PayTech Klarna embraces crypto: it can only be this week's biggest retail technology stories
It's Friday, the weekend is almost upon us, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful week for the retail systems space. Here's your briefing on the most important stories from the past few days, including Ikea, Coles Supermarkets, Instacart, Tesco Clubcard, Retail Technology Show 2025, Theo Paphitis, Shopify, Yeezy, Vinted, Oh Polly, Deliveroo, and Netto Marken-Discount.
1. Ikea lands 3,700+ applications for new Oxford Street London store roles as it preps Spring opening
Ikea says that it has received 3,730 applications in just six days for its new Oxford Street, London store. Interest in the 150 available positions marks the largest ever response the home furnishing retailer has seen in the UK.
It provides the independently set Real Living Wage of £13.85 per hour alongside benefits including flexible work arrangements, enhanced parental leave, and a free healthy meal option served every day.
Successful applicants will be offered multi-skilled roles, working across different departments. They will work in a store that aims to fuse traditional retail expertise with new digital solutions and sustainable practices.
2. Klarna boss Sebastian Siemiatkowski hails milestone as FinTech giant preps crypto move
Klarna Co-founder and CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski has taken to social media to tease a move by his company in to the cryptocurrency space.
In a post on X, he said: '“OK. I give up. Klarna and me will embrace crypto! More to come Yes I know! This post will get a huge sigh and two views But it still feels historic. Last large FinTech in the world to embrace it. Someone had to be last. And that’s a milestone as well of some sort…”
He added: “Btw all crypto fans. Tell me what we should do with it? We have 85 m users worldwide. 100 bn of volume. Over 0.5 m merchants. About 30% of volume is debit not credit. Over 1 million cards. I have some ideas but keen to hear more!”
Responding to a barrage of replies, he commented: “Wow Will fill my todo list for some while… Promise to follow up with all the ideas and suggestions! Feel free to follow me and I will keep you in the loop. Actually it was three great entrepreneurs introduced to me by Sequoia Capital’s Andrew Reed that made me see the light.”
3. Coles Supermarkets first retailer in APAC region to launch Instacart AI powered Caper Carts
Australian retailer Coles Supermarkets reports the roll-out of Caper Carts, Instacart’s AI powered smart trolleys, at its Richmond Traders location in Melbourne.
Caper Carts are equipped with AI, cameras, and a built-in scale, which work together to automatically recognise items as they are added to the trolley. They enable customers to bag as they shop and watch their running total. At the end of their shopping, customers can checkout directly from the trolley.
Caper Carts sync to Coles’ Flybuys rewards programme. Customers can scan their Flybuys card or Coles app to instantly access personalised offers and view in-store specials on the trolley’s digital screen.
When they shop in-store, they can later view purchased items under their ‘buy it again’ list on the Coles app and website. Equipped with gamified capabilities, they also have the chance to win discounts by spinning a digital wheel on the trolley’s screen at checkout.
Coles is the first retailer in the APAC region to launch Caper Carts, and also the first in the country to introduce AI powered trolleys.
4. Breaking the mould of grocery retail: Clive Humby reflects as Tesco Clubcard loyalty scheme turns 30
Happy birthday to Tesco Clubcard which is 30 years old this week.
Edwina Dunn and Clive Humby of dunnhumby were approached by Tesco in 1994 to help the grocery giant create a loyalty card. And the rest, as they say, is retail history.
In a LinkedIn post, Humby said: "It’s 30 years this week since we broke the mould of grocery retail. What amazes me most is that some are still playing catch up People talk a lot about AI changing the landscape, but actually it’s all about the data not the software. AI is just a new way of doing what we have always done faster and ‘maybe’ cheaper…. Though I suspect if the vendors have their way more expensively."
He added: "It isn’t rocket science. Know your customer means a better shopping experience, better products, better pricing, improved ROI on promotions and happier customers. It's good to reflect on the last 30 years."
5. Retail magnate Theo Paphitis set to headline Retail Technology Show 2025 in London this April
Serial entrepreneur and retail magnate, Theo Paphitis, has been confirmed to headline at Retail Technology Show 2025.
Debuting in its new home, ExCeL London, RTS will welcome 15,000 retail professionals on 2nd and 3rd April. Paphitis is famed both for his appearances on the BBC’s investment series Dragon’s Den as well as for reviving the fortunes of retail brands including Ryman, Stationery Box, La Senza, Contessa Lingerie and Robert Dyas.
He went on to launch his own namesake retail group, the Theo Paphitis Retail Group (TPRG), in 2015, which now encompasses Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue and London Graphic Centre, and comprises 300 stores and 4,000 employees. Paphitis also founded Small Business Sunday, a movement and network that has grown 3,500+ SMEs and heroes the passion and energy of small businesses.
Speaking on the Spectacular Headline Stage on 3rd April, he joins Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle, in a fireside chat that will delve into key strategies for growing a successful retail business, even in challenging circumstances. The session will discuss how to keep retail workforces highly engaged and key leadership strategies for long-term success.
6. Shopify powered Yeezy e-commerce website taken down after Kanye West brand sells swastika t-shirt
Kanye West's Yeezy online store was taken down this week by Shopify following the sale of swastika t-shirts.
The musician and entrepreneur reportedly splashed out $2 million on a single advert which aired during the Super Bowl at the weekend, directing people to his website where the t-shirts were being sold.
“So what’s up, guys? I spent, like, all the money for the commercial on these new teeth," he said, flashing a ridiculously white set of gnashers.
"So once again, I had to shoot it on the iPhone. Um, um, um, go to yeezy.com.” The aforementioned product, which cost $20, was not mentioned in the ad.
This came as his X account, where he had millions of followers and had been posting highly offensive antisemitic messages, was deactivated.
The rapper's final entry stated: "I'm logging out of Twitter. I appreciate [X owner] Elon [Musk] for allowing me to vent. It has been very cathartic to use the world as a sounding board. It was like an Ayahuasca trip. Love all of you who gave me your energy and attention. To we connect again [sic]. Good afternoon and goodnight."
7. Dr. Christian Bock returns from sabbatical for Head of Store Innovation role at Netto Marken-Discount
Dr. Christian Bock has taken on the role of Head of Store Innovation at Netto Marken-Discount.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "An exciting new chapter in my life and career has begun. I am really looking forward to this new professional task, to challenges that broaden my horizons and to the opportunity to bring about sustainable change. For all those who are passionate about innovation with me: I look forward to exchanging ideas, trends and inspirations that will shape the retail of tomorrow!"
Bock was previously at Aldi Süd where he held the position of Manager Stores Strategy, and prior to that worked at Aldi Nord as Team Lead Store Computer Vision. He has been on a family care sabattical for the past few months.
8. Women's online fashion brand Oh Polly goes back to roots as it relaunches eBay store
Oh Polly has gone live on eBay, with its store selling outlet stock to shoppers.
This isn’t its first such e-commerce rodeo, however.
In a LinkedIn post, Alix McShane, Head of Customer Service at Oh Polly and Bo&Tee, said: “Such an exciting time for us experimenting with new (and old) selling platforms.”
“We’ve gone back to our roots and relaunched our eBay store after 11 years, selling outlet stock to a new audience. It feels surreal logging in after so long. Shout out to Kirsty Gillingham and Harriet Law (Senior E-commerce Executives) for working so hard on this project.”
9. Deliveroo Sheng Siong Group tie up proves success not about being big but locally relevant
Lo made the comment as his company partnered exclusively with Sheng Siong Group, one of Singapore’s largest grocery retailers. 21 of its stores are now available on Deliveroo, with expansion to 31 in the works - allowing customers access to fresh produce, pantry essentials, household goods and more.
In a LinkedIn post, Lo said: "At first glance, Deliveroo partnering with Sheng Siong might seem unexpected. One is a globally recognised brand in food delivery, the other a beloved homegrown supermarket deeply embedded in Singapore’s heartlands. But that’s exactly what makes this collaboration so exciting."
He added: "In today’s fast evolving consumer landscape, success isn’t just about being big or about scale - it’s about being locally relevant. Deliveroo brings its grocery tech and logistics expertise, while Sheng Siong provides a strong foothold in Singapore neighbourhoods, catering to everyday shoppers who prioritises value and trust.”
10. Online second hand fashion marketplace Vinted inks payments partnership deal with Checkout.com
PayTech firm Checkout.com has announced a partnership with Vinted, a European online marketplace for second hand fashion.
A key component of the tie up is the former’s Intelligent Acceptance offering, which aims to deliver a boost in acceptance rates by applying bespoke AI optimisations tailored to Vinted’s specific traffic patterns.
This has reduced failed transactions, driving greater engagement on the platform. As a result, Vinted reports a 4.15% overall acceptance rate uplift on payments processed by Checkout.com in 2024.
The latter’s regulatory expertise and localised acquiring network across Europe have been critical in enabling Vinted to navigate complex market demands. The partnership ensures compliance with region specific regulations while supporting local currencies.
Modestas Tursa, VP Payments, at Vinted, says: “Delivering exceptional digital experiences is core to our mission of making second hand first choice, and our partnership with Checkout.com has been instrumental in helping us achieve that. Its powerful technology and deep expertise across European and UK markets allow us to scale confidently while achieving high-performance payments and delivering the digital experience our users expect.”
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