Taylor Swift and checkout-free stores: RTIH’s biggest retail technology articles on LinkedIn this week
We’re big fans of LinkedIn and are busy building an amazing community of retail tech enthusiasts on the social media platform. These are the articles that are currently on their radars, including Glovo, Zippin, Gophr, Retail Assist, EE, Boxbar, Barron McCann, Touchtech, Puma Group, and Kroger.
Glovo’s Daniel Alonso Moreno: Q-commerce will drive growth for local retailers in 2024
Despite fears that Q-commerce would fade with the pandemic, the sector is expected to grow stronger than ever, reaching a projected market volume of $251.50 billion by 2028.
As with any other commerce division, its survival is down to its ability to strongly match consumer needs, providing quality experiences and, above all, convenience. This tracks with Glovo’s 39% surge in orders placed on non-food items over the course of 2023.
Aside from takeaways, consumers have become accustomed to instant delivery for other necessities, too.
Taylor Swift and 65,000+ Super Bowl fans get chance to experience Zippin powered checkout-free stores
The 58th Super Bowl took place on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Kansas City Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl for the second year running. They were the reigning champions, having beaten the Philadelphia Eagles last year. And they emerged victorious again in 2024, winning 25-22.
They were taking on the San Francisco 49ers this time around in a rematch of the 2020 season finale, when the Chiefs claimed a 31-20 victory over the 49ers at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
Taylor Swift has become a regular at Chiefs games since she started dating their player Travis Kelce last year.
And she was in attendance following her final world tour performance in Japan.
If Swift was peckish or thirsty, perhaps she tried out one of the Allegiant Stadium’s ten Zippin powered checkout free stores, which is more than any venue. In fact, over 65,000 fans were able to experience the convenience of checkout-free during the game.
EE opens new Gateshead Experience store in Metrocentre with Newcastle United legend Shay Given
EE last week unveiled its latest Experience store alongside former Newcastle United player Shay Given in the Metrocentre, Gateshead, one of Europe’s largest indoor mall style shopping centres.
This is the fourth of EE’s Experience stores and the first of more than ten brand new Experience and Experience Local locations set to open in the UK over the next year.
The announcement comes as EE commits to investing £6 million in the British high street in the next 12 months.
Unleashing the promise of retail technology - disparity emerges between large and small retailers
Navigating the dynamic retail tech landscape, from AI to robotics, offers promise and challenges. Retailers chase efficiency, personalised experiences, and profitability but grapple with implementation challenges.
A disparity is emerging between larger retailers with resources to invest and smaller players, posing a formidable competitive gap. That’s the view of Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner at IGD.
Co-op and Snappy Shopper launch Northern Ireland trial offering fast local store-to-door deliveries
Co-op and Snappy Shopper have embarked upon a local store-to-door trial in Northern Ireland to further expand access to the convenience retailer’s rapid online home delivery of groceries.
This launched from Co-op’s Shankill Road, Belfast, and has now been extended to its store in Kings Road, Gilnahirk.
George Hayworth, Head of Online Development, Co-op, says: “Working with Snappy Shopper fits with our quick and convenient approach to e-commerce - a model which sees products picked fresh in the local store, so the high street store benefits from increased online demand.”
“We continually look for new ways to expand and grow our online offer, and are pleased to launch a trial with Snappy Shopper to provide increased customer choice and access to our products - serving our member-owners and customers close to our stores with what they want and need, when and where they need it.”
UK startup Boxbar lays claim to world first in automated, self-serve drinks solutions space
Boxbar has launched what is pitched as the world’s first ever automated self-serve, full menu drinks solution.
This allows event organisers and venue operators to serve up to eight different beverage types all from the same terminal.
It has the ability to serve beers (including Guinness), ciders, wines, cocktails, spirit and mixers and soft drinks from a single terminal.
“Beverage sales are key to the success and profitability of businesses, yet bar service is still defined by a dwindling pool of trained staff, excessive queuing, long wait times, throttled sales and frustrated customers,” says Reshad Hossenally, Boxbar CEO and Co-Founder.
“With Boxbar we’re 360% faster, serving two drinks in 30 seconds. We’ve seen first hand how much this can affect queuing times, on average dropping by over 70%.”
“Simply put, fans enjoy a far better experience whilst operators increase efficiencies and sales, reduce overheads and boost profitability.”
Not just an upgrade: All Rohlik Group DACH region fulfilment centres to be fully automated in 2024
European e-commerce grocery delivery firm Rohlik Group reports that it is investing in AutoStore automation technology in the Austrian market.
In a LinkedIn post, Tomáš Čupr, Group CEO at Rohlik Group, said: “We're thrilled to announce a major leap forward in our journey towards innovation and efficiency: our latest investment in automation technology in Vienna which will become operational after summer.”
“This move is set to unlock further growth in the Austrian market, ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional service and quality to our customers.”
He added: “Following the successful launch of our automated fulfilment centre in Frankfurt this February, and with Berlin's automated FC gearing up to start operations in May, we're proud to say that all our DACH region fulfilment centres will be fully automated.”
“This is not just an upgrade; it's a transformation that promises to redefine our operational capabilities and customer experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the boundaries and set new standards in the industry.”
Simbe Robotics expands Store Intelligence solution partnership with US grocer and distributor SpartanNash
Simbe Robotics has announced an expanded partnership with SpartanNash.
After an initial roll-out, its Store Intelligence solution, featuring an inventory robot called Tally, will be deployed to an additional 60 SpartanNash owned stores across the Midwest this year.
This informs product stocking, ordering, merchandising, and e-commerce fulfilment with real-time inventory insights across every store area.
It enables associates to ensure items are available for customers with accurate location and price, while freeing up their time for more engaging, guest facing work.
Dulux Decorator Centre teams with Gophr on sub-two hour rapid deliveries across the UK
Dulux Decorator Centre has announced a partnership with last mile, on-demand delivery network Gophr.
This will see the company expand its sub-two hour Rapid delivery service on paint, tools and accessories for its customers across the UK.
Nectar360 and The Trade Desk partnership set to ‘open up new horizons for retail media’
Nectar360, which owns and operates Nectar, the UK’s largest coalition loyalty programme, as well as managing Sainsbury’s and Argos retail media services, has announced a partnership with advertising technology specialist The Trade Desk.
This will enable advertisers to target campaigns to Nectar audiences, optimise and report on the performance of ad campaigns through a combination of Nectar360’s and The Trade Desk’s capabilities.
According to a press release, the move will “enable brands to clearly connect their digital marketing campaigns running across the open internet with in-store and online sales”.
Companies will be able to build and run advertising campaigns beyond Nectar360’s onsite offering.
The tie up expands Nectar360’s offsite reach, allowing advertisers to use Nectar audiences on channels across the open internet, including connected TV and online video inventory.
SHOP ‘n SAVE partners with Upside, a digital marketplace that connects shoppers with physical retailers
Upside has announced a partnership with nearly 80 independently owned SHOP ‘n SAVE locations in Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Its platform will connect SHOP ‘n SAVE retailers with millions of Upside users, who will be incentivised with personalised promotions to spend more of their grocery dollars at SHOP ‘n SAVE.
"Our partnership with Upside is a testament to our commitment to our customers and the values we uphold: we aim for users to shop, save, and enjoy life," says Tom Charley, Vice President at Charley Family SHOP 'n SAVE.
"We look forward to using the Upside platform to introduce new prospective customers to greater value, convenience, and savings."
Retail Assist embarks on new chapter as it joins the Barron McCann group of companies
Retail Assist, a UK-based provider of managed services and IT solutions, has been acquired by Alan Watson, Executive Chairman and owner of technology service provider Barron McCann.
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Retail Assist’s customers include Harvey Nichols, Morrisons, Best Food Logistics, Ted Baker, Slater Menswear, Vue Cinemas, Hobbycraft and Mint Velvet.
Established in 1977, Barron McCann provides IT installation and maintenance services, solution design and hardware procurement within the retail, hospitality, leisure, and retail banking sectors.
Swedish retail technology company Touchtech announces partnership with Puma Group
Touchtech has announced that it will be working with Puma Group.
Touchtech is a platform featuring tools that assist salespeople to connect, present and do business with their customers.
Kroger partners with retail analytics firm Intelligence Node to boost listings on Mirakl powered marketplace
Kroger is working with Intelligence Node, a retail analytics firm, to improve product listings on its marketplace for third-party sellers.
“The Kroger Marketplace involves a complex matrix of elements that need to be effectively managed to deliver a seamless customer experience online,” says Michael Murphy, Group Vice President of Analytics & Execution at Kroger.
“From product copy and ratings to reviews and taxonomy, customers are searching out more information than ever before and providing what they need, when they need it is important.”
“We look forward to working with Intelligence Node to deliver an amazing customer experience while empowering our sellers to improve their business performance.”
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