Autonomous microstores and major acquisitions: the biggest retail technology stories from January

With 2025 well underway, 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 January, including Ikea, Reckon.ai, Currys, Infinite Reality, Obsess, GK Software, Nomitri, Walmart, Zepeto, Lowe's, Whatnot, Amazon, Sensei, and MC Sonae.

1. London calling as Reckon.ai preps launch of first autonomous microstore with 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."

Pinto did not respond to RTIH’s request for comment re. the exact store in London and the opening date. We will update this article as soon as this information is available to us.

2. Infinite Reality follows hefty fundraising push with agreement to buy virtual stores specialist Obsess

Infinite Reality, which powers digital media and e-commerce through extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and other immersive technologies, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquiree Obsess, a virtual platform that has launched over 400 3D digital stores and experiences.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition comes on the heels of iR’s $3 billion in fundraising announced earlier this month, and marks the first acquisition since the raise in capital. It will integrate Obsess’s technology and cross-platform distribution capabilities into its product portfolio, expanding its e-commerce solutions.

Founded in 2017 by CEO Neha Singh, Obsess has worked with the likes of Ralph Lauren, L’Oréal, Crate & Barrel, e.l.f. Cosmetics, J.Crew and Disney Music Group. Singh, who brings expertise as both a former Google software engineer and the previous Head of Product for Vogue, joins Infinite Reality as Chief Innovation Officer, and will continue to develop new products that aim to reimagine how brands interact with consumers online.

3. Currys tests out in-store QR code powered 'want to know more?' experience for product browsing

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.

4. Hugo Boss goes live with AI powered product content across global e-commerce platforms

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.”

5. GK Software buys Nomitri with founders Trinh Le-Fiedler and Max Fiedler remaining in managing positions

GK Software, a provider of commerce solutions for retailers, has acquired Nomitri, a Berlin-based AI self-checkout technology startup.

It says that the transaction will expand its commerce capabilities with out of the box SCO (self-checkout) and store operations solutions to expand the company’s global portfolio of retail customers.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nomitri will continue to exist as a wholly owned subsidiary of the GK Software Group. Founders Trinh Le-Fiedler and Max Fiedler will remain in managing positions. The Nomitri solutions will be presented as a new product suite within GK’s product portfolio under the name ‘GK Vision’.

“Nomitri has been an integral part of the GK partner ecosystem for some time, and its innovative capabilities have consistently impressed both our team and leading retailers," says Michael Scheibner, CEO at GK Software.

"Retailers are demanding fast, scalable, and cost-effective self-checkout solutions, and Nomitri has delivered time and time again. Today, we’re proud to take this partnership to the next level by welcoming Nomitri’s groundbreaking technology into the GK portfolio as GK Vision.”

‘With a strong foundation of collaboration and trust, we are ready to scale GK Vision and redefine the self-checkout experience for retailers worldwide. Integrated into our GK CLOUD4RETAIL commerce platform, this addition further cements our commitment to providing cutting-edge, end-to-end solutions for our global customers."

6. All eyes on Leiria, Portugal as Sensei and MC Sonae lay claim to world's largest autonomous supermarket

Sensei has partnered with MC Sonae on the opening of a new Continente Bom Dia location, in Leiria, Portugal, pitched as the world’s largest autonomous supermarket.

In a LinkedIn post, Sensei said: "This revolutionary achievement is a record breaker on so many levels, setting a new benchmark for the future of retail: 1.676 cameras; 1,200 sq m2; 2,000 scales; 21 servers; 10.000 SKU’s."

"With democratic entry (no app or card tapping needed), assisted sales (fresh fish counter), simplified real-time basket checkout, discrepancy detection (a first!), and many more, bringing the shopping journey to a whole new level."

It concluded: "We changed everything, challenging the retail status quo, without changing anything – except for the groundbreaking checkout process, it’s just a really simple, smooth and seamless shopping experience."

7. 2025 the year of immersive commerce: Walmart notches up Zepeto first as it learns what resonates with community

Walmart has launched Zepeto's first ever e-commerce experience for real world items.

In a LInkedIn post, Justin Breton, Head of Brand Marketing Innovation at Walmart, said: "You read it here first… 2025 is the year of immersive commerce! Users are now able to buy real-world No Boundaries items directly on Zepeto by logging in to their Walmart account for a secure buying experience. The purchase of each real-world item also comes with a free virtual twin."

"This is our third drop since launching on Zepeto in October. In a short period of time, we’ve learned what resonates with the community, what tactics drive increased engagement, and so much more. Here are some results to date: 3.6M+ try-ons of our 20 previous virtual items; 1.87M+ pieces of user generated content shared; 180K+ item likes and 67K+ item saves for future purchase. All data provided by GEEIQ.”

He added: "Our strategy to continue investing in emerging platforms and immersive commerce isn’t because they're shiny new objects to test with. It’s driven by data and insights about the next generation of consumers, such as: 56% of Gen Z say visiting a brand’s virtual experience improves perception; 53% of Gen Z gamers spend more than $20 every month on virtual items; 42% of Gen Z use their virtual avatar to test fashion items they might buy IRL.”

The launch is complemented by ten new items, available for real-world or virtual purchase, from the spring No Boundaries collection and a self-love themed photobooth backdrop for additional content creation."

8. Live shopping specialist Whatnot bags $265 million in Series E funding with valuation hitting $4.97 billion

Whatnot, a marketplace focused on live shopping in the US, UK, and Europe, has announced $265 million in Series E funding, co-led by Greycroft, DST Global, and Avra. Joining Greycroft and Avra as new investors are Lightspeed Venture Partners and Durable Capital Partners, who participated in the round alongside returning backers Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), CapitalG, BOND, and Y Combinator.

The investment brings Whatnot’s valuation to $4.97 billion. The company has raised approximately $746 million since its founding in 2019.

“We believe there’s a better way to shop online, and it starts with creating a platform where sellers can grow thriving businesses around the things they care about most. We’ve proven this leads to the happiest experience for consumers and sellers alike,” says Grant LaFontaine, Co-founder and CEO at Whatnot.

“As we look ahead, we’ll offer even more ways for sellers to cultivate their communities and for buyers to shop and socialiwe. This capital will help us pave the way for mainstream adoption of livestream selling, and we’re grateful to welcome many new partners to the Whatnot family who share our vision that the future of shopping is live.”

9. Joe Cano departs Zappos to focus on innovation, CX and digital transformation at Lowe's

Joe Cano has left Zappos, where he held the role of CMO for almost three years, to join Lowe’s as SVP of Digital.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "After an incredible journey at Zappos, where I had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve joined Lowe’s."

"Zappos will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m deeply grateful to the team for their passion, creativity, and dedication. Together, we achieved amazing milestones, and I’ll forever cherish the memories and lessons learned."

He concluded: "Now, I’m excited to start this next chapter with Lowe’s, where I’ll be focusing on driving innovation, enhancing the customer experience, and leading digital transformation. The possibilities ahead are endless, and I can’t wait to collaborate with the talented team to make an impact. Here’s to building the future, one step at a time!"

Cano will report to CMO Jennifer Wilson, who has been with Lowe's for almost 19 years.

10. Here's why Jason Buechel has opportunity to design grocery strategy that accelerates Amazon’s growth

Jason Buechel has been appointed to serve as the new leader of Worldwide Grocery Stores at Amazon, while maintaining his current role as CEO at Whole Foods Market (WFM).

"This expanded responsibility gives me an opportunity to look after the collective grocery offering across Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, Amazon Go and Grocery Partnerships - and help move forward our goal of making grocery shopping simpler, faster, and more affordable for customers," he says.

"I’ve never been more excited about the work Amazon is doing to improve the grocery shopping experience for customers, and can’t wait to dig in further. Having a team of amazing leaders like Claire Peters and Anand Varadarajan will only help propel this effort. I’m grateful for their partnership and everything they do for our teams and customers."

He adds: "Customers are increasingly turning to Amazon for their grocery and everyday essential needs because of our unmatched selection, great prices, and convenient shopping options - be it fast delivery, easy pickup, or enjoyable in-store shopping. We still have more work in front of us, but I’m energised by our progress to date and excited about the continued invention that’s ahead."