Wedding dresses and accessories in a jiffy: running you through this week's coolest retail technology plays

RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ‘future of retail’ systems launches and deployments from the past week, including David’s Bridal, DoorDash, MeetKai, Detroit Pistons, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Obsess, Currys, Walmart, Domino’s, Netflix, Prada and Miu Miu.

Parkopedia and Škoda

Parkopedia and Škoda have updated notifications on their in-car payment service to now include prompts to inform drivers when they are approaching locations that support these transactions.

This new functionality is launched with fuel powered Škoda models, produced from Q2 2024 including the Fabia, Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, Octavia, Scala and Superb, with notifications for parking locations being added to the the upcoming all electric Škoda Elroq at launch, with the Enyaq and additional EV models gaining this functionality in 2025.

Škoda Technical Project Lead & Product Manager, Martin Handl, says: “We are proud to offer a range of user-friendly features that take the stress out of drivers’ everyday lives and our latest feature with Parkopedia offers the same value, enabling drivers to get the most from their Škoda whenever they need to make vehicle-based purchases behind the wheel.”

“From our driver feedback, we know that paying for parking and fuel can be a tedious and stressful task for our drivers, which is why we’ve worked with Parkopedia to streamline this process for our drivers with this innovative and valuable solution.”

David's Bridal

David's Bridal, a bridal, wedding planning, and special occasion specialist, has announced a new partnership with DoorDash to offer on-demand delivery.

People across the US can now access an assortment of dresses, shoes and accessories and get delivery to their doorstep in under an hour from its 180 locations nationwide - at the same retail price as in-store.

David’s is the first retailer in the wedding and special occasion category to team with DoorDash.

"We are thrilled to partner with DoorDash. When we tested the partnership in the market, customer feedback was fantastic. Our ‘Anywhere Commerce' strategy means just that - anywhere she wants it. ‘I can't believe it, how fun?!' was our favourite customer quote," says Kelly Cook, President of Brand, Technology and Finance at David's Bridal.

"We're already seeing dresses, accessories and intimates as the top David's product categories being shopped through DoorDash.”

“Whether you prefer the convenience of doorstep delivery to help save time during the planning process, need a perfect dress for a last minute holiday party invite, a save-the-day solution to a suddenly stained bridesmaid dress on the big day or a fabulous pair of ‘party-all-night' shoes - David's takes the stress away so you can focus on celebrating and feeling beautiful and confident for any special occasion."

Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group

Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group has announced the US launch of Pic Copilot, an artificial intelligence driven e-commerce design tool tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This features 12 tools aimed at making tasks such as swapping image backgrounds, perfecting images and videos, conducting virtual try-ons, and generating ads a hassle free experience.

Leveraging real-life e-commerce data from Alibaba International, Pic Copilot aims to improve product imagery and videos. The application of its first two versions revealed that SMEs and key opinion leaders prioritise graphics that drive sales rather than merely focusing on aesthetics.

The latest iteration of the model is built on 250 million parameters and utilises a data annotation method centred around sales metrics. By analysing how various background elements in images influence click-through rates across 240 product categories, the AI model has been trained not only on visual appeal but also to enhance sales performance.  

The US launch introduces features such as virtual try-on tailored for multiple skin tones and body types, featuring more than 160 models across four major skin tones.

The platform allows users to upload personal images, enabling fashion entrepreneurs and KOLs to serve as models in their own product try-on photos. This feature eliminates the need of hiring professional models or conducting photoshoots.

Additionally, Pic Copilot has introduced US specific graphic theme templates tailored to national holidays and celebrations such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and St. Patrick’s Day.

Detroit Pistons

MeetKai and the Detroit Pistons have officially launched Detroit Pistons World, a new virtual fan experience.

Powered by MeetKai’s digital twin technology, people can step into an immersive environment that transports them directly into an exact digital replica of the Pistons’ home court at Little Caesars Arena, designed to make you feel as though you’re an active participant in the game.

There, visitors will be cheered on by fans as they compete in a mini-game where they’ll test their skills with a t-shirt cannon, aiming to hit targets and win prizes. The arena will also serve as a hub for future sponsorships, offering fans an opportunity to engage with brands in new ways.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this immersive virtual experience to life in collaboration with the Pistons,” says James Kaplan, Co-Founder and CEO at MeetKai. “With a vision to bring fans closer to the game, this collaboration marks a transformative step in how sports teams engage with their global fanbase, blending the physical and digital worlds in a way that has never been done before.”

e.l.f. Cosmetics

e.l.f. Cosmetics, an e.l.f. Beauty brand, and experiential e-commerce company Obsess have announced the launch of the Virtual Luxe Lounge, an immersive digital shopping experience for e.l.f. Beauty Squad members in the US and the UK.

This is its loyalty programme, now offering members the opportunity to explore a speakeasy themed, 3D environment where they can shop new product drops for the holiday season and access exclusive coupons to redeem at checkout.

“Our community is at the heart of everything that we do and we’re thrilled to offer our most loyal community a unique and interactive way to shop our most coveted holy grail products,” says Ekta Chopra, Chief Digital Officer, e.l.f. Beauty. “e.l.f. Beauty Squad members are incredibly important to us, and we’re excited to bring them an exclusive shopping experience that will give them new ways to earn and redeem rewards.”

“This is the first time we’re incorporating a loyalty programme into a 3D, virtual experience to exclusively offer its most engaged audience a new way to shop,” says Neha Singh, Founder and CEO at Obsess.

“e.l.f. has cemented itself as an innovative brand leader, and we are thrilled to partner with the company once again, following the success of our previous collaborations to launch virtual shopping experiences.”

Coles 360

Coles 360 has announced a partnership with Qsic to bring AI driven in-store audio to Coles Liquor stores across Australia, offering supplier brands a new way to connect with customers.

Qsic’s platform will leverage Coles Liquor’s data, including transactional data, loyalty insights and stock inventory to optimise the in-store audio experience. By analysing product demand cycles, Qsic dynamically places advertisements during peak demand periods.

“Our pioneering audio platform extends Coles 360’s reach into the in-store environment, delivering highly relevant and localised ads at the point of purchase, while also enhancing the overall shopping experience,”  says Ben Dixon, Head of Retail Media & Partnerships at Qsic.

“Retail partners using Qsic have seen an average sales quantity increase of 11%+ and a sales lift of 14%+; this is also not the ceiling by any means. By leveraging Coles Liquor’s data to fuel our in-store audio algorithm, we’re positioned to help brands drive sales, improve shopper engagement, and minimise wasted ad spend. These capabilities are truly game-changing for any brand investing in retail media.”

Domino’s and Netflix

As the hit Netflix series approaches its season two debut on 26th December, Domino’s is connecting with Squid Game: The Experience to give away free emergency pizza to players with the lowest scores.

On 12th December, the player with the lowest score from each competing group in Squid Game: The Experience at Manhattan Mall in New York City will win free emergency pizza for a year.

“Those who watch Netflix’s Squid Game know that losing is the ultimate emergency, but we’re here to turn that around,” says Kate Trumbull, Domino’s Executive Vice President - Chief Marketing Officer.

“We’re making lemonade out of lemons for players by solving their heart pounding predicament with free pizza for a year, so they can have Domino’s whenever their next emergency happens.” 

Squid Game: The Experience is an immersive experience where players can compete in five challenges inspired by the show. A member of the Pink Guard will present the losing player out of each group with free emergency pizza for a year, awarded in the form of $500 in gift cards within a custom Domino’s and Squid Game Dalgona tin. 

This is the second time Domino’s has partnered with Netflix. In 2022, it teamed up with the streaming service in the world to launch a mind ordering app, prior to the season four premiere of Stranger Things.

Walmart

Walmart’s virtual experience on Roblox, Walmart Discovered, has officially surpassed 30 million total visits with a sustained approval rating of 96% and more than 2.1 million hours of play time (source: GEEIQ).

The milestone comes as Walmart Discovered Holiday Update on Roblox goes live, with the US retail giant launching its first ever emote as chosen by its community. The update also includes new real-world items with free virtual items in a gifting pop-up.

Other highlights include:

Virtual Holiday Market with curated UGC and experiences

Gifting feature and holiday rewards calendar with daily updates

Free limited UGC and festive in-game effects for avatars

New winter themed cart upgrades and effects for Glide & Seek

Weekly community events and discussions on Discord

Updated AR experience with new UGC and limited time quest

“From the beginning, Walmart Discovered has been an experience by and for the community. And in my opinion, our community first approach, which we consistently lean on to make decisions, is the driving force of our success,” says Justin Breton, Head of Brand Marketing Innovation at Walmart.

Currys

Currys reports that it has reached two million customer donations, through Pennies, for the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA).

The DPA is a non-profit charity member initiative convening individuals from across business, government, charity and education, with the aim of eradicating digital poverty in the UK, and ultimately globally.

Just one day of customer micro-donations in Currys’ UK stores raises enough funds through the Tech4Families scheme for the DPA to provide three disadvantaged families with a laptop.

Logistically, customers are invited to make a micro-donation via the card terminal screen when they pay for their purchase in-store, powered by partnering FinTech charity, Pennies. They are offered a ‘yes or no’ option to donate if they wish.

Charity Super.Mkt

Charity Super.Mkt, pitched as the UK’s first ever multi-charity shop, reports that it has, with its charity retail partners (including Shelter, Havens Hospices, Cancer Research and Oxfam), sold £3 million worth of second hand fashion since opening its doors in January 2023.

Over the past couple of years, the venture has popped up in over 12 cities across the UK including Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol and London, and partnered with 55 different local and national charities in the UK.

So far, the pop-up stores have prevented 105,109kg of textile waste from reaching landfill, saving an estimated 168,174 cubic metres of water.

Charity Super.Mkt relies on the support of its partnering charities, the public's purposeful consumption choice, and retail landlords like Hammerson, INKGA, Landsec, and British Land, who provide rent free retail spaces to facilitate the charity retail concept. 

Growth plans are underway, with a number of new permanent store openings planned throughout the UK in 2025, including Canary Wharf London, Edinburgh and Leeds. Its most recent pop-up location in Spitalfields Market, London, opened on 28th November, and is in partnership with Traid and Havens Hospice. It will be open until the end of January 2025. 

Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar

A new London ExCel Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar recently opened, with the 400 capacity space offering an all day dining experience at the Immerse LDN district.

In a LinkedIn post, Harry Ridley, Head of Technology at Levy UK & Ireland, who worked on the project, said: “Waterfront has received my Tech of the Month award (both venue engagement and technology adoption). By leveraging Sticky NFC ordering, we have seen faster transactions, increased user engagement, seamless order fulfilment and most importantly happier customers.”

Customers tap their phone on a NFC tab for instant web access and ordering.

monari

Sizekick has announced a partnership with monari, bringing its AI powered sizing solution to the women’s fashion brand’s online store.

In a LinkedIn post, Sizekick said: “monari combines casual elegance with glamorous details inspired by an Italian lifestyle. Their collections are crafted with sustainability in mind and emphasise high quality, comfort, and unique design elements. With Sizekick, its customers will enjoy accurate size recommendations, ensuring a seamless and confident shopping experience.”

Walmart and TalkShopLive

Video commerce and retail media enablement platform TalkShopLive and Walmart this week hosted a special Cyber Monday livestream featuring the legend that is Dolly Parton. 

Parton’s shoppable livestream featured over 30 Dolly branded products including party supplies and kitchenware.

“We’re thrilled to provide our customers with this fun, festive way to shop the things they love from Dolly Parton at Walmart. Livestream shopping is the perfect format to be entertained and inspired while shopping this holiday season,” says Walmart’s Director of Brand Experiences & Partnerships Justin Breton.

Tesco Media, Cadbury UK and N2O

Tesco Media and Insight Platform has partnered with Cadbury UK and N2O in bringing their Secret Santa omnichannel campaign to life.

During the Christmas period, Tesco stores across the UK are hosting bespoke retail media first Christmas Grottos, offering a chance to meet Santa and his elves, and a special gift and a photo memento to take home.

Also this year, Mondelēz International has introduced its first ever Store within a Store concept at Tesco, with the aim of making it easy for shoppers to find all their favourite Cadbury treats in one destination.

Prada and Miu Miu

Snapchatters can now personalise their Bitmoji with handbags from Prada and Miu Miu, including Prada’s Small Galleria Bag in Saffiano Leather and Miu Miu’s Wander Bag, favourites among Gen Z.

Additional fashion looks like Prada’s Cashmere Cardigan and Re-Nylon Baseball Cap and Mix Miu’s Chino Mini Skirt and cropped knitwear are also available for the Bitmoji experience.

In this first to market partnership, Snapchatters can showcase their Prada and Miu Miu handbags throughout the app, from their Snap Profile and Lenses to the Snap Map, Stickers, and more.

In a LinkedIn post, Geoffrey Perez, Global Head of Luxury at Snap, said: “This collaboration marks another milestone in our innovative journey with Prada Group. From pioneering the first ever Bag Try-On AR Lens with Prada in 2021 to creative Try-On AR Lenses with Miu Miu, we continue to push boundaries at the intersection of physical and digital worlds. Get ready to unlock and carry style everywhere!”

Walmart Chile

After a pilot with Walmart Chile, Shopic’s AI powered smart cart technology is now rolling out to five Líder Express stores.

“We are committed to helping our customers save money and live better. Implementing new technologies that save time for our customers is one of the ways we bring this mission to life. We are excited to expand into five new districts, bringing innovation to more people, enhancing their shopping experience, and putting a smile on our customers' faces with every visit," says Frank Eckert, Central Operations Manager at Walmart Chile.

With a clip-on device, any trolley turns into a smart cart. Equipped with two cameras, the smart cart recognises thousands of SKUs with over 95% accuracy in product recognition, according to Shopic's analysis.