Klarna bags DoorDash and Walmart BNPL deals: last week’s biggest retail technology plays at a glance
RTIH rounds up the stand out retail systems deals, launches, deployments and pilots from the past seven days. Including Holland & Barrett, Walmart, CITY Furniture, 3D Cloud, XPO Logistics, xTool, Debenhams Group, Pennies, Trust, Gander, 2tall, Mindbody, Temu, NewStore, and Rokt.
Walmart
Walmart has developed a GenAI powered assistant for its merchants.
Built on the US retail giant's proprietary data, Wally automates a variety of time consuming processes, including: data entry and analysis - Instantly generating insights from complex datasets; root cause identification - Diagnosing why certain products are under- or overperforming; how to support - Answering operational questions and raising tickets for unresolved issues; advanced calculations - Automating complex formulas and predictions.
In an online post, Walmart said: "We’ll continuously improve the tool - guided by the feedback and needs of merchants - ultimately enabling it to act autonomously on the merchant’s behalf within configurable guardrails, executing tactical actions necessary to bring their strategy to life."
"By automating time-consuming tasks and providing actionable insights, Wally enables merchants to focus on strategic, creative and innovative activities that enhance customer experiences and meet evolving customer expectations."
Klarna and DoorDash
It’s another big tie up for Klarna, which also this week announced that it will become the exclusive provider of buy now, pay later loans for Walmart, nabbing the partnership from rival FinTech firm Affirm.
Fantastic momentum for the Swedish firm as it publicly files a registration statement (Form F-1) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a proposed initial public offering (IPO) of its ordinary shares,
But dare we suggest that, if you need to take out a loan to get fast food delivered to your door, you should probably go and pick up the order yourself or, better still, rustle something up in the kitchen.
Anyhoo, in the coming months, DoorDash customers in the US will be able to tap Klarna’s service when purchasing groceries, retail, and DashPass Annual Plan - on DoorDash.com or through the venture’s app.
When they reach check-out, they’ll see Klarna as an additional payment option, including the ability to pay in four equal interest free installments.
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett has opened its latest concept store. Situated in Cardiff, this is designed to engage, inspire, and elevate the way its customers approach their well-being.
Highlights include:
A cushion wall, made with Instagram in mind; A wellness mission gondola - curating products tailored to customer needs; Branded bays - giving partner brands the space to tell their story and connect with people in a more meaningful way; New self-checkouts; a Click & Collect section.
“This store turns heads, sparks curiosity, and delivers an experience that must be felt in person (you know, like being punk and showbiz). It’s not just about looking good - it’s about making people feel their best,” says Richard Fisher, Design Manager at Holland & Barrett.
Nick Gerrard, Property and Format Director, comments: “A few months ago we got a group of our best people together to discuss how we move our retail format on again. The aim was to think about how we expand what we do experientially and with partners, bringing H&B to life in an ever better way.”
“After a ton of hard work here it is, the new Experience Store on Cardiff Queen St. Everything H&B do is stepped on in this store: product, tech and services. You can also get the highest quality diagnostic tests in partnership with Randox and we’ve got a Wellness Studio offering classes in pilates, yoga and meditation through local experts.”
CITY Furniture
CITY Furniture has deployed a suite of 3D tools, now live on its website.
With the recently launched 3D Cloud 360 Spins, WebAR, and CITY Furniture 3D Room Planner, customers can: Explore products from any angle with interactive 360 spins; See furniture in their space with WebAR augmented reality; Design entire rooms in 3D.
"We partnered with 3D Cloud because they share our commitment to innovation, quality, and exceptional customer experiences," says Andrew Koenig, CEO at CITY Furniture. "Scaling 3D content is challenging, and having the right partner makes all the difference. 3D Cloud delivers."
Temu
dLocal, a cross-border payment platform connecting global merchants to emerging markets, has announced a partnership with Temu. This covers 14 markets across Africa, Asia, and Latin America by offering payment options tailored to local preferences.
"We’re proud to enable seamless payment experiences for Temu’s customers in emerging markets," says Justin Goh, Head of APAC at dLocal. "By providing localised payment methods and frictionless cross-border solutions, we’re making shopping easier and more accessible for underserved consumers, connecting them to a vast range of value for money products.”
"Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to quality products at affordable prices,” says a Temu spokesperson. “By partnering with dLocal, we’re excited to extend these benefits to millions of customers in emerging markets, ensuring that more people can enjoy accessible, convenient shopping experiences.”
2tall
2tall, a clothing brand for, yep, you've guessed it, tall men, is partnering with shipping software specialist Shipster.
The Aberdeen-based e-commerce retailer has invested in technology to digitalise its warehouse management and shipping process to enable faster, error-free, and cost-effective order fulfillment.
Central to the strategy is its deployment of Shipster, a custom shipping integration platform which connects online retailers, e-commerce warehouses and distributors with over 100 available couriers, warehouse management systems and sales platforms, such as Shopify.
As a result, 2tall has automated its pick-to-ship process, increasing efficiency and productivity, increasing profits and enabling operational flexibility for growth.
Debenhams Group
Debenhams Group has announced a new partnership with Pennies. Its customers will now be able to make optional donations at checkout - by rounding up their total spend to the nearest pound for charity - a process known as micro-donating.
Debenhams Group has initially pledged for its customer donations to go towards the work of the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Since 2017, it has supported the BHF through sample donations to their retail stores from all the Debenhams Group brands, including Pretty Little Thing, boohoo and MAN.
The partnership comes at a significant moment for Debenhams Group, which last week announced a rebrand and that it would be rolling out its marketplace model across its other brands: Karen Millen, PrettyLittleThing, MAN and boohoo.
XPO Logistics
XPO Logistics, a provider of end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, reports the expansion of its ExpressNow offering across Europe. This follows an initial roll-out in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Morocco in 2024.
The service allows the immediate management of urgent shipments due to equipment breakdowns, activity peaks or supply chain disruptions. Designed to respond to critical logistics needs, ExpressNow promises fast, secure and tailored deliveries thanks to advanced technology, AI driven solutions and operational expertise.
Luis Angel Gomez, President - Europe, XPO Logistics, says: “With ExpressNow, we provide an immediate response to the most strategic logistics challenges. This service is particularly suited to sectors where reactivity and precision are essential, such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, luxury, aerospace and manufacturing. We are committed to offering our customers tailor-made solutions, guaranteeing rapidity, security and flexibility to ensure business continuity.”
xTool
xTool will showcase its Apparel Printer at Retail Technology Show in London on 2nd-3rd April (booth Q58).
Designed for businesses in the fashion, printing, and retail sectors, this direct-to-film (DTF) printer aims to streamline apparel production with cost-effective, high quality customisation. The product raised $1 million in just 1.5 hours on Kickstarter and exceeded $3 million from more than 580 backers.
“Businesses need a reliable and efficient apparel printing solution,” says Jasen Wang, Founder and CEO at xTool. “This printer simplifies the process, making custom garment production more accessible and scalable.”
Mindbody
Mindbody, a technology platform for the wellness industry, is set to offer more relevant ads to its membership community through a new partnership with Rokt.
Rokt's AI powered Brain will help Mindbody in its efforts to create a seamless customer experience on its app while also controlling the types of offers eligible to be displayed to members.
"Rokt's technology enables us to deliver ad messaging that complements the customer experience rather than disrupts it," says Alice Shen, Director of Strategic Partnerships and App Ecosystem at Mindbody.
"This partnership reinforces our commitment to ensuring post-booking messages are relevant, non-intrusive, and thoughtfully curated. We continue to work closely with Rokt to identify brands whose offerings align with our customers' interests and values."
Debenhams
Debenhams is launching a buy now pay later option.
Fast fashion firm boohoo acquired the name and website operations of Debenhams from administrators after the debt laden retailer, which had 123 stores and 12,000 staff, collapsed in 2020.
It has since rebranded to Debenhams Group, a move that follows a huge fall from grace on the back of several headwinds, including cheaper fast fashion competition and supply chain challenges.
With DebenhamsPay+, customers can choose from the following two options:
1. Split It – Available on orders of £15 or more, customers can pay in monthly, interest-free instalments.
2. Flex It – Like a credit card, Flex It provides the option to pay over a longer period, at representative 29.9% APR variable.
The launch follows a trial since January.
Trust and Gander
Trust and Gander are unveiling a partnership that they say is set to transform inventory management and markdown processes in grocery and convenience retail. Presented at Retail Technology Show 2025, this collaboration integrates Gander’s markdown solution with Trust’s inventory management and EPoS systems.
Trust’s inventory management tool will log price reductions in real-time, syncing directly with the company's EPoS system and Gander’s markdown platform. Once a reduced item is sold via the EPoS, it will be automatically removed from the inventory list and Gander’s marketing channels.
Temu
Temu has expanded its partnership with digital payment provider Checkout.com. The pair have been working together since the former’s launch in 2022.
The latter will now handle payments in over 30 markets, supporting a wide range of payment options, from major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard to digital wallets and regional services like Tamara, a buy now pay later option popular in the Middle East.
Checkout.com has local acquiring licenses in France, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UAE, Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Tapping its AI driven payment optimisation engine, Intelligent Acceptance, and global transaction insights, the partnership is aiming for improved payment performance and an enhanced checkout experience.
“We’re proud of the reliable and trustworthy experience we provide to our consumers alongside our everyday best offers,” says a Temu spokesperson. “Checkout is an important partner supporting our mission to provide quality affordable products with its global reach and expertise, enhancing the digital payments experience for our customers.”
Klarna and Walmart
Klarna is set to become the exclusive provider of buy now, pay later loans for Walmart, nabbing the partnership from rival FinTech firm Affirm.
The Swedish firm will partner with OnePay, a consumer finance app backed by Walmart and Ribbit Capital, to offer installment loans for purchases at the retailer in the United States. OnePay is already integrated inside of Walmart’s physical and digital channels.
"This is a game changer,” says Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Co-founder and CEO, Klarna. “Millions of people in the US shop at Walmart every day - and now they can shop smarter with OnePay installment loans powered by Klarna. OnePay choosing Klarna as their exclusive installment loans partner at Walmart in the US is a huge vote of confidence as we pursue our goal of being available everywhere for everything. We look forward to helping redefine checkout at the world’s largest retailer - both online and in stores.”
The loans will cover thousands of items, including electronics, home and garden, and automotive. Once approved, people will be able to choose from a range of repayment terms, from 3 to 36 months, and have the ability to manage this in the OnePay app.
GO Outdoors
GO Outdoors recently conducted a trial of body worn cameras at its Stoke store to seek new ways to deter theft and ensure the safety of its store colleagues. The retailer says it will now roll out the initiative to 25 more stores.
The trial comes after GO Outdoors announced a partnership with The Retail Trust, a charity that works to care for and protect the lives of people working in retail.
Claire Cowie, Stoke store manager, says: “Body cameras have been a game-changer. They’ve not only deterred theft but also increased confidence amongst staff that they are safe when they come to work.”
“The added layer of protection has been well received by our customers. It’s brought a new level of trust and transparency to our store. Crucially, the business has been proactive in equipping us with these tools, enabling us to react swiftly and effectively to the concerning increase in retail crime we’ve faced.”
Oroton
Australian fashion and accessories brand. Oroton, is to roll-out NewStore's Omnichannel PoS, Omnichannel OMS, and Omnichannel Manager solutions across its 30+ stores.
It says that, by replacing its outdated, on-premise systems with a cloud-based, fully mobile SaaS platform, it will modernise the in-store experience, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate its unified commerce strategy.
“Our focus has always been on delivering exceptional customer experiences, but our old systems limited our ability to create a seamless connection between our digital channels and physical stores,” says Saurabh Bhola, CIO at Oroton.
“NewStore stood out as the clear choice to close this gap - not just for its capabilities, but for how seamlessly it integrates with our existing tech stack. Its modular design also allows us to implement at our own pace while still future-proofing our business.”
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