EE bets big on bricks and mortar: our biggest retail technology articles on LinkedIn right now
We’re big fans of LinkedIn and are busy building an amazing community of retail tech enthusiasts on the social media platform. As we power towards the 25,000 followers mark, these are the articles that are currently on their radars, including Sitoo, Rohlik Group, AutoStore, Perfect Corp., Fixtuur, Primark, Thoughtworks, Boxbar Tech, VoCoVo, Currys, and Snappy Shopper.
Composable architectures and MACH not failing companies, what’s often missing is organisational readiness
There’s a wave of frustration among some business and tech leaders around composable architectures and MACH, with criticisms including it’s too complex, too expensive, and “we tried, and it didn’t work.”
But here’s the hard truth: what’s often missing is organisational readiness. So says Mobarak Said, a business technologist, MACH ambassador, and former Colleague Domain Optimisation Lead at H&M.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “It’s not just about swapping out tech, it’s about transforming how your teams work, how they collaborate, and how they think. MACH isn’t a plug and play solution. It demands an intentional shift in people, process, and culture. Composable can become complex and expensive, but usually as a direct result of poor strategy, unclear ownership, and lack of alignment across the business and tech.”
European online grocer and technology specialist Rohlik Group nabs major AutoStore systems milestone
Rohlik Group reports that, after four months of preparation and execution, all 12 of its AutoStore systems are now fully operated by its own control system: ARCOS - developed in-house, designed around the European e-grocery specialist’s processes, and optimised for speed, efficiency, and agility.
In a LinkedIn post, Jindřich Vašák, Product Owner at Rohlik Group, said: “What makes this achievement special? Zero downtime: Every single migration was executed without disrupting running operations. In DACH, we performed full migrations on Sundays - each site in about six hours. In Czech Republic, where Sundays aren’t an option, we migrated overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday in under four hours – ensuring the morning shift could start as usual.”
Justin King headlines as Snappy Shopper Snappy Summit 2025 quick commerce event is set for September
Snappy Shopper has launched what is pitched as the UK’s first of its kind Q-commerce event.
Snappy Summit will take place on 9th September at Glasgow Science Centre.
“We're bringing together over 250 of the UK’s most influential independent convenience retailers, retail symbol and company owned fascia, for an unmissable day of networking, insights, innovation and celebration,” says Greg Deacon, Vice President, Retail Media, Retail & Business Development at Snappy Shopper.
“Q-commerce is now a £3.2 billion industry and growing. We’re not just riding the wave, we’re shaping it. This summit is a chance to connect with our top performing retailers, leading FMCG brands, and industry innovators who are redefining what convenience means in 2025 and beyond.”
The headline speaker will be Justin King, former CEO at Sainsbury’s and a Snappy board member, who will share insights from his decade at the grocery giant and his vision for the future of Q-commerce.
Currys connects with VoCoVo to roll-out headset technology across electrical and tech retailer's UK stores
VoCoVo has announced a partnership with Currys to implement its Series 5 Pro Headset technology and support the retailer’s largest ever investment in store safety initiatives.
Following a trial of VoCoVo’s headsets in 20 selected stores, Currys has begun a full roll-out across all of its UK&I location. Every colleague will be equipped with a headset by the end of this month, allowing them to stay better connected and therefore safer on the shop floor.
They can also communicate with ease and efficiency, ensuring customer queries are answered quickly. Furthermore, call points incorporated throughout the stores will enable visitors to request assistance at the touch of a button, with the notification delivered straight to colleague headsets.
Thoughtworks webinar recording now available: Winning the loyalty game: Gen AI, personalisation and what really works
It was a pleasure to have you with us for a candid and insightful conversation on the future of loyalty, personalisation, and AI.
If you missed it first time around, you can view a recording here.
In this engaging, conversational style webinar, Chris Ford, Tech Director for Retail, Consumer Goods, Travel and Transport at Thoughtworks) was joined by industry leaders Suraj Nagaraj, Head of Product - Loyalty and Support, Tesco; Tanvi Taparia, Product Office - PMO Digital Commerce B2B, B2C and D2C, Henkel; and Mike Cadden, Chief Technology Officer, Marie Curie; to explore what it really takes to build lasting customer loyalty in today’s complex digital landscape.
Keith Alexander takes on expanded role within tech leadership team at value retailer Primark
Primark’s Keith Alexander is taking on an expanded technology portfolio within Interim CIO Dave Robertson’s tech leadership team.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “I am now accountable for all colleague operational products and business platforms (with the exception of Digital and Customer Experience). I have a terrific front, middle and back office tech team and have so many exciting innovations to deliver together as we grow Primark. It feels like every week we are delivering something new for our colleagues.”
Alexander joined the Information Technology function at Primark two and a half years ago from Currys, where he had served as Supply Chain Tech Transformation Lead.
Beauty and fashion technology specialist Perfect Corp. takes wraps off new AI Clothes Try-On solution
Perfect Corp. has announced the launch of AI Clothes Try-on, a generative AI powered experience for virtual fashion shopping.
This lets shoppers see exactly how any look complements their unique body shape, complexion and style. They can mix and match separate pieces, preview full outfit swaps, and experiment with fabrics, prints and colourways, all rendered in photorealistic detail.
AI Clothes Try-on is available through both the YouCam Makeup mobile app and the YouCam Online Editor, Perfect Corp.’s web-based editing platform. For brands and developers, the solution is also accessible through the YouCam Online Editor AI Clothes Try-on API.
Forest legend Viv Anderson cuts ribbon as EE opens first East Midlands Experience store in Nottingham’s Victoria Centre
EE last week opened the doors of its first East Midlands Experience store in Nottingham’s Victoria Centre. Local legend and former footballer Viv Anderson cut the ribbon and welcomed the first visitors to the new experiential retail space.
The Experience location is EE’s first of 2025 and forms part of a £3 million investment this year into bricks and mortar concept stores. It features zones themed around four key areas – Game, Work, Learn, and Home – along with a Tech Home area showcasing the future of connected living.
The latter allows customers to visualise their ideal connected home setup with smart TVs, lighting, security systems and EE’s fast broadband, complemented by advice from EE’s staff.
Anderson says: “As a techie and someone born and raised in Nottingham, I’m thrilled that EE has opened a new space in the heart of the city. Innovative spaces like this give people the opportunity to get hands-on with the technology that’s shaping our future."
“Nottingham has always been full of talent and creativity, and with the support of EE’s in-store guides, anyone can seek tailored advice to make the most out of their tech and devices. I can’t wait to see how it sparks ambition in the next generation.”
Automated self-serve bars specialist Boxbar Tech appoints Tom Singleton as VP of Client Success - Global
Tom Singleton has joined 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards winner Boxbar Tech as VP of Client Success - Global.
He was previously at Global Brands, which operates in the drinks industry, where he served as National Field Sales Controller.
In a LinkedIn post, Singleton said: "From my very first conversation with the exec team it was clear that Boxbar are building something seriously special. The business is growing at an incredible pace globally, with a real focus on innovation and people, and I’m beyond excited to be part of such a dynamic and ambitious team."
"For those who know me you’ll know how passionate I am about delivering real value for customers, building strong relationships, helping businesses and people grow, and don’t mind rolling up my sleeves to get stuck in. This role brings all of that together, and then some!"
Fixtuur research: augmented reality is set to transform furniture retail space but adoption gap remains
A new study conducted by London Research in partnership with visual commerce technology company Fixtuur reveals that while augmented reality (AR) and 3D visualisation technologies are delivering significant returns for furniture retailers, widespread implementation still lags behind growing consumer expectations.
Research based on a survey of 100 senior decision-makers in the furniture industry in the UK and US, finds that only 58% have implemented AR technology, despite 96% reporting that 3D visualisation and AR tools have led to increased sales, and 82% are able to estimate a strong ROI from their investments.
“This research confirms what we’ve long believed at Fixtuur: the future of furniture retail isn’t about transactions, it’s about confidence, experience and personalisation,” says David Thomson, CEO at Fixtuur. “The brands pulling ahead aren’t ticking a tech box, they’re using visual commerce as a strategic lever to inspire trust, build loyalty, and accelerate sales.”
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