RTIH AI in Retail Awards goes live: these are our biggest retail technology articles on LinkedIn
We’re big fans of LinkedIn and are busy building an amazing community of retail tech enthusiasts on the social media platform. As we head towards the 20,000 followers mark, these are the articles that are currently on their radars, including Lekkerland SE, Reckon.ai, Halfords, Aptos, Autonomo Technologies, Ecomtent, Radiant, Wisdom Analytics, Sitoo, and Puma.
Fast. Fresh. Food. Lekkerland SE and Reckon.ai team on REWE To Go autonomous store in German train station
REWE To Go and Lekkerland SE have launched an autonomous store at Koblenz Central train station, Germany.
This is powered by AI smart cabinets in partnership with Reckon.ai.
The 65 sqm store is open 24/7. People can scan their card to enter and then a cashless means of payment at the payment terminal on a smart fridge, and take their items.
Weight sensors and computer vision cameras record which products have been removed. The amount due is automatically debited from the chosen payment method. In addition, there is the option of selecting products at smart vending machines with touch displays and then receiving them via an output compartment.
This is used in particular for tobacco and alcoholic products. Age verification by scanning an identity card or driver's licence ensures compliance with youth protection regulations.
Autonomo Technologies hires Rehman Mohammed as Global Vice President to support existing and new global agreements
Autonomo Technologies has announced the appointment of Rehman Mohammed as Global Vice President.
He joins from AiFi where he was the GM for UKI, Nordics, Baltics and Middle East. Rehman is highly experienced in the frictionless technology space having helped grow AiFi from its first UKI customer in 2020 to pan European contracts today.
His achievements include launching the largest ever computer vision only store with Aldi, the first frictionless store in the UK Premier League at Leicester City FC, followed quickly by Aston Villa FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC and FC Copenhagen. He launched the first frictionless store in Ireland as well as a number of new locations in the Nordics and Middle East.
Autonomo Technologies aims to simplify shopping for customers and retailers using AI. It is used by retailers where there is a lack of staff, to eliminate queues and to grow bricks and mortar retail profitably into smaller footprint locations. Autonomo works with Edeka, Migros, NHS, petrol stations, convenience stores, stadiums and grab and go stores.
Puma partners with Point of Sale and unified commerce specialist Sitoo and wraps UK stores roll-out
Puma has chosen Sitoo to power its stores globally and enable the provision of a unified shopping experience to customers.
The sports brand says that the move will bring all its stores together with one seamless global solution, with the aim of simplifying processes, integrating physical and digital commerce, and enabling store associates to provide the best possible customer service.
“Before choosing Sitoo, we conducted a comprehensive review of all available solutions in the market,” says Baris Bölükbasi, Senior Director Global Retail at Puma Group. “After an extensive evaluation, we concluded that Sitoo was the best choice for us. The roll-out in our UK stores has already delivered good results, confirming that Sitoo is the right partner to help us achieve our goals.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Puma, one of the most iconic and biggest brands in the world,” says Jens Levin, CEO and Co-Founder at Sitoo.
“This partnership and the trust it has placed in us, is a testament to the strength of our solution. We look forward to working together to shape the future of retail and create exceptional experiences for Puma’s customers around the globe.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards celebrates technology innovation amid a digital transformation revolution
RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
As AI sees increasing adoption in the retail space, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.
Halfords makes decision to upgrade to newer versions of Aptos PoS, CRM and Sales Audit applications
Halfords has extended its use of Aptos software to support its customer engagement and store operations strategies. The retailer is leveraging upgraded versions of the firm’s PoS, CRM and Sales Audit applications.
“We view the customer journey in a very holistic way,” says Adam Gerrard, Chief Data & Information Officer at Halfords. “With the majority of people in the UK living in close proximity to a Halfords location, we leverage our store network to connect on a deeper level with customers through unrivalled expertise and services and an unbeatable range of products.”
“We recognise the importance of taking a digital-first approach.” Gerrard adds, “We have made it easier than ever for people to find us online, and we’ve invested in high performance websites. The greatest benefit is then linking up digital and store experiences in a way that is completely seamless for the customer.”
“For example, a customer browsing online for a product can quickly and easily arrange for Click and Collect at their local store. We view Aptos as an omnichannel technology specialist, and we are pleased to continue our long standing partnership with this firm.”
Ecomtent, a gen AI startup founded by former Amazon executive Max Sinclair, lands $1.4 million in funding
Ecomtent, a generative AI startup focused on helping sellers and retailers with AI powered search, has secured $1.4 million in funding.
The round was led by MaRS IAF, and included Twinpath, Techstars x eBay Ventures, and C-suite angels from retailers and the tech industry.
Founded in 2022 by Max Sinclair, a former Amazon executive who led key initiatives such as the launch of Amazon in Singapore and Amazon Grocery across the EU, and Timur Luguev, a PhD and Postdoctoral Researcher in machine learning, Ecomtent's platform generates visual and written content optimised for AI powered search, such as Amazon’s RUFUS.
"The way people shop online is undergoing a profound transformation," says Sinclair. "And therefore also how sellers and retailers optimise for discoverability and conversion is changing. Longtail keyword matching is dead. The future lies in aligning with customer intent, across both written and visual assets."
UK-based Shopify agency Radiant announces promotion of Stephanie Deeley to position of Managing Director
Radiant, a UK Shopify agency, has announced the appointment of Stephanie Deeley as its new Managing Director. She brings over eight years of experience in the digital and e-commerce sectors.
Deeley has been at Radiant for four years as Client Services Director. In her new role, she will oversee the company's strategic direction, focusing on expanding its service offerings.
She says: "I’m thrilled to be moving into the Managing Director role at Radiant at such an exciting time. We have a really talented team, a superb client portfolio and lots of opportunities ahead of us."
James Lane, Founder at Radiant, says: "Steph has been transformational for the business in her time here. From overhauling operations and helping lead the team, to winning new clients and steering the agency alongside me, she's been invaluable. Steph is perfectly positioned for the role of Managing Director to lead the agency into its next phase of growth."
Former J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs exec and South Street Advisers founder Jason English joins Wisdom Analytics
Jason English, whose CV includes stints at Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, has joined the board of directors at Wisdom Analytics, a specialist in AI powered solutions for the CPG industry.
“Jason has been a guiding light to CEOs and CFOs in maximising valuations. His unique ability to translate advanced analytics into actionable business outcomes will significantly enhance our ability to deliver exceptional value to our clients.” says Bart Flaherty, Wisdom Analytics CEO and Co-founder.
Swap launches artificial intelligence powered returns solution for DTC brands operating through Shopify
Swap, an e-commerce operating system that manages operations for direct-to-consumer brands, has launched a new AI powered feature designed to streamline return operations for firms operating through Shopify stores.
“We continue to disrupt the e-commerce market with our innovative software, especially in times of such economic pressure, and this launch is just another example of how we’re continuing to evolve to meet consumer needs with this first of its kind feature in the SaaS space,” says Juan Pellerano-Rendon, Chief Marketing Officer at Swap.
“As we look to 2025, AI will become a massive part of our platform, and this launch marks the first of a suite of tools we have planned on our roadmap. With this launch, we are providing brands with the data they need to work smarter than ever before.”
UK retailer LA Foods excited about ESELs potential as it notches up a milestone with 1,000th EDGEPoS installation
Henderson Technology has announced the 1,000th installation of its EPoS system, EDGEPoS, at LA Foods on Uxbridge Road, London.
EDGEPoS was first piloted in 2011. LA Foods, co-owned by Tabrez Hussain and his family, has a retail history dating back to 1990 when his father established the business. Since the late 2000s, he and his brothers have expanded the company, which now operates 13 stores.
Hussain says: “We chose EDGEPoS because we wanted a system that could make our store operations more streamlined and automated. The self-checkouts, suggested ordering, and electronic shelf labels (ESELs) were particularly appealing, and while we haven’t yet rolled out ESELs, we are excited about their potential.”
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