Including AS Watson, END. Clothing, and Studenac: 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 Quadient, Pets at Home, Auchan Retail Polska, RELEX Solutions, Tesco, Marketplacer, Alshaya Group, Mastercard, ShipEngine, and what3words.

Ocado Group and Kroger

Ocado Group reports that Kroger has placed an order for a range of new automated technologies to roll-out in customer fulfilment centres (CFCs) across its network.

Kroger will implement Ocado's latest 'Re:imagined' technologies across multiple CFCs in its live network, as well as future CFCs. These include On-Grid Robotic Pick (OGRP) and Automated Frameload (AFL).

"We are delivering a step-change in warehouse automation and new levels of efficiency to our partners as global supply chains are under significant pressure to manage higher volumes and greater complexity, as well as challenges in labour cost and availability,” says Tim Steiner, CEO at Ocado Group.

“This marks another exciting milestone in our partnership with Kroger. Our current CFCs are already helping to deliver a game-changing quality of service to their customers across the USA.”

“We are excited for these latest technologies to further enhance that proposition, as well as the efficiency of Kroger's operations in live and future CFCs.”

AS Watson

AS Watson reports that it is transitioning its delivery fleet to electric vehicles and launching initiatives in waste reduction.

Malina Ngai, Group CEO at AS Watson, says: "As a responsible global retailer, sustainability is at the heart of our business. We've been investing and innovating to reduce our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

“Our latest initiative focuses on making the delivery fleet of our supply chain more environmentally friendly. We operate 12 retail brands in our global portfolio, and 60% of them have started using electric vehicles for some of the warehouse-to-store and online order deliveries.”

“While the adoption of electric vehicles is slow in the industry, I believe that we should take on the challenge to launch this initiative in as many markets as possible.”

Quadient

Quadient reports a milestone of installed smart lockers totalling more than 250 colleges and universities across the United States. Across the campuses, more than 1.5 million students per year are served by the automated lockers.

Higher education institutions using the Parcel Pending by Quadient automated locker platform range from large universities with tens of thousands of students to smaller colleges with hundreds.

Institutions include The University of Alabama, University of Florida, University of Houston, Valencia College, University of Kentucky, University of Iowa, the University at Buffalo, Shenandoah University, Kennesaw State University and many more.

The platform offers a 24/7 package pick-up or drop-off experience.

Auchan Retail Polska

Auchan Retail Polska has selected RELEX Solutions to provide demand and forecasting capabilities.   

It is leveraging the latter’s supply chain and retail planning platform as a vital element of its omnichannel sales strategy.

Based on the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), this solution allows for comprehensive and fully integrated supply chain management for all distribution channels in which the chain operates.

The RELEX platform optimises both Auchan’s internal processes as well as collaboration with suppliers in key areas such as demand planning, availability and resource planning.

Auchan has implemented RELEX in all the chain’s stores in Poland.

The second phase of the implementation will envisage using the system to support all Auchan warehouses and distribution systems including the newest fully automated e-grocery fulfilment centre built in collaboration with Ocado.

This phase is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025.  

Sheeva.AI and P97 Networks

Sheeva.AI and P97 Networks are to work together to bring the SheevaConnect in-car payment experience to P97’s fuelling partners.

This follows Sheeva.AI’s announcement earlier this spring that drivers of the Citroën C3 Aircross SUV can purchase fuel at thousands of gas stations throughout India, allowing payment, pump activation, digital receipts and rewards points accrual all from inside the car.

“We’re already in-market enabling and taking payment for fuelling transactions inside cars,” says Evgeny Klochikhin, Founder and CEO at Sheeva.AI.

“Now the push is to allow drivers to pay and fuel seamlessly at every gas station across the United States and partnering with P97 is critical to achieve this goal.”

END. Clothing

Adyen has announced a payments partnership with END. Clothing.

The FinTech giant’s technology is aligning both online and offline payments by integrating a unified commerce offering to END. Clothing.

The retailer benefits from a holistic view of its customers, allowing it to identify repeat, loyal shoppers and offer them a tailored user experience. 

To fuel END. Clothing’s global expansion plans, it sought a partner that could offer a reliable and seamless service regardless of the customer’s location. Adyen was chosen because it can process multiple types of payment methods locally.

Bensons for Beds

Bensons for Beds has partnered with Akeneo on the use of product information management to shape its cross-channel customer buying journey. 

Graham Wilson, Director of Digital & Omnichannel at Bensons for Beds, says: “It’s our job to find the best mattress for our customers and, in terms of channel, we try and get as many of our customers in-store as possible.”

“The Bensons For Beds website is about research and consideration and we need to provide that bible of information to help customers narrow down (products) to help with their decision-making process.”

With an extensive catalogue of products covering mattresses, divan bases, bedheads and soft goods, offering multiple product attributes and configurations to accommodate customer needs and preferences,

Bensons for Beds needed a product information solution that could unify multiple data points to create cohesive and information rich omnichannel product experiences. 

The team chose to partner with Akeneo due to the agility and flexibility of its solution – ultimately improving customer journeys, both online and in-store.

ShipEngine and what3words

Shipping API specialist, ShipEngine, has partnered with location technology firm what3words.

what3words has been added to ShipEngine’s API, making it available to retailers, platforms and 3PLs across the UK. Every three metre square in the world has been given a unique address made of three random words: a what3words address.

The aim is to make it simple for customers to pinpoint a precise delivery location and for delivery drivers to know exactly where to drop off parcels.  

ShipEngine’s API aims to simplify and streamline shipping for businesses by offering an integration with over 100 carriers.

Designed to integrate easily with existing systems, businesses can reduce delivery costs, improve, optimise shipping operations and increase customer satisfaction.

Tesco

Marketplacer has partnered with Tesco to launch its new online marketplace.

Powered by Marketplacer’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology, this offers Tesco customers access to more third-party products online that complement its existing range, with the aim of giving people a one-stop-shop for everything they may need.   

The project, which commenced in June, will continue to expand, with the addition of further third-party sellers, over the months to come. Marketplacer’s platform will enable the supermarket to find and connect products from third party sellers at scale. 

Peter Filcek, Marketplace Director at Tesco, says: “We knew that we wanted to open up access to a wider range of products for Tesco customers; we could see customers were searching for products that we didn't sell, and that we could be front of mind for.”

“It became clear that exploring this advanced technology for industry partnerships would be advantageous for the customer experience and ensure a seamless integration experience for our seller partners.”

Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger’s North American operations has moved its e-commerce fulfilment from a 3PL to back in-house.

In a LinkedIn post, Sophia Hwang-Judiesch, President, North America at Tommy Hilfiger, said: “I wanted to share an important milestone for our business that isn’t as obvious as a new store opening but is equally as important. We moved our e-commerce fulfilment from a 3PL to back in-house.”

She added: ““I am sure a lot of you have done this and it is not an easy feat to do it and not disrupt the customer experience.”

“But this team is doing just that. They are nimble, responsive and care so much about what they do. To see our distribution and operation teams in action this week makes me want to work that much harder for them.”

KEBA and Posta

KEBA, a manufacturer of parcel lockers, has announced a collaboration with Posta, the national postal service of the Faroe Islands.

The Faroe Islands, with a population of just under 56,000, are characterised by their 18 islands with numerous mountains and valleys.

The execution of the last mile therefore poses different challenges in this region than in Austria, for example.

Edvard S. Remberg, CIO at Posta, says: “In the past, when the number of letters was higher, we delivered to most households anyway, so it did not make sense to set up a parcel locker network. We also knew that the payment and printing processes caused the greatest support effort in our postal logistics.”

“Now that fewer and fewer letters are being sent and not all homes or areas are being delivered in the same way, parcel lockers have become important. We have also developed a customer platform where everything can be done in advance.”

“This eliminates the need to print labels, weigh and pay on site and simplifies the shipping process for customers – payment terminals and printers are not required."

Alshaya Group and Mastercard

Retail franchise operator, Alshaya Group, has partnered with Mastercard to expand its loyalty programme, Aura.

This will see the launch of an Aura co-branded credit card in multiple markets over the next two years including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.

John Hadden, CEO, Alshaya Group, says: “Our customers are at the heart of our strategy, and we are always looking for new ways to enhance benefits and services in our stores and online with a focus on digital, including payments.”

“We are incredibly proud of our game-changing Aura loyalty programme that has recently been globally recognised, and we welcome the opportunity to grow the pivotal role that Aura plays for our customers in partnership with Mastercard.”

Brown Thomas Arnotts

Adyen has partnered with Klarna to integrate the latter’s flexible payment solutions with Brown Thomas Arnotts, an Irish luxury retailer.

In a LinkedIn post, Joseph Pritchard, Account Manager at Adyen, said: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering retailers with cutting-edge technology and enhancing customer experiences.”

“The seamless integration of Klarna through Adyen's platform offers Brown Thomas Arnotts customers a flexible payment option, adding convenience to their shopping experience.”

He added: “A big shout out to the dedicated teams at Klarna and Brown Thomas Arnotts for their incredible cooperation and hard work. Together, we've set a new standard in retail payment solutions.”

“Here's to continuing our mission of innovation and delivering exceptional value to our partners and their customers!”

Pets at Home

British omnichannel retailer Pets at Home has launched the first of four concept stores.

This is situated in Anlaby, Hull, with Pets at Home using sustainable materials in the construction build, PoS and signage.

It has also introduced digital experiences that aim to deliver easier routes to its expertise, advice and extended ranges.

In a LinkedIn post, Helen Fraser, Group Development Director at Pets at Home, said: “I was lucky enough to be there for the grand opening and there is a lot to be excited about.”

“We’ve elevated colleague and consumer experiences across Nutrition and Pet Health, trialled new impulse kit to drive incremental sales, placed in spotlight displays to showcase innovation and/or provide education, and created a localised welcome with Pets Foundation activation.”

She added: “We’ve been supported in delivery by some great designers, suppliers and contractors - particular shoutout to True Story, ITAB UK, Key Group, Image Technique, and Mitchell & Co.”

“This has been a massively collaborative project across the organisation, but special mention to my development teams who have worked tirelessly to ensure even the smallest of details were landed well.”

Studenac

Croatian retailer Studenac is rolling out electronic shelf labels (ESLs) across its stores.

Studenac, which is owned by a fund managed by Enterprise Investors, a private equity firm in Central and Eastern Europe, has more than tripled its store network in almost six years, expanding throughout the country via a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, and it sees potential for further growth based on its proximity retail concept.

In a LInkedIn post, Ivana Kršić, Head of Innovation at Studenac, said: “A month ago, I was in Omiš (a town and port in the Dalmatia region of Croatia) setting up the ESL prices in the fruit and vegetables section (with the dedicated team, of course, to which I am very grateful).”

“These were the first ESLs at our store network, which we are testing now. Also, I was trying out the mobile thermal printers in person to see how they work.”

She added: “Today (Friday, 19th July), I spent a day in a store in Zagreb, as a part of the initiative From Office to Store and most of my morning went on fulfilling the shelves with fresh fruits and veggies and removing the old ones.”

“I have to notice that my effort wasn't wasted, and the neat and tidy display actually got the attention of the buyers.”

“I am sure that some of you have real studies that can correlate the presentation with sales results, so be free to post them in the comments. I have seen firsthand that it works!”

Chelsea F.C.

Premier League football club Chelsea F.C. has announced Skrill, a digital wallet powered by Paysafe as an official US summer tour partner.

Skrill will be the presenting partner of Chelsea’s opening fixture of the pre-season tour against Wrexham. It faces the League One side at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday 24th July.

Fans will be able to use Skrill and Paysafe’s online cash solution paysafecard as payment methods at the Chelsea online store until the end of the year.

Founded in 2001 and available in over 130 countries, Skrill is part of Paysafe’s family of consumer wallet products. The company enables consumers and businesses to transact using 260 payment types in over 40 currencies around the world.