Tacos, football, and social media: 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 Torchy's Tacos, Stravito, Beeswift, Slimstock, Kenvue, Currys, Co-op, Uber Eats, Heineken, Exotec, Oxford Industries, CeX, Kende Retail Operation, and Coca-Cola.
Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos is overhauling its hiring process with AI.
Backed by General Atlantic, the venture opened 10+ locations in new markets in 2024 and has several upcoming launches in 2025. To support this, it has partnered with LANDED, a generative AI powered hiring platform and says that the partnership has cut hiring time by 66% and reduced turnover by 62%, all while delivering a personalised applicant experience.
“LANDED has been instrumental in helping us scale our hiring process while maintaining a high standard for candidate quality,” says Ramon Torres, Senior Director, Talent & Total Rewards. “We’re not just filling roles - we’re bringing in people who are the right fit from the start. This has led to stronger engagement, higher retention, and more cohesive teams.”
Stravito
Stravito, an AI powered knowledge management solution that enables teams in retail organisations to extract and use insights for critical decision-making, has announced the roll-out of Focus Mode, Snapshots, and multilingual support to its generative AI tool, Stravito Assistant.
Krzysztof Sadowski, Insight Platforms & Tools Lead at Shell, has been testing Snapshots and comments: "We have a library of over 5,000 reports, offering a wealth of knowledge. However, navigating through this extensive collection can be overwhelming and time consuming. The new Snapshot feature addresses this challenge by providing automated summaries with key insights and recommendations. Additionally, the generated summaries are both relevant and coherent."
Vista Technology Support and Simbe
Retail Technology Show 2025 is fast approaching and, without doubt, one of the showfloor highlights will be served up by Vista Technology Support and Simbe.
The event takes place at London ExCel on 2nd-3rd April, with the pair teaming up to present in-store autonomous robot Tally to visitors.
You can visit them at stand G55 - opposite the Champagne Bar.
Beeswift
UK-based workwear and personal protective clothing and equipment specialist, Beeswift, has deployed Slimstock’s AI powered supply chain planning platform.
Ben Baldwin, COO at Beeswift, says: “We had some fairly simple forecasting within our business, enhanced by a great deal of insight that our team has developed over many years. However, this process was time consuming. We were looking for a platform that could deliver more and would work with our industry norms such as seasonality and sizes of product within a range.”
By adopting Slimstock’s supply chain planning platform, Beeswift says it has improved operational efficiency, and increased on-shelf availability by 5% while reducing working capital tied up in stock by 47%. Stock turn has increased by 207%.
Simon Cooke, Logistics Systems Manager at Beeswift, comments: “With the implementation of Slimstock’s platform, we can make more informed decisions. As a result, we can now concentrate our efforts on the right items, proactively avoiding excess stock and mitigating the risk of obsolescence."
“We used to make decisions based on limited visibility. With the insights provided by Slimstock, our team can quickly visualise the data to determine the best course of action. We now have more time to invest in process optimisation and to collaborate with the wider business."
"Furthermore, Slimstock has played a pivotal role in helping us to fine-tune our service level strategy. By striking the perfect inventory balance, we have achieved a 207% increase in stock turn while significantly reducing excess stock levels.”
K-VA-T
SymphonyAI, a specialist in predictive and generative enterprise AI SaaS products, reports that K-VA-T has implemented its CINDE Connected Retail Platform as it looks to deepen customer insights across all key business functions, including supply chain, merchandising, shelf planning, assortment, and promotion optimisation.
With SymphonyAI software, K-VA-T, which operates 158 retail outlets throughout Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, closely tracks its most loyal shoppers to increase satisfaction and engagement.
As it continues to expand its market presence with new store openings, CINDE Connected Retail provides AI driven shelf planning that helps to attract and retain shoppers in the new locations. Across the company’s operations, the marketing team relies extensively on SymphonyAI software to create marketing campaigns that best engage shoppers.
For category managers, K-VA-T uses CINDE Connected Retail shopper insights dashboards across categories in weekly business review meetings. In vendor meetings and category planning, K-VA-T and their suppliers collaborate using CINDE Connected Retail to identify key business drivers within each category and create optimal promotions designed to deepen shopper engagement and achieve category goals.
K-VA-T is also integrating CINDE Connected Retail into strategic category reviews to make data driven decisions on assortment strategies. In collaborating with CPGs, K-VA-T and suppliers can use CINDE Connected Retail as a single source of truth.
Kenvue
Kenvue, the company behind brands such as Neutrogena, Listerine, Aveeno, and Tylenol, has held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new 290,000 sq. ft. global headquarters in Summit, New Jersey.
The firm, which marked the start of construction of its 100,000 sq. ft. Science and Innovation Lab at a ceremony last year, has officially moved its headquarters from Skillman to Summit, New Jersey.
An Insights Lab, a high tech, multi-room experience, is designed to transform how Kenvue develops, tests, and showcases its products.
A Virtual Experience Room immerses users in a 270-degree digital retail environment, allowing real-time feedback on in-store execution. A Sensory Lab enables rapid prototyping and consumer testing, ensuring products meet evolving consumer needs. A Design Lab brings human centered design to life through advanced 3D and 2D modeling.
The new headquarters also provides the company with proximity to talent across major areas, such as life science, data, technology, and marketing.
Heineken
Heineken has announced the launch of its first Global Generative AI (GenAI) Lab in Singapore.
Ronald den Elzen, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Heineken, says: "We aim to be the world’s best connected brewer. GenAI will play an increasingly important role in understanding consumer needs, enhancing customer engagement, and improving productivity throughout the company.”
“The establishment of the Global GenAI Lab marks a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey, highlighting our strategic focus on advanced GenAI technologies as essential drivers for growth, efficiency, and innovation.”
Kenneth Choo, Managing Director, APAC, says: “We are pleased to announce our Global GenAI Lab in partnership with AI Singapore. This Lab will serve as a global centre of expertise, driving AI innovation at a local level while enhancing our operations on a global scale.”
“By taking this significant step, we are strategically positioning ourselves for a resilient and thriving future, reaffirming our commitment to Singapore and the Asia Pacific region. By harnessing Singapore’s exceptional AI ecosystem, skilled talent and supportive government policies, we are excited to drive the development of innovative solutions that will transform the beverage industry for years to come."
The Lab will lead the development of scalable GenAI solutions across critical business areas, including agentic systems that can autonomously solve complex problems, from automated marketing content creation to intelligent financial reporting and next-generation customer support and knowledge management systems.
Currys
Currys is supporting Cancer Research UK with recycling any unsellable donated tech from its UK charity shops.
The partnership will allow Cancer Research UK to drop off any unwanted tech from its locations, free of charge, at Currys’ delivery depots up and down the UK.
Recycling over 50,000 tonnes of e-waste each year, Currys lays claim to being the nation’s number one retail tech recycler and is on a mission to give technology a longer life.
Cancer Research UK receives lots of donations, but where tech donations may be too old or not fit to sell, the charity will be able to recycle unsellable items via Currys and have peace of mind that they are being recycled responsibly.
Once dropped off, the unwanted tech will enter the Currys network and be sent to its central sorting facility in Newark, Nottinghamshire, where it will be assessed, then either refurbished, repaired, have the parts harvested or be responsibly recycled. If the latter, this volume will contribute to the retailer’s overall WEEE collection volumes and used to offset its own producer obligation.
Co-op and Uber Eats
Uber Eats and Co-op have announced a three-year extension of their quick commerce partnership.
The tie up, which started in 2022, has seen the number of Co-op stores where Uber Eats is available increase to more than 1,300.
The retailer will now extend its work with Uber Direct - Uber’s white label last mile delivery service. Uber Direct already offers a delivery service from Co-op’s own online shop, and will now work with Co-op on deliveries for orders placed via the convenience retailer’s newly launched app, Peckish, which is dedicated to supporting independent local grocery retailers in communities across the UK.
Co-op will also continue to offer member price savings for Uber Eats users. Uber Eats was the first delivery platform to include these savings, with the former’s more than six million member-owners able to access them on approaching 200 products when ordering groceries and everyday essentials through Uber’s app.
Chris Conway, Co-op Quick Commerce Director, says: “Growing our quick commerce channel is a core part of our strategic approach, and I am delighted to extend and deepen our successful partnership with Uber Eats. Innovation is fundamental to our approach, whether extending reach and choice, creating value through member price savings, or, delivering the Peckish app to give independent grocery retailers a voice online.”
LFP Media
LFP Media has chosen CAMB.AI as its official global language solution in a multi-year deal.
As the governing body overseeing Ligue 1 McDonald's and Ligue 2 BKT, LFP represents 36 professional clubs across France. Ligue 1 McDonald’s is the most followed sports league in France and has a global following of over 50 million on social media.
By integrating CAMB.AI's AI translation, voice emulation, and dubbing technologies, Ligue 1 McDonald’s fans worldwide can access match broadcasts, commentary, interviews, and exclusive content in a language of their choice.
Martin Aurenche, Chief Media Officer at LFP Media, says: “We have worked with CAMB.AI over the last few months to identify multiple use cases and impact points which enhance our fan engagement and will bring unprecedented value to our international broadcasters. This partnership marks another step in LFP Media’s strategy to become the world’s leading league in AI driven innovation.”
Philip Morris Switzerland
Philip Morris Switzerland has partnered with LEAFIO AI to enhance its visual merchandising through the implementation of the latter's Shelf Efficiency solution for automated planogram management.
The company says that it is tackling key CPG industry challenges, such as ensuring consistent product visibility, adapting to evolving consumer behaviours, and leveraging data driven merchandising insights.
"We are committed to empowering CPG manufacturers with cutting-edge technology," says Andrew Max, CCO at LEAFIO AI. "Our advanced data driven solutions improve shelf layouts based on deep analytics and worldwide experience; we will support Philip Morris Switzerland’s diverse retail footprint, and enhance operational efficiency by reducing manual efforts and enabling quicker decision making."
Oxford Industries and Exotec
Warehouse robotics provider, Exotec, has been selected by Oxford Industries to automate its new distribution centre in Lyons, Georgia, USA.
Oxford Industries is a specialist in the apparel industry and owns several brands including Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer and Johnny Was.
The new 560,000+-square-foot facility is designed to process more than 20 million units a year, making it Exotec’s largest and most intricate robotic deployment to date. Its Skypod system, which will serve as the picking engine for the whole warehouse, will consist of over 450,000 storage locations and more than 450 robots.
Exotec will integrate its hardware and software with third-party machinery to offer end-to-end warehouse automation and support receiving, decanting, sorting, and packing, as well as outbound shipment. The system will also enable the company to handle returns, cutting the amount of time and labour needed to inspect, sort, and store returned items, streamlining the process of making it available for resale.
“As the largest Exotec deployment to date, the Oxford Industries project not only showcases the performance and scalability of our system, but also the sophistication of our integration capabilities.” says Romain Moulin, CEO and Co-founder at Exotec.
“Having a client like Oxford Industries select Exotec as the integrator for a project of this complexity speaks volumes about the trust they put in our ability to deliver end-to-end warehouse automation that goes beyond our standard Skypod system.”
Kende Retail Operation and Coca-Cola
Kende Retail Operation reports the opening of the first autonomous store in Hungary, with a second one soon to follow.
This is the result of a partnership with Coca-Cola HBC Hungary which plans to open 15 unmanned stores over the next three years, investing a total of HUF 250 million, and aims to triple its revenues from the autonomous retail offering by the end of 2026.
"The launch of the first autonomous retail store represents a unique innovation not only in Hungary but also within the Coca-Cola HBC Group, spanning 29 countries. Over the years since the Covid-19 pandemic, the domestic retail sector has undergone significant transformation," says Ágnes Kovács, General Manager at Coca-Cola HBC Hungary.
"New technologies have taken root, new shopping habits have emerged, the sector faces a notable labor shortage, and digitisation is pervasive. As a leading food and beverage company, we strive to keep up with these changes by investing in technologies that provide long-term business advantages."
When a customer enters the sales area, the cameras associate their physical appearance with a virtual shopping cart. This system links the customer, the selected product, and their personal profile created in the “Take It Easy” application exclusively developed by Kende Retail Kft. for this technology.
As customers move through the store, cameras track their movements, and built-in sensors monitor the contents of their cart. Once the customer completes their shopping, they leave the store. The system then totals their cart and initiates the payment transaction. This technology does not collect facial recognition data, it exclusively monitors movements and activities necessary for seamless shopping, fully complying with GDPR regulatory frameworks.
CeX
CeX, a British retailer focused on pre-owned video games, DVDs, Blu-rays and consumer electronics, now lets customers order items on Just Eat Takeaway.com.
It's the latest non-food option on the latter's app, and covers games, consoles, cables and controllers for rapid delivery.
"We're delighted to expand the reach of CeX to millions of Just Eat customers, making it even faster for them to get the tech treats on demand," says CeX boss David Butler.
"This partnership is a real game changer. Bringing tech and gaming to those that need it right now from all stores nationwide (almost 400 locations). A dream team collaboration and shout out to everyone that has supported to make it happen," says Monica Brennan, Strategic Partnerships Manager - Grocery & Retail at Just Eat.
Delaware North UK
This is powered by Amazon's Just Walk Out technology.
It has now released insights from the initiative, including: seven minutes - the time it now takes to serve an entire half-time queue; Revenue has more than doubled in 2024 vs. 2023; 2,400 pints poured at half-time alone with multi-dispense units.
The company says: "Bar Tap isn’t just about speed - it’s about elevating the fan experience with a tailored approach for every event. Whether it’s bespoke cocktails for The Eras Tour, signature Jagaritas for the NFL, or record breaking sales at Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois, the flexibility of Bar Tap ensures the drinks offer aligns seamlessly with the occasion. With fast, frictionless transactions and cutting-edge multi-dispense technology, fans can grab a drink and be back in their seats in no time - so they never miss a moment of the action."
Crocs India
Crocs India reports that its 2025 Holi campaign has achieved 300 million views on a single Instagram post.
Featuring the reimagined Bollywood classic Rangeela Re and Indian actress Pratibha Ranta, the campaign aims to capture the spirit of Holi with high energy dance, bold colours, and festive joy.
In a LinkedIn post, Yann Le Bozec, Group VP - Head of Marketing at Crocs International, said: “Our Holi themed Jibbit and Classic Clogs added a playful touch, allowing everyone to express their unique style.
The campaign resonated with consumers, tapping into pop culture nostalgia and celebrating joyous moments. The vibrant colours and heartfelt celebrations turned the campaign into a viral sensation.”
The initiative also tapped the recent announcement that Crocs India is available for rapid delivery via Swiggy Instamart.
Le Bozec added: “Crocs delivered in ten minutes? Yes please! Thanks to our partnership with Swiggy Instamart and Apparel Group India, Crocs India makes a big step in quick commerce. But that's not all! 300 seems to be a magic number for us as alongside reaching 300 million views, our Holi campaign has also helped achieve 300,000 followers on Instagram.”
Temu
Temu is integrating new technology from Google that enables e-commerce sites and others to dim the area around on-screen dialogues, so that shoppers don’t miss them.
It says that its adoption of the technology is already helping to offset shoppers’ “banner blindness” - aka the phenomenon by which as much as 86% of internet users tend to overlook popups or dialogues, even if they’re from the site they’re engaging with.
Google reports that, using its new feature, Temu has reduced invalid screen touches by about 5%. For Temu, whose dialogues work to progress shoppers toward checkout, track products from their favourite stores and select their region, this will minimise accidental dismissals and equate to more completed purchases.
Temu has implemented the feature into its desktop experience, as well as its Android app. Part of Jetpack WindowManager 1.4, developers can choose to dim only the dialogue container or the entire task window, with the aim of creating a more seamless and cohesive interface.
Unilever
Unilever is gearing up to hire more social media influencers to market its products because consumers are “suspicious” of corporate branding.
“Messages of brands coming from corporations are suspicious messages,” said new Chief Executive Fernando Fernandez, in his first public comments since taking over from ousted predecessor Hein Schumacher at the beginning of the month. “Creating marketing activity systems in which others can speak for your brand at scale is very important.”
“Unilever's decision to amplify its social media investment and influencer collaborations is a strategic response to shifts in our media consumption habits and tech adoption. Increasingly we’re swapping traditional media for digital media and rejecting - or even blocking - advertising formats that interrupt our user experience. Brands now have to work harder to earn user attention," says Thomas Walters, Europe CEO and Co-Founder at Billion Dollar Boy, a creator agency and partner to Unilever brands.
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