Retail media firsts and food shopping reinvented: 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 Ocado Retail, Zitcha, DELLI, i love it, AutoStore, RéVive, Perfect Corp., Jisp, Best Home Furnishings, 3D Cloud, AiFi, Tesco, Shopify, Roblox, Walmart, and Verity.
Walmart
Walmart has introduced Caroline’s Carts into all its Arizona stores. These help caregivers of children and adults with disabilities navigate stores more easily.
“Helping our customers save money and live better is more than our mission - it’s our driving force,” says Cedric Clark, Executive Vice President of Store Operations at Walmart.
“Equipping our stores with Caroline’s Carts provides some relief to parents and caregivers who need this tool and know it’s available at their Walmart. Whether they’re caring for someone with a disability or a temporary injury, the carts support our customers when and how they need it every time they come through our doors.”
Ocado Retail
Zitcha has partnered with Ocado Retail on the launch of its new retail media platform, Ocado Ads.
The tie up represents a significant advancement in retail media innovation and an exciting new chapter for Zitcha, according to Troy Townsend, the company’s Co-Founder and CEO.
“Ocado Retail will be the first in EMEA to implement our single customer view platform, demonstrating how our solution can empower existing retail media networks to drive growth and maximise performance,” he says.
“With the retail media sector in the UK projected to reach £3.2 billion this year, our partnership with Ocado Retail positions both companies at the forefront of this rapidly expanding market.”
“This collaboration exemplifies how Zitcha can transform the capabilities of major retailers, pushing the boundaries of retail media technology.”
DELLI
DELLI, an online platform for independent food and drink founded by Depop alumni Marie Petrovicka and Simon Beckerman, has announced a $6 million seed extension fronted by Balderton and HV Capital.
Petrovicka says: “We see a mega trend in the way food is consumed. Buyers are stepping away from overprocessed, mass produced food to small batch, independently made products. They want to discover new food with a story behind it.”
“With DELLI, we are excited to continue giving space to these makers and building a platform that will give buyers easy access to the new generation of unique and independent sellers, making shopping for food inspiring and fun.”
“On the seller side, we are developing tools that allow the small batch producers to start and grow their business and connect with buyers in an easy way, helping overcome some of the big roadblocks they face in the current system dominated by supermarkets. We can’t wait to bring more real food to more people all across the UK.”
The idea behind DELLI is based on the belief that "food is the new fashion”.
Food has surpassed fashion in popularity on social media. Fashion brands are taking note, and looking at this space more than ever - with collaborations such as Off White with Evian, Supreme with Barbera Oil, and Momo Kombucha with Ganni.
DELLI says it is leveraging strategies such as exclusive drops and influencer collaborations to reinvent the way food is sold. In the past months, it has partnered with the likes of Ravneet Gill, Ben Lippett, Jackson Boxer, James Cochrane, and Sam Grainger.
TOTE
TOTE, a retail technology company that aims to bridge the gap between online shopping and in-store experiences, has announced its official launch.
Since rolling out its product last year. the company has partnered with 80+ stores across 50+ brands, ranging from independent boutiques to large retailers with 10+ store locations, including Bandier, Still Here, Ramy Brook, and Susan Alexandra.
TOTE allows customers to select items on a brand's website and have them waiting in a fitting room to try on in-store. Online only retailers can also leverage the platform to book virtual styling sessions, or to send shoppers to their stockists’ locations.
“We’ve tapped into how shoppers not only want to interact with brands, but how they expect to interact with brands,” says Daniel Nickel, Founder and CEO at TOTE.
“For every shopper that wants a high touch, 30-minute session with a stylist, we see another who just wants to know the item is available so they can try it on and get in-and-out.”
“So, we’re allowing brands to meet each shopper where they’re at, and that type of personalisation is why we’ve seen over 3,600 fitting rooms booked this year already”.
i love it
Ella d’Amato, the former interim CEO of online marketplace Notonthehighstreet, has co-founded i love it.
Founded last year, the venture is aiming to ‘rewrite commerce for good’, by tapping AI to create a recommendation led video and image shopping app that rewards users for their genuine product endorsements.
d’Amato comments: “92% of shoppers trust word-of-mouth more than ads. Be it your friend who knows everything about skincare and running, or that one who knows every restaurant - think about how many times you buy off a friend's recommendation versus an ad.”
“At the same time, brands are telling us that word of mouth is more effective than traditional marketing and the cost of marketing today is making it hard for brands to trade effectively online. Clearly, the most valuable thing for all is genuine endorsement.”
“The issue is, those people tend to get nothing in return. We believe that brands would much rather pay a loyal customer than the likes of Meta and Google. And people would much rather shop from someone they trust.”
Currently in beta mode, i love it is focusing on the fitness space, allowing users to shop, share recommendations, and earn. The platform currently lays claim to over 10,000 products, with plans to expand into other areas in the future.
Ikea
Ingka Group, the largest Ikea franchisee holding company, has joined Partnership on AI (PAI), a new international organisation of 100+ partners, including companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, as well as nonprofits like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
Ikea will contribute to conversations around the ethical use of AI, helping ensure that its development is aligned with human centric values and societal needs.
This builds on the retailer’s implementation of a digital ethics framework across the company, focusing on responsible automation that puts people first, and launching an AI and Data Literacy movement to educate its workforce.
Parag Parekh, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Ikea Retail (Ingka Group), says: “Our participation in this partnership reflects our belief that AI has the potential to enhance our mission of creating a better everyday life for the many, while helping address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today, from climate change to resource management.”
“This includes leveraging AI for good to drive positive, long-lasting change. We are committed to this journey for the long-term.”
AutoStore
Automated fulfilment solutions specialist AutoStore has introduced new Grid capabilities: the AutoStore Multi-Temperature Solution, an expanded 18-Level Grid, a Motorised Service Vehicle, and enhancements to its cube control software.
“We are shifting to a regular cadence of product announcements, focusing on innovation and execution to better serve our customers. This fall, our new products directly address the challenges our customers face, while providing them with new tools to improve operational efficiency,” says Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO at AutoStore.
“We continue to lead in automated fulfilment, innovating technology to tackle complex operational challenges. Today’s announcements will enhance efficiency, reliability, and speed. We’re particularly proud to introduce the Multi-Temperature Solution, which will be a game changer for grocers and open new use cases for AutoStore,” says Parth Joshi, CPO at AutoStore.
RéVive
RéVive has embarked on what is pitched as a first of its kind partnership with Perfect Corp.
The initiative harnesses AI technology and utilises data derived from RéVive's skincare clinical trials.
The pair are using model imagery that illustrates the transformative benefits of RéVive Skincare's products across various skin tones and ages.
"We continually strive to evolve and innovate in response to consumer needs," says Elana Drell-Szyfer, CEO at RéVive Skincare.
“More than ever, the consumer wants to know before purchasing that the product they are buying will "work" on their type of skin tone, skin type and for a consumer in their age range. With this partnership, the extensive clinical research that RéVive has conducted can now be leveraged.”
“Thanks to Perfect Corp., together we have found an innovative way to marry AI technology and model imagery to make our clinical data more accessible for consumers, visually. Shoppers who are looking to invest in our products can now distinctly see the differences that our products have the potential to make on their skin, prior to purchase.”
Shopsense AI and Paramount
Shopsense AI reports the debut of the Shopsense AI Lens, a product recognition technology, during the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
This lets viewers shop their favourite TV shows and live events directly from their second screen.
It enables people to snap what their favourite artists are wearing and then shop the looks they love in an AI curated digital store. The VMAs shopping experience will take place within MTV’s retail ecosystem without interrupting the viewer’s experience.
Using a second screen device, such as a smartphone or tablet, viewers can take a photo of the fashion or product they love on their “first” screens, like a TV or laptop. With a photo, the Lens instantly identifies exact product matches or suggests similar items.
“MTV is home to some of the biggest moments in music and pop culture and has been at the forefront of innovation, pushing boundaries to connect in new and exciting ways,” says John Halley, President at Paramount Advertising.
“Shopsense is creating a truly immersive and interactive experience that seamlessly blends entertainment and commerce. We can't wait to see how our fans embrace this new way to engage with the VMAs and look forward to extending the Shopsense AI Lens to additional Paramount content in the coming weeks and months."
Amazon and Morrisons
Amazon and Morrisons reports that customers can now earn MorePoints - Morrison’s loyalty scheme - when shopping on the Morrisons on Amazon store.
These can be claimed back as Morrisons More Card Fivers to spend either in the UK grocery retailer’s stores or on its website.
A launch deal will see five points available on every eligible Morrisons product, as well as 500 points for customers who register their loyalty account and spend £70 in a single order during the first two weeks after registration.
Elsewhere, Amazon has announced the introduction of ‘Grocery Day’ which means that customers can now book a recurring weekly delivery slot, with their basket pre-filled with their regular items.
It has also introduced a delivery pre-reservation feature allowing people to reserve a slot up front for a period of up to 60 minutes to ensure they can secure the delivery time that suits them the best.
The announcement comes as Morrisons and Amazon launch Morrisons on Amazon in Oxford.
Best Home Furnishings
Best Home Furnishings has announced a partnership with 3D Cloud, a provider of 3D digital asset management and product visualisation solutions for furniture retailers and manufacturers.
The collaboration aims to boost the online shopping experience with realistic 3D furniture content, 3D product configurators, and product renders.
3D Cloud allows Best Home to use the same assets and content for both its public facing website and password protected dealer tools portal.
“We continually seek innovative ways to enhance our customers' shopping experiences," says Brian Lange, President at Best Home Furnishings.
"Partnering with 3D Cloud allows us to offer our customers a unique and interactive way to engage with our products online. The ability to view furniture in 3D, rotate it 360 degrees, and see high quality renders will undoubtedly elevate the confidence level of consumers looking for custom furniture."
"We were looking for a partner that could bring our products to life, and value the details. The 3D models came out looking realistic and comfortable, plush, and inviting. They don't look stiff and cartoony like furniture models often do," adds Lange.
Jisp
It says that the move comes in light of the lack of loyalty schemes available to retailers outside of the large multiple supermarket groups.
Having created a loyalty and rewards platform that worked in both a wholesale and retail environment, Jisp felt the time was right to open the solution up to other businesses who wished to run a loyalty scheme, but did not have the technology or resources to do so themselves.
The white label offering allows businesses to utilise the technology and solutions developed and tested through Scan & Save over the past three years, while aligning the scheme to their own brand.
Nayax and A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions Corp.
Nayax and A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions Corp. have announced a partnership to pair the former’s automated self-service retail mobile payment system with the latter’s smart cart platform for retail stores.
The pair will sell the Cust2Mate 3.0 smart cart system with integrated Nayax payment technology as a unified, end-to-end solution for retailers around the world.
The first of these smart carts will be deployed in France.
“Relocating the Point of Sale from the checkout lane to the shopping cart is an ingenious way to improve a retailer’s operational efficiency and the shopper’s experience,” says Yair Nechmad, CEO and Chairman at Nayax.
“Nayax is thrilled to partner with A2Z Cust2Mate to offer an integrated, state-of-the-art shopping and payment solution for retailers and their customers.”
AiFi
AiFi has announced its latest checkout-free store opening.
In a LinkedIn post, the company said: “Come check out our newest store in partnership with Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.”
“Opening on 9th August, The Marketplace handled a crowd of 40,000 selling drinks and snacks during the Crosstown Classic. The new 480 sq ft store is located on the main concourse in left field, so make sure to stop by.”
“Thanks to our partners Delaware North and Shift4 for making this possible.”
Primark
In a LinkedIn post, dated 6th September, Daniel Doran, Data and Analytics Business Partner at Primark, said:
“As we reach the penultimate event of Data and AI Week, we reflect on eight events across five days.”
“Bébhinn Ní Chiosáin (Community of Practice Specialist (Analytics) at Primark) and Philip Clarke (Senior Analytics Practice Manager) led Alteryx and Tableau community user sessions in Arthur Ryan House supported by The Information Lab Ireland.”
Colleagues from across the business discussed the importance of data governance, data strategy, Gen AI through panel sessions focused on topics such as ESG reporting, digital customers and how technology has enabled a better picture of challenges and opportunities facing colleagues business wide.
UPS
UPS is working on a project with autonomous indoor drone systems specialist Verity.
In a LinkedIn post, it said: “We’re raising the game in warehouse automation.”
“We’ve recently teamed up with Verity to implement autonomous inventory tracking to better serve our customers. Keep an eye out as we share more on how we’re shaking up the future of logistics and warehousing.”
Further details here.
Tesco
Transcend Retail Solutions, a Tesco subsidiary led by its Strategy Director Oliver Vogt, is providing the UK supermarket giant’s software and hardware to international grocers, leveraging its vast experience in this space to enable them to fulfil online orders from their own stores.
According to The Sunday Times, a first deal has been signed with New Zealand’s biggest grocery retailer, Foodstuffs North Island, and talks are being held with other companies.
Tesco currently handles more than a million online orders a week, 85% of which are picked from its supermarkets.
“Our solutions are tried and tested,” Vogt told The Sunday Times. “We set up Transcend because we truly believe we have something to offer the market.”
Foodstuffs is tapping Tesco’s cloud-based picking software, which receives online orders and then maps, on handheld devices, the most efficient route for staff to pick the items from supermarket shelves.
The technology is live in two stores, operating under the PAK’nSAVE and New World brands, and plans are afoot to expand the roll-out across 150 locations. Transcend will also be able to deploy micro fulfilment centres inside retailers’ stores.
Tesco’s new venture sees it square up to UK rival Ocado, whose Ocado Solutions spin off offers smart e-commerce technology to global retailers.
Shopify and Roblox
Virtual gaming platform Roblox has its sights set firmly on the e-commerce space.
It has announced a global partnership with Shopify that will allow creators of Roblox experiences, including brands and retailers, to sell physical goods directly within the platform via Shopify’s checkout.
In a LinkedIn post, Harley Finkelstein, Shopify President, says: “It’s official: we are the first commerce integration partner on Roblox. This year we’re piloting integrating our world class Checkout into Roblox, with a larger launch coming in early 2025.”
“Soon, you’ll be able to shop physical products like clothing, accessories and collectables designed by your favourite creators and brands, all within Roblox, powered by Shopify. This means that developers, creators, and brands who are on Shopify can sell directly within their Roblox games.”
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