Does Kroger paint by numbers?: 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 Simbe, VusionGroup, Boardriders, NewStore, Augmodo, Chemist Warehouse, Currys, VoCoVo, Morrisons, YOOBIC, SAP, and Aramark.
1. Kroger must avoid 'design by committee' approach to retail tech as it pilots Simbe and VusionGroup solutions
Kroger does everything by committee when it comes to piloting technology. This is done because no one at the retailer is willing to make a decision that they will have to defend. So says Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "What’s the best way to make a decision without making a decision? Form a committee and then claim you were the only member who didn’t support adopting software if it fails."
Ladd noted that Kroger is currently testing multiple solutions. This includes a project involving Badger Technologies and Simbe which involves trying out in-store robots in two of its markets, including at locations in and around its hometown of Cincinnati.
The autonomous robots, Simbe's Tally and another dubbed Barney after the grocer’s founder, are being used for real-time inventory management and pricing accuracy. A pilot is active at a number of stores, with the Tally deployment also extending to the Indianapolis area.
“We are always exploring new ways to create a more convenient and friendly customer experience,” Kroger said in a statement. It added that utilising the robots “means our associates can more easily and quickly identify and address shelves where products are low or out of stock.”
Kroger is also piloting electronic shelf tags from VusionGroup. Ladd said: "Over 100 people are involved as committee members who plan on taking “four to six months, maybe longer” according to sources, to test Simbe and VusionGroup. It should take a fraction of that time. Note to Kroger: Partner with VusionGroup immediately. Not a month from now. NOW!!"
2. Ingka Investments heads up funding round involving South Korean food waste management firm RECO
Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, has announced an investment in RECO, a company offering end-to-end solutions for food waste management in South Korea.
It is the lead investor in a KRW 58.5 billion (EUR 37 million) funding round.
“South Korea leads the way in advanced waste management systems, and RECO exemplifies how innovative solutions can tackle pressing challenges like food waste. Its commitment to transparency, resource recycling, and digital transformation aligns perfectly with Ingka’s vision for a circular economy,” says Lukas Visser, Head of Circular Investments at Ingka Group.
“By investing in RECO, we aim to amplify their impact while driving meaningful change beyond our own operations - contributing to a better world, ensuring sustainable practices and a brighter future for all.”
3. Boardriders teams with NewStore to advance digital strategy with launch of Quiksilver shopping app
Unified commerce platform, NewStore, and Boardriders, an action sports and lifestyle company, have announced the launch of a Quiksilver shopping app.
This is now available on iOS and Android across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
"We’ve experienced incredible results since launching the ROXY app with NewStore, and the early success we’ve seen with Quiksilver has already proven the value of this continued partnership," says Nur Ghossien Martin, IT D2C Director at Boardriders.
"The rapid ROI speaks to how well these apps resonate with our customers, while the advanced features enhance their shopping experience. NewStore will continue to be a key partner as we advance our digital strategy."
4. Augmodo snags Chemist Warehouse partnership, hires Simon Morriss as Commercial Director for APAC
Augmodo, a real-time inventory and task tracker using wearable SmartBadges to create live 3D store maps, is launching a partnership with Chemist Warehouse, Australia's largest drug retailer.
The collaboration has grown from four pilot stores in mid-2024 to a full chain expansion in a few short months and will increase to more than 550 locations in two years. In parallel, Augmodo and Chemist Warehouse will launch a Spatialview programme later this year, giving the latter’s suppliers access to real-time shelf data.
“Our hardworking associates spend hours every day completing tedious but critical tasks, like auditing and restocking shelves so consumers can have increased product availability,” says Mark Finocchiaro, Managing Partner and General Manager IT Retail at Chemist Warehouse.
“With Augmodo’s spatial AI assistant, they wear the Smartbadge on a lanyard or clip, and everything is automatically scanned as they walk the floor, providing us with real-time inventory data. The assistant tells them what’s out of stock and what needs to be done next, giving them more time with shoppers.”
5. Currys announces largest ever investment in store safety and security including colleague headsets trial
Omnichannel tech and electrical retailer Currys is implementing a range of new store technologies and safety programmes, which represent its largest ever investment programme in this space, alongside a Safety Week for store colleagues across the UK.
These include upgraded specification public display monitors in high risk stores, trialling and rolling out new approaches to product security, investment in intelligence collection and analysis, and increased spend on guarding and surveillance.
In partnership with VoCoVo, colleague headsets are currently being trialled across selected stores and rolled out to all locations by the end of May. Feedback so far has been positive, with colleagues noting that being able to instantly talk to their peers across large stores makes them feel safer, especially when confronted with shoplifters.
It is also improving in-store experience for customers, who can request assistance by clicking a button at the store front that notifies the shop floor team via their headsets.
Currys is partnering with Auror to introduce crime reporting software. The platform speeds up and improves the accuracy of crime reporting, with the aim of driving focus on repeat offenders to prevent crime and reduce loss.
6. London calling as Puma gears up to launch first ever European flagship store in autumn 2025
Puma is set to open a new store in the heart of London’s West End during autumn 2025, marking the brand’s first ever European flagship.
Located close to Selfridges and Bond Street tube station, the 24,000 square-foot space promises “an immersive, interactive experience that blends sports performance and technology with cutting-edge streetwear designs”.
“After unveiling our flagship store in Las Vegas last year, we’re incredibly excited to announce that our first flagship store in Europe will open later this year,” says Arne Freundt, CEO at Puma.
“Our London flagship store is an important part of our brand elevation strategy. It brings the best of the our brand to life for our consumers and showcases our latest innovations and design newness as part of an immersive experience. We look forward to moving into our new home of the brand in one of the most vibrant global cities and to exciting our consumers.”
7. Morrisons taps YOOBIC tech to power task management and communications across UK store estate
YOOBIC has been selected by Morrisons to power task management and communication across all the UK grocery giant’s stores nationwide for its employees.
As part of this roll-out, Morrisons will leverage YOOBIC’s all in one mobile platform to digitise store operations, streamline task execution, and improve real-time communication among frontline teams.
The platform will play a central role in driving operational efficiency and enhancing performance across Morrisons' store network while providing store colleagues with the tools they need to succeed in a fast paced retail environment.
“This is a landmark partnership for us and a strong validation of our leadership in the grocery market,” said Fabrice Haiat, CEO and Co-Founder at YOOBIC. “Morrisons is a household name in UK retail, and we are honored to support their journey toward a more efficient, connected, agile, and empowered frontline workforce.”
“We’ve become the partner of choice for the world’s top grocery chains that want to improve efficiency in stores, powering top brands like Lidl, Carrefour, Food Lover’s Market, Pick n Pay. We are so proud to add Morrisons to that elite group.”
8. SAP and Aramark open 24/7 S.Mart store in Germany with tech partners including Diebold Nixdorf, VusionGroup
Tech partners include Diebold Nixdorf, VusionGroup, C2RO, payfree, Lenovo, Intel Corporation, and Adyen. The store will offer convenience products and will initially be used by SAP employees.
It features:
RFID for fast checkout and fast inventory
Computer vision for a personalised customer experience, and also for theft prevention
Digital temperature monitoring
Cameras checking for stockouts
In a LinkedIn post, Michael Bosch, CEO at Checkout Peak, said: “Imagine walking in, grabbing a jar of Nutella, and heading out - all in under 50 seconds. Thanks to RFID technology and Payfree, every product is automatically detected. The receipt? Seamlessly generated in the background using SAP Customer Checkout.”
He added: “An exciting, forward thinking environment was created right at the SAP campus. We’re proud to have contributed to such a unique project. Stop by and experience the future of retail!”
9. Retail Technology Show 2025: turnaround at M&S down to culture change says Chairman Archie Norman
Speaking on the opening day of Retail Technology Show 2025 at London ExCel on 2nd April, the industry legend who formerly headed up Asda and Kingfisher, added that the “headwinds on cost are the greatest I’ve ever seen” referencing the current cost-of-living and of operating crisis.
Norman also joked that Percy Pig, the famous confectionery brand that has recently expanded Stateside, “may be tariffed soon” by Trump.
His opening keynote Q&A conference session with Kate Hardcastle moderating, however, mainly focused on how M&S, founded in 1874 and on every British High Street with 50,000 employees, was a bit vain previously. “For example, every bit of technology had to be redone for them to fit their systems in the past. No, I said, that ends up with a very overcomplicated company” - not to mention inflexible.
“I had to fracture the culture,” Norman stated, as he explained he “didn’t have time to retrain or refocus leaders” who had become defensive. “I typically change 80% of the leaders at every company I’ve ever worked at. All the jobs I’ve had have been turnarounds because it’s what I’ve become known for.”
“The unvarnished truth was M&S had to change and we had to liberate people to do so,” - typically lower down the organisational chain.
10. Domino’s and DoorDash team on pizza delivery pilot with US and Canada wide launches planned for 2025
Domino’s Pizza has entered into a partnership with DoorDash. A pilot is currently underway in select locations, with a planned nationwide US launch beginning in May and across Canada later in 2025.
“As brands that are both dedicated to digital ordering excellence, our new partnership with DoorDash brings together the scale of our two industry leading companies, as we continue to build towards the $1 billion opportunity that we believe the aggregator marketplace represents for us,” says Joe Jordan, Domino’s Chief Operating Officer and President - US.
“The ability to connect seamlessly with DoorDash customers means more sales for Domino’s stores, while efficiently leveraging our brand’s robust delivery network. Tapping into incremental customers, particularly in suburban and rural markets, is a meaningful opportunity for Domino’s, as our brand continues to open stores nationwide.”
"DoorDash is excited to welcome Domino's to our Marketplace across the US and Canada. Domino's chose us for our unmatched scale and reach, helping them serve millions of customers and drive incremental sales,” says Prabir Adarkar, President and Chief Operating Officer at DoorDash. “By joining forces, we're bringing customers a new choice in the rapidly growing pizza category."
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