Including Glovo, Shopify, and Co-op: RTIH’s most read retail technology articles from last week
Check out the articles on this here website that caught your fancy this past week, including Zippin, Getir, Snappy Shopper, Rohlik Group, Boxbar, Retail Assist, Kroger, Amazon, and Puma Group.
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.
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.”
‘This is legendary”: Fashion house Donna Karan New York launches e-commerce site on Shopify platform
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”.
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.
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.
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.”
Getir claims spike in London sales as Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats drivers strike over pay
Getir, a Turkish ultrafast grocery delivery firm, reports massive demand during a delivery riders strike in London and Brighton.
Deliveroo drivers went on strike recently demanding higher pay, with thousands estimated to be taking part in the walkout, and support also coming from Just Eat and Uber Eats couriers.
Getir said in a statement emailed to RTIH: “Following the decision of the drivers working on food delivery platforms to call a strike across the entire London area on the evening of Friday 2nd February, Getir, the world's first ultrafast delivery service, is reporting a spike in sales in the capital.”
The company did not give specific numbers whilst taking a swipe at its rivals.
“Unlike many of its counterparts within the delivery space, Getir offers a mix of full-time, part-time and zero hour contracts to riders, ensuring a bespoke approach that suits the personal needs of riders around the country,” it stated.
“Our riders are paid at least the real living wage, with guaranteed pay, holiday pay, tips and bonuses.”
It added: “At a time when consumers are looking for alternatives, we are continuing to operate, offering convenience for customers by delivering their groceries within 10-15 minutes.”
“Customers will continue to have access to an assortment of up to thousands of products, including known and loved brands like GAIL’s Bakery in London, Co-op, meat from HG Walter and fresh fish from the Wright Brothers.”
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.
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality opens Amazon Just Walk Out tech powered store at Lesley University
An Amazon Just Walk Out technology powered store has opened at Lesley University in the US.
Lesley University is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Its students can now experience a frictionless shopping experience on campus, with the likes of snacks and drinks available to buy.
In a LinkedIn post, Brisbane Vaillancourt, Regional Vice President at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, said: “Today (Friday, 16th February) we opened our first Just Walk Out Store in the Northeast, at Lesley University. Students can now access fresh food, 24/7 and use their meal plan.”
“Technology sure is changing the game in higher ed and it’s tons of fun being a part of it!”
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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