Farewell Amazon Fresh and Rachel Higham: the biggest retail technology stories from September

September is done and dusted, October is up and running, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful month for the retail systems space. Here's your briefing on the most important stories from September, including Instacart, Morrisons, Tesco, Attabotics, Amazon, RTS 2026, M&S, Currys, Zyntrix, Asda, and Microsoft.

1. 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards: finalists revealed, winners to be announced this month

We're pleased to present the finalists and shortlists for the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, STRATACACHE, 3D Cloud, EdTech Innovation Hub, and Retail Technology Show.

We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process!

It’s now over to our judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, taking place  at The HAC in Central London.

The event will be held on Thursday, 16th October and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

Book your place at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony on Thursday, 16th October here.

2. Cloud first as Asda and Microsoft lay claim to one of UK's largest ever retail technology deals

Asda is expanding its partnership with Microsoft in what is pitched as one of the UK’s biggest retail tech deals to date, involving the use of Azure and Copilot.

Four years ago, Asda began separating from its former owner, Walmart. Project Future, as the programme became known, aimed to establish a best-of-breed “digital core” of specialist systems based on a cloud first strategy.

“We wanted world class partners to look after the digital core, so we could focus on what we’re really good at: retailing and using data to deliver propositions for customers,” says Matt Kelleher, Asda’s Chief Digital Officer.

“When you’re cloud first, you can flex, you can optimise, and you can trust your partners to customise, update, maintain and protect the systems. That’s a real advantage.”

“We’ve built an ecosystem of systems that helps us develop, manage, tune and change our propositions for customers. That might be products, our price position, our price architectures, our range assortments, or what we’re learning about customer trends.”

The Microsoft deal, which builds on a commercial relationship that began in 2022, sees Azure expand its role as Asda’s primary cloud platform, underpinning everything from data and analytics to security and integration.

Data analytics from Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric helps turn data from across the core platforms into the prices and deals it presents to customers, while Microsoft Defender provides security for the whole digital core.

3. Plug set to be pulled on all Just Walk Out technology powered Amazon Fresh stores in UK

Amazon is binning its ambitious Amazon Fresh experiment in the UK, just four years after the US online giant launched its first grocery store in London.

It is set to shutter its 19 Fresh stores, with plans to convert five of these into Whole Foods Market locations.

The first one opened in the UK during 2021 in Ealing, west London, powered by Just Walk Out technology.

The original target was a portfolio of more than 200 locations by the end of 2025. However, the concept failed to catch on in a notoriously competitive grocery retail space dominated by the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Co-op, and Asda.

Amazon did not say how many staff would be affected by the closures, but it does plan to offer workers new roles in other parts of the business. The comes amid a broader overhaul of its grocery retail strategy, with a stronger focus on Whole Foods.

4. Milestone for Amazon JWO tech as it launches in France with Flunch's Faim concept

Amazon reports the first ever launch of its Just Walk Out technology in France, pitched as an important milestone in its European expansion.

In an online post, the company says: "This technology revolutionises the shopping experience by enabling a frictionless customer journey, ideal for anyone seeking efficiency and speed. This launch in France marks a new milestone in our plan to expand this technology across Europe, in diverse environments such as restaurants, stadiums, cultural venues, airports, healthcare facilities, and university campuses."

Just Walk Out technology is installed in more than 290 points of sale in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The first location to go live in France is Faim, a new restaurant concept developed by Flunch. Located on Rue Pierre Mauroy in Lille, this new 33 m² space opened its doors on 15th September.

5. Chief Digital and Technology Officer Rachel Higham departs M&S in wake of devastating cyber attack

M&S Chief Digital and Technology Officer Rachel Higham is leaving the retailer months after a cyber attack hit its systems at a cost of hundreds of millions of pounds.

Conducted by a group called Scattered Spider, this brought its online operations to a halt and resulted in empty shelves in stores.

A former WPP and BT Group executive, Higham was appointed by M&S in 2014. In an internal memo, it said she was "stepping back from her role…Rachel has been a steady hand and calm head at an extraordinary time for the business, and we wish her well for the future.”

At the time of the appointment, Stuart Machine, M&S Chief Executive, pictured below, said that Higham joining the business, along with Mark Lemming becoming International Managing Director, “reflected the importance of Digital & Technology and capital light International growth to the next phase of our transformation. As I set out at our recent Capital Markets Day, we have more to do in both of these areas and so much opportunity.”

6. Instacart and Morrisons partner to bring AI powered Caper Cart smart trolleys to UK for first time

Instacart and Morrisons are teaming up to bring the former’s AI powered Caper Cart smart trolleys to the UK for the first time. These will become available starting in early 2026 at one initial Morrisons store, with the potential for a further roll-out.

Caper Carts let customers scan items as they shop, track their running total in real-time, and check-out.

The trolleys feature interactive screens, built-in scales, and AI powered sensors that guide customers through scanning and placing items directly into the basket, including weighing fresh produce directly in the trolley.

As items are scanned, it identifies them instantly, helping customers keep track of their spending and move through the store at their own pace. To complete their purchase, shoppers scan the barcode displayed on the trolley’s screen at the store’s self-checkout area.

For Morrisons customers, the smart trolleys will be integrated with the More Card loyalty programme.

7. Currys connects with Solum and Vestcom for electronic shelf edge labelling roll-out in its UK&I stores

Currys is investing in the roll-out of electronic shelf edge labels (ESEL) in its stores across the UK and Ireland.

Delivered in partnership with ESEL solution supplier Solum and Vestcom for data integration and software, the move forms part of Currys’ push to support colleagues in their day-to-day roles, while making it easier for its customers to shop.

The new ESELs replace traditional paper price tags with dynamic digital displays, offering customers real-time pricing, clearer product information and easy-to-scan QR codes for more information.

Behind the scenes, a centralised system enables pricing accuracy and consistency across all channels. This is currently available in over 150 stores, with full roll-out expected by 13th November. The investment was inspired by Elkjop3 in the Nordics, which already uses ESEL technology.

8. Tom Hill takes on CEO role at Zyntrix following Director of Digital role at Poundland and Dealz

Tom Hill has been appointed CEO by Zyntrix, a FinTech firm that aims to unify loyalty, Open Banking and digital ID into one seamless customer experience.

He was previously Director of Digital at Poundland & Dealz.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “I’m delighted to share that last month, after a relatively short (but incredible) break, I stepped into a new chapter of my career as CEO of Zyntrix.”

“Over the past 20 years, I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the biggest and best brands in retail and hospitality - leading operations, customer experience, business development and transformation strategy, across both physical and digital estates. Along the way, I’ve learnt a huge amount from some brilliant people - insights I look forward to leveraging as I enter this new and exciting chapter.”

He added: “At Zyntrix, we have a simple but ambitious mission: to unify loyalty, Open Banking and digital ID into one seamless customer experience. We’ve worked hard to develop a product that enables businesses, through their existing or new loyalty programmes, and e-commerce platforms, to: Supercharge loyalty with exclusive, unique and instant rewards; Cut transaction costs dramatically across multiple sectors via Open Banking; Remove friction at the checkout, including automated ID verification for age restricted sales.”

9. Tesco keeps faith with Attabotics after warehouse automation firm is bought by Lafayette Engineering

Tesco is set to move ahead with a single store trial of Attabotics technology despite the Canadian firm recently collapsing into bankruptcy.

In early July, we reported on the spectacular rise and fall of Attabotics. Court filings show that the company recently entered into an asset purchase agreement with Lafayette Systems.

In a LinkedIn post, Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive, observed that the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta issued an approval and vesting order for 22nd September, authorising the sale of substantially all assets to Lafayette Systems and vesting title on closing.

“The sale price was not disclosed but is estimated to be around $20 million. When I broke the story that Attabotics was going out of business, I estimated the winning bid would be $30 million or more,” Ladd commented.

“LaFayette Engineering specialises in the design/installation of conveyor controls, high speed sortation, robotics integration, and warehouse automation software/services. They’re considered to be one of the best engineering and automation firms in the US,” he added.

Ladd continued: “Robert Robbins is the CEO and owner of LaFayette Engineering. Bruce Robbins is the President. Robert and Bruce Robbins are respected and highly capable executives. I’m very familiar with their accomplishments, and I have tremendous respect for both individuals and the company. I believe Attabotics is a great fit for LaFayette Engineering.”

There were six bidders vying to acquire Attabotics. The identities have been sealed.

10. Retail Technology Show returns to ExCel London in 2026 with a disco themed event

Retail Technology Show has unveiled its theme for RTS 2026. This will see the good times rolling in London on 22nd–23rd April with a disco themed retail gathering.

The announcement follows the exhibition/conference’s debut at its new home, ExCeL London, in April earlier this year. With a funfair theme, RTS 2025 welcomed over 14,000 retail professionals - a +11% increase on the previous year - and delivered its biggest ever tech showcase of 438 leading solution providers.

Matt Bradley, Event Director at RTS, comments: “Off the back of an incredibly successful first event in our new home, London ExCeL, RTS 2026 is already shaping up to be bigger, bolder and better.  With a new theme, but the same incredible energy that unites the sector, we can’t wait to bring the funk, flair and future of retail to life as we look ahead to next year’s show.” 

“As RTS continues to grow and build on each year’s success, our ecosystem of key strategic and trusted partnerships is the bedrock of that continued momentum,” Bradley adds.