Geek culture and fashion legends: check out last week’s biggest retail technology plays at a glance
RTIH rounds up the stand out retail systems deals, launches, deployments and pilots from the past seven days. Including Geek Retreat, Lidl, Starbucks, Puma Group, Kroger, Grupo Éxito, and Donna Karan New York.
Geek Retreat
Geek Retreat, a UK-based geek culture retailer, gaming café, community hub and events venue, has launched a new mobile app.
Customers using it can earn 20% back in v£, a digital discount voucher, which can be redeemed in-store and other high street brands such as Uber and Tesco.
The app has been developed by Enigmatic Smile, a reward technology provider.
The company has developed technology which collects digital discounts vouchers on transactions and is being used by a number of major retailers such as Tesco and Amazon.
This means that users also have the option to redeem their v£ at various other retailers.
Lidl GB
Lidl GB has announced a switch from paper pricing tags to electronic shelf labels. This follows trials in over 35 stores, including Epsom and Tooting.
The move to ESL, which is set to be completed by the end of 2024, is estimated to save over 206 tonnes of carbon annually, while reducing ink use.
Isaac Ekpenyong, Director of Sales Organisation at Lidl GB, comments: “As a discounter, sustainability and efficiency run deep in our DNA.”
“Making changes to how we operate, no matter how big or small, allow us to enhance the overall experience for those shopping with us. In this particular case, we’re empowering colleagues by freeing up more of their time to dedicate to tasks that directly benefit our customers.”
“But our transition to ESLs is more than that; it is another step we are taking to reduce our impact on the environment by curbing paper and ink consumption.”
The retailer will gradually introduce ESL into specific sections of each and every one of its stores in the coming months, with the full roll-out expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Chedraui
Chedraui, a Mexican grocery retailer, is teaming with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions to expand the adoption of the Self Checkout System 7 in its stores.
“We are honoured to continue our work with Chedraui delivering the innovative Self Checkout System 7 to help reimagine their front-end checkout offering for a more personalised and customer focused, self-service experience,” says Eugene Shvartsman, Senior Vice President Head of Sales at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.
“Chedraui has been a valued client for more than 20 years, and we’re excited to support them in their growing success with world class retail technology solutions for their business and customers.”
Grupo Merza
Bank of America and Starbucks
Bank of America and Starbucks have announced a new loyalty partnership pitched at the former’s cardholders and the latter’s Rewards members.
Bank of America cardholders and Starbucks Rewards members can earn 2% cash back on top of the rewards or card benefits they already earn on qualifying purchases, and 1 Star per $2 spent at Starbucks when they link an eligible debit or credit card with their Starbucks Rewards account at BofA.com/starbucks or starbucks.com/bofa.
Members can unlock their new benefits through qualifying Starbucks in-app purchases with their linked Bank of America debit or credit card – like reloading a digital Starbucks gift card, ordering ahead, or paying in the app at the register.
Stars earned can be redeemed towards Rewards at Starbucks including free drinks, food, merchandise and whole bean coffee.
This is open to currently enrolled Starbucks Rewards members and Bank of America cardholders, as well as new members or cardholders.
Morrisons Daily
Morrisons Daily has chosen EDGEPoS by Henderson Technology as its EPoS partner of choice.
The five-year deal, agreed in January, will see Morrisons Daily recommend the entire suite of products available from EDGEPoS to franchise customers.
Damiani
Unified commerce platform specialist XY Retail has announced a partnership with Damiani, a jewellery brand perhaps best know for its Made In Italy creations.
The collaboration will see Damiani implement XY Retail's Point of Sale, Clientelling, Order Management System, Product Information Management and Digital Asset Management solutions for its 70+ stores in 12 countries and multiple continents to streamline its retail operations and elevate the customer experience.
Nectar360 and The Trade Desk
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.
Grupo Éxito
Grupo Éxito says that it transformed its retail operations with Manhattan Active Omni.
The Colombian retailer has leveraged the solution’s Order Management System to boost its logistics operations, transitioning to a more modern, omnichannel approach.
As a result of this initiative, it has cut its delivery times in half and significantly improved customer satisfaction.
Donna Karan New York
Donna Karan New York has launched an e-commerce site on Shopify’s platform.
Shopify President Harley Finkelstein made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), describing the move as “legendary”.
WM Barr
WM Barr, maker of products for the home improvement and automotive repair industries, has selected Alloy.ai to enhance its ability to identify new sales opportunities, respond more quickly to changes in demand and strengthen key retail partnerships.
WM Barr’s brands include Goof Off, Klean-Strip, DampRid, Mold Armor, and Citristrip.
It was seeking a dynamic analytics platform that could give it near real-time sales and inventory data so it could better align supply and demand, and ultimately use insights to grow top-line revenue.
SHOP ‘n SAVE
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."
Micheldever Group
UK tyre wholesaler, Micheldever Group, has undergone a digital transformation project powered by CMS Storyblok and digital agency Profound.
The transition to MACH (Microservices, API first, Cloud-based, and Headless) has enabled the company to increase conversions by 98%.
As well as improving website performance, the project has enhanced the customer experience and data optimisation.
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.
Andres Castro, Teamhead Customer Connectivity at Puma Group, says: "In today's rapidly evolving retail landscape, embracing digitalisation is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and meet the evolving needs of our customers and consumers.”
“By joining forces with Touchtech, we aim to harness their technology and expertise to drive innovation in our sale processes and enhance the buying experience of our customers.”
He adds: “This partnership is a significant step in our digital development journey. By teaming up with Touchtech, we aim to streamline sales and revolutionise how we create digital catalogues.”
“Their extremely flexible and powerful technology will give our wholesale teams worldwide the necessary tools to engage with our customers. We're committed to innovation in sports and fashion, and this partnership embodies that commitment.”
“Special thanks to Deniz Chaban (Touchtech CEO) for his incredible support and dedication to make this happen, we're excited about the possibilities ahead and can't wait to see what we'll accomplish."
Kroger
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.”
