Immersive spaces and Super Bowl drone deliveries: 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 H&M, Cleveron, Alo Yoga, Sawhorse Productions, Roblox, Ikea, Reckon.ai, Joybird, 3D Cloud, Currys, PepsiCo, Wing, and Hugo Boss.

Makeup by Mario

Makeup by Mario, a brand created by celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, has launched a virtual try-on experience in collaboration with FFFACE.ME.

This allows users to experiment with shades of eyeshadows, lip glosses, blushes, and other makeup products directly through their web browsers on any device.

The launch was made possible by leveraging Snapchat’s free SDK for the web.

A spokesperson for Makeup by Mario comments: "We’re pleased to provide our customers with an improved, personalised experience that offers accuracy comparable to selecting a shade in-store with the convenience of shopping online. The innovative FFFACE.ME shade finder technology realistically represents our shade range and pays off in virtual try-on, making it easier than ever to find your perfect match."

PepsiCo and Wing

PepsiCo and Wing (Alphabet’s drone delivery company) are taking to the skies for Super Bowl weekend to deliver a free snack pack via drone to fans. 

On 8th-9th February, the PepsiCo Party Pack will include Doritos, Tostitos dips, and two 12 oz cans of Pepsi Zero Sugar to fans in Frisco, TX. Customers can order through the Wing app while supplies last. 

The company delivers items in less than 30 minutes with automated, all electric drones that fly 65mph

H&M

Cleveron reports installation of the Cleveron 302 solution from its indoor parcel locker range in H&M’s newly transformed store on Drottninggatan 56 in Stockholm, Sweden.

In a LinkedIn post, Cleveron said: "This store is truly where fashion and technology unite to elevate the customer shopping experience. You can enjoy smart fitting rooms alongside our stylish parcel locker, making it easy and fun to pick up your Click and Collect orders."

It added: "Together with our partners, we’re shaping the future of retail by combining convenience and style in one destination. For Cleveron and H&M, it is not just about innovation - it’s about creating an experience worth remembering."

Alo Yoga

Sawhouse Productions has announced a refreshed Alo Yoga Sanctuary experience on the Roblox platform.

In a LinkedIn post, it said: "This dynamic, immersive space brings mindfulness and movement to millions of users, offering a unique way to recharge and focus on wellness"

"But here’s the game-changer: We’ve bridged the digital and physical worlds like never before. Roblox users can now visit one of Alo’s 150+ global retail stores, scan an NFC enabled sticker, and unlock exclusive virtual rewards. This innovative activation - created with our friends at POAP Studios - sets a new standard for how brands engage communities across both virtual and real-life spaces."

Currys

Currys has launched a pilot of an initiative the retailer intends to bring to market across its stores, a QR code enabled “want to know more?” experience that customers can trigger on their smartphone as they’re browsing products.

In a LinkedIn post, Dan Rubel, Brand & Marketing Director at Currys, said: "I believe this will be a gamechanger for us. I can’t believe we didn’t do it like this earlier. Mimic the in-store shopper experience by clicking here for yourself.”

"For nearly every piece of tech we sell, our physical fixtures don’t have enough space to wax lyrical about everything that tech can do. We skim the surface and that will become even more of a reality as AI becomes ever more embedded in the tech we buy. Sometimes customers want to know more than the fixture can tell them, but they’re not quite ready to chat to an expert colleague."

He added: "So Ainsley Sykes (Head of Commercial Initiatives at Currys) and his crew have grabbed hold of that challenge and smashed it to pieces with a blend of old and new tech.”

On triggering the QR code, shoppers will experience a social inspired dramatisation of the product’s key benefits (short sharp vignettes, using motion graphics or video). The content aims to be easy to skip through (bearing in mind that people are interested in different things) and with links to deeper detail for those who need that. And in the future there will be an AI fuelled chat function enabling customers to ask specific questions.

Joybird

Joybird, a subsidiary of La-Z-Boy Incorporated and manufacturer and retailer of customisable upholstered furniture, has announced the roll-out of its upgraded 3D Space Planner design tool.

This has been built to bridge the digital and in-store shopping experience for shoppers and interior designers and is powered by 3D Cloud.

“The demand for a seamless mobile experience was clear, with at least 70% of our traffic coming from mobile devices,” says Gerardo Ornelas, VP and General Manager at Joybird. “This enhancement means that customers and associates can stay connected in real-time, with immersive 3D tools that truly bring designs to life, whether they’re collaborating in a showroom or at home.”

Ikea

Reckon.ai reports that its first autonomous microstore in partnership with Ikea is about to open in London.

In a LinkedIn post, Ana Pinto, CEO at Reckon.ai, said: "By streamlining customer access to Ikea products, optimise inventory management, and boost efficiency - food service revolution is there and our technology is ready to support. Stay tuned for this super launch and new stores, close to you, are coming too."

Lagardère

Cloudpick has partnered with Lagardère to launch what is pitched as Hong Kong's first AI powered unmanned store at Hong Kong International Airport.

In a LinkedIn post, Cloudpick said: "As Hong Kong's retail landscape evolves, brands like PARKnSHOP, Watsons GCC, and 7-Eleven are embracing digital innovation. We are taking this further with AI powered, cashierless stores that enhance the shopping experience."

"Thanks to a Smart City Vision aligned with the Smart City Blueprint, Hong Kong's airports and retail spaces are becoming hubs of innovation. Our AI technology is helping retailers like I.T, HKTVmall, and Hong Kong Disneyland lead the way in seamless, smart shopping. Our AI driven stores optimise inventory in real-time and offer a frictionless shopping experience, contributing to Hong Kong's digital transformation and smart city vision."

Hugo Boss

Hugo Boss has launched AI powered product content live across its e-commerce platforms globally.

“This isn’t just about leveraging cutting-edge technology, it’s about delivering meaningful innovation that drives tangible results for our customers and our business,” says Jan Philipp Wintjes, Executive Vice President Global Omnichannel.

He adds: “By harnessing the power of AI, the Hugo Boss Web3 & Immersive Experiences team is pioneering the use of advanced AI tools in image and video creation. This launch represents a future where technology seamlessly meets creativity and precision. This is AI in action, not as a concept, but as a catalyst for growth, efficiency, and improved customer experiences.”

Amazon

Amazon has chosen Darlington as the first location in the UK to see parcels delivered by drones.

It will now start the planning process for initial flights from its fulfilment centre on the outskirts of the town.

"We have built safe and reliable drone delivery services elsewhere in the world in close relationship with regulators and the communities we serve, and we are working to do the same in the UK," Amazon said in a statement.