Asda goes big on ESLs: these are our biggest retail technology articles on LinkedIn right now

We’re big fans of LinkedIn and are busy building an amazing community of retail tech enthusiasts on the social media platform. As we power towards the 30,000 followers mark, these are the articles that are currently on their radars, including VusionGroup, Virtualstock, Wiliot, Walmart, EPAM Systems, BOSS, Epsilon, Iceland Foods, and the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

Asda works with VusionGroup on roll-out of ESLs at over 250 Express convenience stores

Asda is rolling out electronic shelf edge labels (ESLs) across its Express convenience stores. This will see 250 locations tapping the technology.

Working with VusionGroup and its partners, Renovotec and HL Display, the deployment follows a three-month trial at Asda’s Oxford Road Store in Manchester. This saw colleagues freed up to spend more of their time helping customers, managing deliveries and replenishing shelves.  

Approximately 2,800 separate electronic shelf edge labels (over 700,000 across the entire roll-out) will be added to stores, meaning colleagues will no longer need to manually replace pricing in-store.

The technology also helps to display allergen information at shelf edge through QR codes, in addition to displaying the cost, weight and unit price of products. 

2025 RTIH Innovation Awards: finalists revealed, winners to be announced next week

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.

2025 RTIH Innovation Awards: finalists revealed, winners to be announced next week at an event in Central London @AwardsRtih #RTIHAwards25 #retailtech https://t.co/X3e7NmDIe9

— Retail Technology Innovation Hub (@RTIH_RetailTech) October 6, 2025

UK-based retail technology and dropshipping specialist Virtualstock bought by US firm Logicbroker

US company Logicbroker has announced the acquisition of UK-based online retail technology firm Virtualstock. 

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Virtualstock was established in 2004. Its dropship and curated marketplace platform powers online commerce for the likes of Aldi, Argos, B&Q, Currys, and John Lewis. It provides retailers with supplier onboarding and product induction. In addition, its Supplier Hub connects suppliers directly with buyers at major retailers.

Customer engagement specialist Reward appoints Bhagya Reddy as Director of Data Engineering 

Reward, a specialist in customer engagement and commerce media, has announced the appointment of Bhagya Reddy as Director of Data Engineering. 

She brings more than 20 years of experience in data and AI, having held senior positions at Virgin Media O2, UBS, BT Group and McKinsey (Quantum Black).

She has led global teams of engineers, architects and analysts across the UK, India, USA, Australia and Brazil, delivering large scale data platforms, AI models, and analytics solutions.

Bhagya will lead development of Reward’s data engineering capabilities, with the aim of strengthening the infrastructures that power its products and ensuring data is transformed into scalable, actionable insights for brands across the globe.

Wiliot partners with Walmart in bid to enhance retail supply chain with ambient IoT and AI technology

Wiliot reports a collaboration with Walmart involving the US retail giant’s supply chain operations.

The pair are laying claim to the first large scale deployment of ambient IoT technology in the retail sector, with millions of Wiliot IoT Pixels being integrated throughout Walmart’s supply chain.

The aim is to dramatically enhance supply chain efficiency, inventory accuracy, and cold chain compliance.

“With Walmart, we are advancing supply chain performance at an unprecedented scale,” says Tal Tamir, CEO at Wiliot. “This nationwide deployment adds a new layer of digitisation to Walmart’s supply chain, empowering associates with real-time insights and automation that drive greater efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness.”

“It’s a testament to the power of ambient IoT and artificial intelligence to help retailers operate smarter, move faster, and deliver stronger outcomes for their business, their associates, and their customers.”

We’re excited to announce our collaboration with @Walmart to deploy the largest #AmbientIoT network in retail. Millions of IoT Pixels will track up to 90 million pallets by 2026, feeding data into Walmart’s AI systems. Read more: https://t.co/BkdtdLVtTI pic.twitter.com/reXvB09LTs

— WiliotHQ (@WiliotHQ) October 2, 2025

Industry veteran Ken Hansen joins electronic shelf labels specialist Pricer as its new Chief Operating Officer

Ken Hansen is starting a new position as Chief Operating Officer at Pricer, an in-store automation and communication solutions provider.

His CV includes stints as Sales & Operations Director North America at Agile Content. He has also spent the past ten years working as an independent management consultant.

At Pricer, he will head up supply chain, strategic sourcing, manufacturing, global Services Delivery, IT, and CISO functions with a focus on operational excellence, scalability, and innovation.

"My mission is to enable a unified global organisation through smart automation, seamless implementation, and world class support," he says.

"With a strategic mindset and a collaborative approach, I believe in empowering teams through knowledge sharing, continuous feedback, and proactive problem solving. I’m passionate about building systems and cultures that drive performance, foster trust, and deliver real value to customers. I thrive in environments where complexity meets opportunity, and where leadership means enabling others to succeed."

EPAM Systems and BOSS launch immersive motorsport experience powered by Apple Pro Vision

EPAM Systems has teamed with BOSS on an immersive spatial experience, powered by Apple Vision Pro and pitched at motorsport fans.

"We're pleased to strengthen our strategic partnership with BOSS and bring an innovative spatial racing experience to life through Apple Vision Pro," says Balazs Fejes, CEO & President, EPAM.

"This initiative transcends traditional engagement by harnessing the power of immersive storytelling, making the exclusive world of motorsports accessible to a global audience of fans and consumers. It's more than just viewing - it's about creating truly unforgettable moments that redefine the intersection of premium fashion, luxury retail, sport and technology."

Iceland Foods looks to boost retail media credentials as it announces partnership with Epsilon

Iceland Foods says that it is enhancing its retail media capabilities through a new partnership with Epsilon.

The move will introduce offsite media, onsite video formats and a new auction-based buying model, with the aim of making it easier for more brands to engage with Iceland’s nine million annual shoppers in smarter, more relevant ways.

Adam Smith, Head of Retail Media, Iceland Foods, comments: “Our partnership with Epsilon is a big moment for us. It ultimately gives our brand partners more choice, more channels, and the ability to reach our customers in a smarter, more dynamic way.”

“It also means we can now open up our media to more types and sizes of brand advertisers. Today’s announcement is our latest commitment to providing a retail media platform that works for all brands and delivers value back to our shoppers.”