Starring Sitoo, Voyado, and VusionGroup: RTIH rolls out the biggest retail technology news stories of the week

It’s Friday, the Christmas break 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 Puma, H&M Group, Pricer, Autonomo Technologies, Sobeys, Ecomtent, Lekkerland SE, Reckon.ai, Aptos, Rokt, and the RTIH AI in Retail Awards.

1. 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.

2. Canadian grocery and pharmacy retailer Sobeys expands Pricer Plaza installation with JRTech Solutions agreement

After a first wave of 50 stores, Sobeys is entering into an agreement with Pricer’s partner, JRTech Solutions, for an expected deployment of five million electronic shelf labels across Canada at an expected order value of 485 MSEK.

The initial order from Sobeys for deployment of ESLs in 50 of its stores, that was reported in June as an order from a Tier 1 North American grocery retailer, was the first large scale full-store deployment of four colour labels in North America.

Sobeys is one of the largest grocery chains in North America with over 1,500 grocery and pharmacy stores.

The roll-out of Pricer’s in-store automation and communication solution, consisting of the cloud-based platform Pricer Plaza and electronic shelf labels, is expected to be completed by 30th April 2026.

3. 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.”

4. 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."

5. Specialty food retailer The Fresh Market connects with VusionGroup for first Vusion 360 roll-out in North America

VusionGroup has been selected by The Fresh Market, an American fresh food and specialty grocery chain, to digitalise both signage and inventory management of its physical stores.

The tie up will bring in a suite of Vusion 360 technology solutions, including digital shelf labels, VusionCloud, Captana’s computer vision and AI technology, and Memory Store Analytics to all 166 locations across the United States, marking the first Vusion 360 roll-out in North America.

The aim here is to improve merchandising, inventory management, product quality, and efficiency while minimising waste. Additionally, using Cisco Meraki infrastructure already in place in stores, The Fresh Market will automatically connect VusionGroup’s IoT to existing access points, eliminating the need for additional hardware and reducing both the carbon footprint and operational costs.

“We're thrilled to team up with VusionGroup and introduce their technology to The Fresh Market. With this integration, we're transforming our stores into fast and efficient spaces.” says Brian Johnson, COO at The Fresh Market. “This partnership not only shows our dedication to elevating the shopping experience for our guests but also reflects our commitment to supporting our incredible team members.”

6. Best Buy Ads Canada taps Rokt machine learning and AI tech to power relevant messages from third-party brands

Rokt has announced a partnership with Best Buy Ads Canada.

Best Buy Ads Canada will use its technology to power relevant messages from third-party brands, whose products and services the company does not directly sell itself, on the confirmation page of the Best Buy Canada e-commerce site.

"Our partnership with Rokt gives us a new way to enhance the online customer experience by presenting shoppers with offers and messages that are relevant to them," says Tara Wilkinson, Director of Strategy, Best Buy Canada.

"Ad personalisation is critical to the online customer experience. Rokt's technology delivers superior ad engagement which speaks directly to relevance, and that's why we chose to partner with Rokt - their offering is refreshingly unique."

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Fashion giant H&M Group acquires minority ownership stake in Swedish retail technology platform Voyado

Omnichannel customer engagement specialist Voyado reports that H&M Group has acquired a minority ownership stake in the company.

Erik Lagerblad, Head of H&M Group Ventures, says: "We are really impressed by Voyado's journey so far. After rolling out their solution globally, we’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes in creating value at scale.”

“That's why it makes perfect sense for the H&M Group to deepen our partnership through an investment, which will further support Voyado's future growth and strengthen their offering for other enterprise customers.”

The company lays claims to significant market share across the Nordics and Benelux, and it is now focused on expanding into key markets such as the UK, and Germany.

Erica Sandelin Ekelund, CEO at Voyado, pictured below, says: "Our ambition is to establish Voyado as Northern Europe's most beloved retail tech companion while maintaining profitability and scalability. H&M Group's investment brings valuable insights and resources that align with our efforts to scale faster and expand into new segments, creating value for our existing and future customers.”

10. 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.”