Including Ocado Solutions and McDonald’s France: 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 Morrisons, Eagle Eye, DPD, Cartken, L’Occitane En Provence, and Emperia.
1. Ocado Group announces appointment of Gregor Ulitzka as President, Europe, Ocado Solutions
Ocado Group has appointed Gregor Ulitzka as its first President, Europe for Ocado Solutions.
In this role he will lead the firm’s operations across the region, growing relationships with current partners and bringing new retailers to the Ocado Smart Platform (OSP).
Ulitzka joins Ocado from Amazon, where he worked for over 10 years, most recently as Director of Supply Chain and Inventory Management for Europe.
In that role, he was responsible for leading global supply chain, product management and business development teams. Previously he spent 13 years at the German grocer Metro in European management roles.
2. 2023 RTIH retail technology awards: Most Innovative UK Retailer category now open for submissions
The fifth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards is now open for entries.
The awards. sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud by Marxent, and Goodays, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and include a Most Innovative UK Retailer category.
Deadline for 2023 submissions is Friday, 27th October, with winners being revealed at an exclusive event at the Barbican in central London on Wednesday, 29th November.
Entries are free and you can submit in multiple categories.
Most Innovative UK Retailer
Who has been the UK’s most innovative, customer focused retailer this year?
Judges are asked to look at the tech deployments, pilots etc listed alongside each retailer and decide which one has been the most consistently forward thinking and customer centric in 2022/23.
Download an entry form here.
For all entry related queries, email: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, says: “Innovation and technology play a critical role in the success of the retail sector, so it is great to recognise standout examples through our awards.”
“Thanks to all those who entered the 2022 event. We received a record number of submissions and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.”
“I’m excited to launch the fifth edition of the awards. The 2023 event will be the biggest and best yet.”
3. McDonald’s France teams with Checkpoint Systems to incorporate RFID tech into its new reusable containers
Checkpoint Systems is working with McDonald’s France to incorporate RFID technology into the fast food giant’s new reusable containers.
The move comes following McDonald’s commitment to eliminating unnecessary packaging and contributing to the improvement of recycling systems.
It also coincides with the introduction of new French legislation – that came into effect in January 2023 – and aims to fight waste to preserve biodiversity and natural resources.
Following a two-year consultation process, Checkpoint was appointed to work with McDonald’s France in 2021 to deliver the project which involved the installation of RFID hardware and software in restaurants across the country.
The project will help the company reduce waste by providing real-time visibility of its reusable tableware stock, with the aim of delivering fast and efficient inventory management, optimising replenishment and ensuring stock lines are protected for long-term security and usability.
4. Eagle Eye secures five-year Morrisons deal for enhanced digital loyalty and promotion offering
Eagle Eye has secured a five-year contract with Morrisons involving the UK grocery giant’s loyalty and promotional offering.
The retailer will tap Eagle Eye's AIR platform for its loyalty programme, which allows customers to benefit from exclusive prices and earn points on selected products in-store, online and on fuel.
Its new offering aims to create more ways of engaging with customers, and help the supermarket scale the number of broadcast and targeted offers available.
The scheme will be rolled out to all 499 stores nationwide and is expected to go live later in 2023.
5. DPD to roll-out Cartken robot deliveries to ten UK towns and cities following Milton Keynes trial
Parcel delivery company DPD has announced plans to expand autonomous robot deliveries to ten UK towns and cities in the next 12 months, following a trial in Milton Keynes, starting with Raunds in Northamptonshire.
This extends the firm’s relationship with AI powered robotics and last mile delivery specialist, Cartken and follows work that identified up to 30 UK depot locations which could potentially deploy robots.
The former first introduced the Cartken robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022 and they have since travelled almost 500 miles and performed over 2,500 trips delivering parcels to DPD customers.
6. Welcome to our world: L’Occitane En Provence teams with Emperia to launch new virtual experience
L’Occitane En Provence has launched a virtual experience that transports its customers to the heart of Provence, where the French beauty brand gets its inspiration.
“We strive to be pioneers in the beauty industry, constantly pushing boundaries to create products that inspire and transform. By embracing innovation, we aim to turn our customers' dreams into reality, offering them a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience,” says Mariana Rodrigues, Marketing Director at L’Occitane Middle East.
The experience has been developed in partnership with Emperia.
It includes videos, facts, and interactive content about the brand’s universe, highlighting its best sellers, including skincare, fragrance, and body care.
People can explore lavender fields on a bicycle, fly on a hot air balloon to Corsica to see the immortelle fields, have a picnic on almond orchards or discover the Shea Butter collection in the African scenery of Burkina Faso.
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