Delivery drones and sustainable stores: 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 EE, Nintendo, Lowe's, Hudson Nonstop, Amazon, B&Q, FreshDirect, Uber Eats, Primark, Pinterest, Levi's, and Albert Heijn.
FreshDirect and Uber Eats
Uber Technologies has announced an expansion of its grocery delivery offering with the addition of FreshDirect, the online fresh food grocer, to the Uber Eats platform in New York City.
The partnership marks the first time FreshDirect’s catalogue will be available for on-demand delivery on a third-party app.
“This collaboration with Uber Eats marks a significant step forward for FreshDirect,” says Metin Hacioglu, Deputy CEO, FreshDirect. “Our customers rely on us for the freshest, highest quality food and groceries, and now, with Uber’s technology and delivery expertise, we can offer them the same exceptional products they love—faster and more conveniently than ever.”
EE and Nintendo
EE is teaming up with Nintendo to bring the Mushroom Kingdom to Westfield White City for an exclusive three-day celebration from Saturday 8th March to Monday 10th March, in honour of National Mario Day.
Over the three days, Mario and Luigi will be on hand to take photos with shoppers, while visitors will also have the chance to play a range of games on Nintendo Switches and in a Mario themed go kart, situated within EE's Gaming Zone. Those who can’t make it to the EE Studio can also experience gaming on a Nintendo Switch in one of 280 EE stores across the country.
People purchasing any Nintendo product, including Nintendo Switch and all Nintendo games and accessories, via the EE Studio or the EE website between 7th – 31st March, will be automatically entered into a prize draw for a family of four to win:
A seven-night stay at Universal Terra Luna Resort
Universal Orlando 3-Park Explorer passes plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe tickets (for admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and the new Universal Epic Universe theme park featuring Super Nintendo World, opening 22nd May)
Round trip flights from the UK to Orlando
Ground transportation to and from the airport and hotel in Orlando
Just Eat Takeaway.com
Just Eat Takeaway.com has inked an international partnership agreement with Manna to roll out drone operated deliveries.
Customers will have the choice to receive their orders from participating partners via drones, which will be deployed from local delivery hubs operated by Manna. Once the food has been loaded onto the drone, they will receive their orders in as little as three minutes, it is claimed.
This service is now available in Dublin, Ireland. The aim is to roll this out internationally to more Just Eat Takeaway.com countries. Manna operates under the pan-European regulatory framework set by EASA (the European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and is developing roll-out plans in collaboration with partners, local authorities, and communities to expand its services to more countries in Europe.
Lowe's
Lowe's has launched Mylow, which is designed to help customers navigate the many questions that come with owning a home from project know-how, to how to advice to top-rated product searches and more.
This has been developed in collaboration with OpenAI.
"Home improvement is inherently complex and can feel overwhelming even for the most experienced DIYer - that's why Lowe's has invested in AI and emerging technologies to create solutions that truly help our customers," says Lowe's Chief Digital and Information Officer Seemantini Godbole.
"We're aiming to deliver the best customer service in retail and Mylow represents an industry leading step forward in helping us do that. This solution will not only help our customers be more informed, but our associates too."
"The development and introduction of Mylow exemplifies the tech forward vision of the Lowe's brand," says Lowe's Senior Vice President of Technology, Chandhu Nair. "We're doubling down with emerging technology collaborators like OpenAI to solve problems for our customers and because we want the home improvement experience at Lowe's to be a cut above."
Lancashire’s Park Hall Resort & Spa
Lancashire’s Park Hall Resort & Spa has become the first UK hotel to adopt an AI concierge that talks to guests over the phone and via WhatsApp. Designed by UK company Inntelo AI, this works alongside hotel teams with the aim of enhancing guest experiences and streamlining daily operations.
Originally the site of a Benedictine monastery dating back to 669 AD, Park Hall Resort & Spa - a Radisson Individuals hotel operated by the Brilliant Hotels Collection - has previously hosted the likes of Tommy Cooper, Bruce Forsyth, and Lulu (look them up, kids, all three are British legends).
Guests can access concierge services and resolve any issues via WhatsApp and phone calls, which are initially answered by an AI agent available 24/7 in multiple languages.
After launching its solution following testing and backing from early stage VC, Antler, Inntelo AI is expanding, with deployments in the UK at Park Hall Resort & Spa, alongside recent hotel implementations in the Netherlands and Portugal. It is also collaborating with hospitality schools such as EHL in Switzerland, Hotelschool The Hague, and the University of Essex’s Edge Hotel School.
Hudson Nonstop and Amazon
Another Hudson Nonstop store, powered by Amazon Just Walk Out technology, has opened its doors, this time at Colorado Springs (COS) Airport.
In a LinkedIn post, Harold T. Respass, Principal Technical Infrastructure Programme Manager - Just Walk Out, said: “I’ve officially led the launch of my 50th retail store powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology: Hudson Nonstop Colorado Springs! (COS).”
“This marks the 18th Hudson Nonstop store, and I’m proud to have launched the last 16 of them. As an Implementation Manager, I oversee the end-to-end project management for third-party retailers adopting this game-changing technology. From initial planning to final execution, I work closely with our customers to integrate Just Walk Out into their operations, creating frictionless, innovative shopping experiences for travelers and shoppers alike.”
He added: “This work isn’t always easy - it takes strategy, collaboration, and a deep focus on execution. But seeing a store go live and watching customers walk in, grab what they need, and leave seamlessly? That’s what makes it all worth it.”
“A huge thank you to my team, our partners at Hudson, and everyone who plays a role in bringing these stores to life. And of course, a special shoutout to my incredible colleagues who build and refine this technology - your innovation and hard work make these seamless shopping experiences possible. Here’s to the next 50!”
Dr. Martens
Amperity, an AI powered customer data cloud specialist, reports that Dr. Martens has selected its platform to support its global data and marketing operations strategy.
"We're not just selling iconic boots, shoes, and sandals; we're elevating retail experiences that exceed expectations," says Lynn Ritson, Global Digital Director at Dr. Martens. "Selecting Amperity demonstrates our commitment to enhancing customer engagement with AI powered personalisation. Initial results show we can better serve our customers across all touchpoints while driving business growth."
Through this tie up, Dr. Martens will leverage Amperity's AI powered identity resolution and insights platform to scale its data maturity across key global markets while ensuring privacy compliance.
Albert Heijn
Univers has been selected by Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, to deploy its microgrid and energy management solutions.
The move comes as part of the Dutch retailer's broader strategy to integrate sustainability across its operations, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and navigate increasing complexities in energy management. This initiative is also pitched as being significant for its potential to influence Scope 3 emissions, with Albert Heijn leveraging its position to encourage sustainability across its supply chain partners.
Primark and Pinterest
Primark is for the first time ever officially launching a Pinterest inspired new Spring home collection.
As new research (which involved a survey of 2,003 Brits) reveals a lack of money (51%) and a lack of inspiration (22%) are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to redecorating, the pair say that they are partnering to make it easier than ever to design and transform your space with stylish, budget friendly pieces.
The new collection, launching in Primark stores and available to purchase via Pinterest using Click & Collect, is inspired by the social media platform's search data and features products from Spring floral crockery, to soft pink frill bedding. The three hottest trends that have informed the collections are - Cosy Cottage, Minamaluxe and Dainty Décor.
To style the new collection before they buy it, people can head to Pinterest and use Collages - an interactive tool to pull together their vision, using cutouts of products from the Primark range. It’s then possible to bag the collection in a new way, as the Collages link directly to Click & Collect, which is now available in over 130 Primark stores across Great Britain. Shoppers can also purchase the range in stores throughout March.
Sinead McDonagh, Head of Design at Primark, says: “Pinterest is where so many of us go for home inspiration, but sometimes turning those saved Pins into reality isn’t always easy, especially on a budget. That’s why at Primark Home, we’re committed to making trend led interiors affordable and effortless."
Levi's
In a LinkedIn post, Jason Walker, Regional Head of Maersk Contract Logistics, North America, said: "A huge thank you to the incredible collaboration and teamwork across operations, SWAT, IT tech/development, and engineering workstreams. Your dedication and hard work have been pivotal in making this milestone a reality."
"The sortation system will enhance our throughput and efficiency, helping us to provide even better service and performance. None of this would have been achievable without the support of all of our teams."
Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive, said: "Levi’s made a wise decision in contracting Maersk to manage their logistics. I encourage Maersk to meet with the retailer Gap, to discuss it replacing GPS Platform Services."
B&Q
B&Q has opened a new store in Galashiels, Tweedbank, replacing the former location which closed on 8th February.
The new 20,000 sq. ft store on Gateway Drive offers over 30,000 products including a kitchen and bathroom showroom, tools and hardware, paint and décor and a garden centre. There is a wide range of services including paint mixing, a timber cutting service and a TradePoint area for trade customers including dedicated trade parking.
It has been designed and built to help support B&Q’s commitment to reducing the impact of its operations on the environment. It is electrically heated using energy generated by solar panels, which is stored in batteries on-site; maximising efficiency, and helping to reduce its reliance on the electric grid.
The store is insulated using sustainable products made from rock and mineral fibre, and harvests rainwater, which is used to water plants for sale in the garden centre, and flush toilets.
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