s until at least 2024.
6. Simbe Robotics raises $28 million Series B to accelerate global expansion and product innovation
Simbe, which leverages AI and robotics to provide retailers with real-time insights into inventory and operations, has announced a Series B equity financing round of $28 million, led by Eclipse.
“We're honoured to be supported by an investor like Eclipse, with a team that recognises technology's incredible potential to significantly enhance retail operations, as well as greatly improve the customer experience,” says Brad Bogolea, CEO and Co-founder, Simbe.
“Elevating the retail experience for everyone — retailers, their associates, and customers — through AI and robotics is the foundation of Simbe’s mission, and this funding will enable us to share this vision and reimagined experience with more retail partners around the world.”
Continue reading…