Making AI mistakes in a controlled environment: our biggest retail technology articles on LinkedIn
We’re big fans of LinkedIn and are busy building an amazing community of retail tech enthusiasts on the social media platform. As we head towards the 20,000 followers mark, these are the articles that are currently on their radars, including Brico Depôt Iberia, HomeByMe, GoWit, CarrefourSA, Northeast Grocery, Simbe, Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Reward, i love it, and AutoStore.
GO Outdoors York boosts in-store journey with Volumental technology powered GO Fit Station deployment
GO Outdoors recently opened a new store in York, boasting 125,000 sq ft of space with over 380 brands covering walking, camping and caravanning, watersports, running, fishing, horse riding, climbing, and cycling.
The retailer has developed a KUDOS RUN initiative and integrated Volumental’s 3D foot scanning and dynamic gait analysis technology as the centrepiece of its GO Fit Station.
Shoppers are able to scan their feet, walk across the dynamic pressure plate, and get personalised recommendations on their ideal type, style, and size of running shoes.
In a LinkedIn post, Volumental said: “Kudos to the entire GO Outdoors team for creating an exceptional retail experience that puts the customer first. Their commitment to innovation and delivering the right fit is a shining example of how forward-thinking retailers are elevating the in-store journey.”
‘DIY retail and tech at its best’: Kingfisher Group’s Brico Depôt Iberia brand launches 3D kitchen planning tool
Brico Depôt Iberia (part of Kingfisher Group) has launched a HomeByMe powered 3D planning tool that lets users design kitchens and cabinets.
This solution, which has gone live on the brand’s website, creates customised projects tailored to users' needs. No downloads or licenses involved, and it’s available on any device. Real-time information on stocks and prices is also provided.
Daniel O’Meara, Northern Europe & ANZ Sales Manager 3DVIA Dassault Systemes (owner of HomeByMe), says: “Kingfisher Group continues to choose HomeByMe Enterprise as the preferred partner for 3D automated kitchen and storage design and planning solutions across Europe.”
“DIY retail and technology at its best! Congratulations to all the teams involved.”
Turkish retailer CarrefourSA and AdTech firm GoWit shake hands on retail media advertising partnership
AdTech specialist GoWit and Turkey’s CarrefourSA have announced a retail media advertising partnership.
Brands and sellers within CarrefourSA will be able to expand their customer base, strengthen brand awareness, and increase sales by creating effective and personalised advertising campaigns via the GoWit RMA platform.
US retailer Northeast Grocery deploys Simbe’s Tally AI and automation solution across its store aisles
Northeast Grocery has launched Simbe’s Tally robot in select Price Chopper, Market 32 and Tops Friendly Markets locations.
It has introduced the AI and automation solution across many of its markets in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Scott Kessler, EVP, CIO at Northeast Grocery, says: “Tally’s autonomous, AI powered technology will navigate store aisles, scanning shelves to identify out-of-stock items and pricing discrepancies. This means more accurate pricing at checkout and better product availability for customers.”
Reward ramps up global growth plans with leadership appointments and investment in Middle East operations
Reward, a specialist in customer engagement and commerce media, reports a significant investment aimed at bolstering its international footprint, with a focused expansion in the Middle East.
Sam Sprekos has been named Managing Director (MD), International, and will move from London to be based in Dubai. He has over 20 years of experience working across global markets, including eight years driving commercial growth and innovation as MD at Reward UK.
Tracy Webb has also been appointed Vice President, Banking International.
Based in Singapore, she will play a crucial role in shaping and executing Reward’s international banking strategy, lead new business initiatives, and oversee tailored programmes for partners.
As part of this investment, Reward is expanding its Dubai office, the central point for its Middle East operations, while hiring senior positions for key customer facing roles such as sales, marketing, delivery, and operations.
Neve Jewels Group brings in retail industry veteran Matthew Gratze as its new Chief Digital Officer
Matthew Gratze is joining Neve Jewels Group as Chief Digital Officer.
Gratze will lead the e-commerce, digital marketing, and customer service teams across the group, which was established in 2003 and comprises three diamond jewellery brands: Diamonds Factory, Austen & Blake and Sacet.
His CV also includes stints as Director of Digital and Director of Customer at Signet Jewelers, Digital Director at Halfords, and Director of Global E-commerce at Mothercare.
He’s also an advisory board member at Made With Intent, a UK startup that has developed a platform helping online retailers to understand and target customer intent.
AutoStore promises a game changer for grocery retailers as company moves towards Product 2.0 strategy
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.
Former Notonthehighstreet CEO Ella d’Amato looks to rewrite commerce for good with launch of 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.
UK high street giant Marks and Spencer appoints retail technology veteran Paul Sims as Chief Architect
Paul Sims has joined Marks and Spencer as Chief Architect. He comes onboard from Primark, where he held the same role.
Sims’s CV also includes stints as Chief Technology Officer at Halfords, Head of Technology Planning at New Look, and Principal Architect at Sainsbury’s.
FT Live: Future of Retail 2024 review – Tesco CEO Ken Murphy talks about the seismic impact of AI
“There have been waves of technology disruption historically. We are on the cusp of another one with AI,” said Murphy in conversation with moderator, Laura Onita, Retail Correspondent at the Financial Times, during the opening session of the conference. “AI will impact every facet of our business.”
Murphy argued that we’re already on the fourth or fifth generation of AI, starting in the late 2000s and moving into machine learning applications last decade to improve supply chains, promotions in retail and so on.
“AI has already had a huge impact,” he commented. “But we’re now into the generative AI era with ChatGPT and the like, which is even more powerful.”
“You still need to be careful and have good oversight when introducing it. But it is developing so fast you do need to embrace it. Allow yourself to make mistakes in a controlled environment.”
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