Starring Emperia, Nectar360, and Zippin: the 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 Co-op, Snappy Shopper, Rohlik Group, AutoStore, Simbe Robotics, SpartanNash, and Ikea.
1. 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.”
2. 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.
3. 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.”
4. 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.
"We first piloted Tally in 15 stores and the success of that launch motivated us to expand Tally across more locations to help associates save time in inventory tracking and spend more time on the floor serving our store guests," says SpartanNash Executive Vice President, Corporate Retail Tom Swanson.
“The real-time data intelligence Tally provides helps ensure our store guests' favourite items always stay fresh, are adequately stocked and priced competitively, helping us deliver the ingredients for a better life."
5. 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.
6. Emperia launches its third collaboration with L'Occitane, a holiday virtual store dedicated to Ramadan
L'Occitane En Provence has announced the launch of its third virtual store this year, in partnership with Emperia.
This initiative aims to redefine the celebration of Ramadan, offering an interactive experience that emphasises togetherness, gifting, and self-reflection.
People can enter a traditional Middle Eastern house, set within a warm village atmosphere, designed in collaboration with Jeddah-based artist Bayan Yasien, inspired by the spirit of Ramadan in Arab countries.
This project centres on warmth, love, security, and shared moments, all symbolising holiday traditions.
Each illustration showcases L'Occitane products, with every artwork telling a unique story, capturing moments from the preparation of iftar to the celebration of Eid.
Following the tradition of gifting during this period, L’Occitane presents a Ramadan beauty calendar and exclusive gift sets featuring bestsellers integrated into the virtual world. Guests can interactively explore the seasonal exclusive offerings.
Recognising the occurrence of skin dehydration during Ramadan fasting, L’Occitane assists customers in identifying the right skincare routine through a questionnaire where each response generates a final product recommendation that guests can directly add to their shopping cart.
The experience also allows for social sharing, either via an e-mail or direct social network message. Guests can shop with friends, share their choices with loved ones, and simplify the gift-shopping journey.
Additionally, any shared experience grants both the sender and recipient an exclusive discount.
7. Ikea Amsterdam aims to transform Click and Collect experience as it launches in-store pick-up system
Ikea Global – Amsterdam has introduced an in-store pick-up system, as part of a wider global pilot project which aims to transform the traditional Click & Collect experience.
At the heart of this are two vending machines, specifically designed for order retrieval. These are part of a broader initiative to enhance customer service and efficiency and have the ability to handle 480 orders daily.
Customers can place orders online and choose their pick-up location and time. The service has been boosted with large vending machines in the Ikea Amsterdam store for bigger orders and Pick-Up lockers for smaller purchases.
To integrate this technology, the Amsterdam store underwent significant renovations.
Those involved say that the adoption of vertical storage and complete transition to self-checkouts has optimised store space, allowing for better product storage and availability.
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