Rapid delivery, green stores, and metaverse debuts: check out this week's coolest retail technology plays
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ‘future of retail’ systems launches and deployments from the past week, including Yum! Brands, Instacart, Albertsons Companies, Walmart, Jellycat, Coach, eBay, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, True Religion, LuxCreo, and ASICS.
True Religion
True Religion, a lifestyle, apparel and accessories brand, has announced the launch of a new content creator platform, Team True.
Pitched as an antidote to transactional influencer culture, this comprises individuals from the worlds of sports, music, film, fashion and more who have “authentic and deep connections to the True Religion brand and its millions of consumers”.
“Team True exists as a community of cultural icons and content creators who ‘truly’ resonate with our core consumers,” says Kristen D’Arcy, Chief Marketing Officer, True Religion.
“They are enthusiastic friends of our brand whom we’ve brought onboard not simply to outfit, but, more importantly, to hear their ideas and incorporate them. We’ve gotten some incredible insights on everything from potential collaborations to philanthropic opportunities.”
B&Q and Deliveroo
B&Q has partnered with Deliveroo to offer a new, on-demand delivery service of over 600 home improvement products from nine of its Local stores in London.
Starting later this month, customers will be able to order interior and outdoor paint, decorating, painting tools, plumbing, electricals, bathroom essentials, as well as tools and hardware.
B&Q said in an online post: “Our partnership with Deliveroo taps into the increasing demand from consumers for speed and convenience when it comes to buying DIY products.”
“It gives customers more choice of when and how their B&Q purchases are delivered, whether they’re tackling an emergency job that needs a quick fix or need additional tools halfway through a project. With the new service, orders will be delivered from the Local store to home in as little as 25 minutes.”
It added: “Offering an on-demand, fast delivery service in partnership with Deliveroo, helps us to reach a new target customer base and serve new shopping missions.”
The nine Local stores involved are at Camden, Harrow, Palmers Green, Streatham, Sutton, Tooting, Wandsworth, Wood Green and Staines-Upon-Thames.
Yum! Brands
Yum! Brands reports the expansion of voice AI technology across Taco Bell drive-thru locations in the US, targeting hundreds of stores by the end of 2024.
The roll-out, which is currently in more than drive-thrus across 13 states, is designed to enhance back of house operations for team members and elevate the order experience for consumers.
Benefits include easing task load for team members, improving order accuracy, providing a consistent, friendly experience, and reducing wait times, while driving profitable growth for Taco Bell, Yum! Brands and their franchisees.
“Yum! Brands is integrating digital and technology into all aspects of our business with exciting new capabilities, and AI is a core piece of that strategy,” says Lawrence Kim, Chief Innovation Officer, Yum! Brands.
“We’re expanding and accelerating our AI capabilities like voice AI to deliver leading-edge technologies to our franchisees and to enhance the consumer and team member experience.”
“With over two years of fine tuning and testing the drive-thru voice AI technology, we’re confident in its effectiveness in optimising operations and enhancing customer satisfaction.”
Instacart and Albertsons Companies
Instacart and Albertsons Companies have announced the launch of Instacart pickup services and Albertsons Rapid convenience delivery across the US at banners including Safeway, Albertsons, Shaw’s, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Randalls and Vons.
Additionally, Haggen Food & Pharmacy is now available on the Instacart app for same-day delivery.
“Expanding our partnership with Albertsons Cos. showcases our commitment to serving as the leading technology partner in the grocery industry,” says Ryan Hamburger, Vice President of Retail Partnerships at Instacart.
“By introducing Albertsons Rapid, extending Instacart pickup services to more than 2,000 locations and adding Haggen for same-day delivery, we’re ensuring that customers enjoy an even faster, more flexible and effortless shopping experience.”
“Whether it’s a full weekly shop or a last minute need, we’re delivering value and convenience right to your doorstep from your local Albertsons Cos. banner store.”
Aldi Nord
Aldi Nord has opened a new store for employees at its German campus at Luftschacht in Essen-Kray.
According to Dennis Boczek, Senior Communications Specialist, this is “a sustainably constructed store in the typical Aldi Nord style – focused on the essentials to make shopping particularly easy for our customers.”
He adds: “The special thing about our building complex is that our boarding house with 42 rooms is located on the first to third floors - employees from other locations can stay there if they attend appointments on campus.”
In addition to one of the 720 photovoltaic systems installed in Germany at Aldi Nord stores, the new location has energy saving LED lighting. Building materials are also either reusable or easy to recycle.
Thanks to heat recovery, it also does not require any energy from fossil fuels.
“The property was built within just 11 months and, thanks to its modular design and technology, is a prime example of energy and process efficiency,” says Boczek.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven has upgraded its first stores to use the Grabango checkout-free system.
These stores are all located in Australia and represent a new continent for US-based Grabango.
7-Eleven Australia announced last year that it was partnering with the company to develop My 7-Eleven App Pay and Go 2.0.
The Grabango technology uses AI to enable customers the choice to skip the register, without the need to scan purchases using their device.
7-Eleven Australia General Manager -Technology and Strategy, Stephen Eyears, said at the time: “Our current My 7-Eleven App Pay and Go feature lets consumers scan their items, or fill their vehicle at the pump, and complete their transaction on their phone without the need to queue at the register.”
“The enhancement the team is working with Grabango to develop will make it even more convenient for our customers who choose to pay with the Pay and Go feature as they won’t need to scan merchandise items individually.”
“This Australian first partnership with Grabango follows on from our launch of Australia’s first cashless and cardless convenience store in 2019, and the national roll-out of pay and go solutions into all of our stores nationally earlier this year.”
IKI and REWE digital
The second IKI x REWE digital Retail Startup Night has been announced.
The initiative focuses on Baltic retail tech startups and investors.
IKI and REWE digital will be hosting an event, taking place in the city of Vilnius on 4th September.
In a LinkedIn post, Anika Vooes, Chief Acceleration Manager at REWE digital, said: “Are you interested in discovering how REWE Group collaborates with startups and expanding your network?”
“Join us in Vilnius for: an exiting pitch event featuring cutting-edge technology startups; fresh insights into the evolving retail landscape; prime networking opportunities with key ecosystem players and retail experts.”
She concluded: “Don't miss this chance to innovate and connect with industry leaders. DM me to express your interest. Let’s shape the future of retail together!”
Snappy Shopper and Allwyn UK
Rapid delivery specialist Snappy Shopper has announced a partnership with Allwyn UK, operator of the UK National Lottery.
As a result of the tie up, independent shops now have the opportunity to sell National Lottery scratch cards online for delivery for the first time.
Previously, only major supermarkets had been allowed to sell scratch cards for home delivery due to age restricted sale requirements from regulator the Gambling Commission.
However, Allwyn said following ‘a successful trial’ with a small number of retailers, all Snappy Shopper partnered National Lottery stores can now offer the service.
Morrisons and Just Eat
Morrisons has expanded its partnership with Just Eat to include groceries from its supermarkets as well as deliveries from its cafés and Morrisons Daily convenience stores.
The tie up was initially rolled-out to Morrisons Cafés in 2022, followed by 60 Morrisons Daily convenience stores in December 2023, and today serves almost 700 Dailys.
Now, on-demand delivery from Just Eat will also be available from 380 Morrisons supermarkets across the UK. Customers will have access to thousands of products.
As part of the extended partnership, Just Eat is offering free delivery on all Morrisons grocery products (with a total basket value of over £15) until the end of 2024.
Charlotte Exell, Morrisons Online Operations Director, says: “By building on our successful partnership with Just Eat, we are excited to introduce another fast and convenient option for our customers to get Morrisons groceries delivered straight to their door.”
“We’re committed to offering great value and high quality products to our customers however they choose to shop.”
Walmart
Walmart Realm, Walmart’s immersive commerce experience, is enabling college students to explore and shop five virtual dorm rooms inspired by social trends and curated by their favourite creators.
These trends, inspired by Pinterest Predicts and TikTok, include:
Sanrio curated by @jellybean.celine – a fantastical cotton candy and rainbow escape
Serene Retreat curated by @studymoofin – a cozy and comfortable soft living oasis
Royal curated by @trinityanitahh – serving smart and eclectic with a preppy, regal twist
Y2K curated by @thebeekid – a throwback to trends and products from the early 2000s
LoFi curated by @august (NPC RA) – a gamer’s paradise inspired by neon lights and arcades
Each dorm also includes a mini game, such as Byte-sized Crush in Y2K, surprises, like transporting inside a doll house in Royal, and native social content from the aforementioned creators, including @jellybelly.celine highlighting her curated products in Sanrio.
College students can also find and take advantage of a limited time Walmart+ student offer.
Jellycat
A new and globally exclusive collection features characters inspired by the British dish.
Customers can book a slot and make their order from Jellycat’s Fish & Chips van in the Selfridges Toyshop on floor four.
The pop-up has received a rave review from Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant, Top 100 RTIH Retail Technology Influencer and former Amazon executive.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “I must admit that when I first saw the video that I have posted, I thought I was watching an actual restaurant in action. However, as the video continued to play, I realised that what I was watching was stuffed toys being sold. The fish with a smile on its face gave it away.”
He added: “I believe Jellycat has the most creative store experience I’ve ever seen for any product. The stuffed animals, colours, wrapping, bags and stickers - it is truly exceptional and brilliant.”
“I’m amazed that The Walt Disney Company, Netflix, Amazon or Walmart hasn’t partnered with Jellycat. A TV series or destination shops should be explored.”
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
Flying Tiger Copenhagen has renewed its partnership with Xiatech, the company behind Xfuze, a MACH certified composable integration and data management platform.
The Danish retailer, which operates 900+ stores around the world, will expand its use of Xfuze as part of a digital transformation push.
This includes expansion across its network of franchise and owned stores, boosting the way the company uses data, and embedding AI driven analytics and process orchestration throughout the organisation.
The multi-year contract follows four years of a partnership when Flying Tiger Copenhagen selected Xiatech to accelerate the company’s integration and data centric digital transformation programme.
“Xiatech has strengthened our technology foundation substantially, and they will continue to do so as Flying Tiger Copenhagen’s strategic integration partner. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership for years to come,” says Martin Jermiin, CEO, Flying Tiger Copenhagen.
Olio and Gander
Local sharing app Olio is launching a new Deals section in partnership with reduced to clear SaaS platform Gander.
This gives food businesses a way to drive discounted food sales in-store, by showing Olio’s four million UK users cut price groceries at participating stores in their local area.
Users of Olio’s app can browse yellow sticker deals at Gander’s list of partner retail groups, including Morrisons Channel Islands, Filco Market, Pricewatch Group and Sewell on the Go, displaying branded products from Nisa, Morrisons Daily and Co-op.
App users can add their favourite deals to a watchlist on Olio to keep an eye on availability, and then head into the store to purchase them as normal.
Tessa Clarke, CEO and Co-founder at Olio, says: “We’re thrilled to be working with Gander to offer our community one more way to fight food waste - and save money while they’re at it. We’re looking forward to helping retailers stop even more food from ending up in the bin.”
Walmart
Walmart Live this week hosted a Paris 2024 Olympics themed event with Procter & Gamble brands Venus, Secret, and Olay.
Powered by TalkShopLive, this enabled customers to join Laurie Hernandez, US Olympic gold medalist, live from Paris to hear how she achieves everyday victories with P&G.
The livestream also featured an assortment of new P&G products available at Walmart, including the Venus Gold Razor and Olay Cleaning Melts Facial Cleansers.
eBay
eBay’s first ever Love Island eBay Live, hosted by TikTok star Coco Sarel, alongside All-Stars winner and Pre-Loved Ambassador Tom Clare, took place on Monday 29th July at 8pm.
Fans had an opportunity to get their hands on pre-loved looks fresh from the villa wardrobe and series past with all funds donated to Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
The eBay x Love Island Live event gave fans a chance to shop a range of pieces worn by the Islanders from coupling up and date nights to pieces re-worn from previous series.
LuxCreo and ASICS
LuxCreo has announced an expansion of its partnership with ASICS to enable rapid local delivery of personalised 3D printed shoes and insoles.
“Diverse customer needs across different sports require us to transform the way we make our products so they are truly personalised,” says Genki Hatano, lead researcher in the Green Manufacturing Research Team, Future Creation Dept., ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS).
“Our research with athletes shows they feel the value of personalised footbeds. This has inspired us to consider making personalised footwear accessible to all.”
LuxCreo 3D Printing Smart Factory, a full 3D printing technology stack, is part of ASICS Personalisation Studio, which also leverages Dassault Systèmes’ technology.
Resin developed by LuxCreo provides elasticity without permanent product deformation.
Combining ASICS’ knowledge in biomechanics, footwear, and lattice structure with LuxCreo’s material creates, according to a press release, “unique personalised designs for lasting performance and comfort”.
Coach
Coach has made its metaverse debut.
Marketing its Spring 2024 collection, this features themed digital wearables on Roblox’s Fashion Klosette and Fashion Famous 2 runway games, and on social avatar app Zepeto.
It builds on Coach’s “Find Your Courage” campaign, which follows virtual character Imma on her journey of self-discovery through a series of immersive worlds.
“Entering immersive platforms with 'Find Your Courage' represents an exciting moment for Coach, marking our innovative leap into connecting with a younger, digital first audience,” says Sandeep Seth, Tapestry’s Chief Growth Officer and Coach’s Global Chief Marketing Officer.
“It’s about creating a space where people can express their individuality and style in an environment where they feel most at home.”
Ocado Group and Alcampo
Ocado Group has launched its first customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in Spain with Alcampo.
This is equipped with Ocado’s latest technologies, including On-Grid Robotic Pick (OGRP) and Automated Frameload (AFL).
At full capacity, Alcampo expects to deliver more than 70,000 orders per week from the CFC to customers in Madrid and the wider region, with a delivery fleet powered by fully electric or hybrid vehicles.
Alcampo already uses Ocado’s In-Store Fulfilment (ISF) software across hypermarkets nationwide to enable efficient picking from stores, covering its food and non-food business.
“The opening of this CFC is the high point in an ambitious project that will enable us to be leaders in omnichannel grocery in Spain. It will make our promise to customers a daily reality, enabling them to shop for groceries however, whenever and wherever they want,” says Antonio Valverde, Director of E-commerce at Alcampo.
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