Currys deploys VoCoVo Series 5 Pro Headsets: 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 Diebold Nixdorf, Uber Direct, Aldi UK, Under Armour, Subway, Wolt, Mars,  Deacthlon, Oh Polly, and MandM.

Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf says that it recently extended its US-based production capabilities by establishing a new retail technology line at its North America manufacturing facility in North Canton, Ohio.

This, according to a press release, is a result of the self-service checkouts and kiosk systems specialist's “approach to managing global supply chains and production to achieve greater control and predictability in its manufacturing processes.”

Diebold Nixdorf is currently building self-ordering kiosks for Tillster, its strategic software and distribution partner in the QSR space, in order to serve customers, including multiple top 20 QSR chains in the region.

Decathlon

Decathlon has partnered with Bambuser to expand Visio Store, a service that allows customers to schedule appointments with sales associates via video conference to receive guidance in choosing their sports equipment.

After a period of testing in its e-bike category, Decathlon has expanded its video service to ten additional product categories, including fitness, mountaineering, and golf, exclusively for the French market. 

Customers can book appointments at decathlon.fr, directly from the product page or the dedicated service page. After email confirmation, the customer is connected with a human sales advisor, trained directly by the sports design teams to present and compare products and guide customers to those that best meet their needs.

Uber Direct and Floritta

Uber Direct, Uber’s white label delivery solution, has agreed a partnership with London-based florist Floritta.

This follows a test period, which saw Uber Direct provide support during one of Floritta’s busy periods of the year - Mothers’ Day and Easter. A scalable solution, Uber Direct’s delivery service will now enable Floritta to meet on-demand and pre-scheduled needs for bouquets, hampers, balloons and gift sets throughout the year.

The arrangement will provide Floritta with access to the same technology and courier network that supports Uber Eats – providing customers with both fast delivery and real-time tracking. 

MandM

Valtech has partnered with MandM, a UK online fashion and sportswear retailer, to launch an AI centric mobile app.

Built for both iOS and Android, the app utilises Google Cloud and Contentstack technologies and will have: AI powered search and browsing for improved product discoverability; A framework using Google’s Flutter software for easy and efficient UI updates.

This also complements MandM’s Google Cloud strategy, laying the groundwork for deeper adoption of Google Cloud Platform services to support intelligent localisation, scalable customer experiences, and rapid expansion into European markets.

Vision Express

Vision Express has launched a new careers website.

In a LinkedIn post, Carol Hermon, Head of Talent Acquisition at Vision Express owner, Essilor Luxottica, said: "This is a huge milestone that reflects the passion, collaboration, and dedication of an incredible team.”

“I’m extremely proud of my colleagues at Vision Express and our loyal partners who worked tirelessly to bring this to life in such a short timeframe. From developing a localised EVP and asset toolkit to designing and building a new site on a fresh platform - this was no small feat."

Tiger Sheds

British garden building specialist Tiger has launched an upgraded Virtual Showroom, pitched as a first for the UK gardening industry, delivering an immersive and inspiring way for consumers across the UK to explore its range of timber sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, and insulated garden rooms, all online and entirely at their own pace. 

Visitors can navigate through a reception area and explore dedicated zones for: Garden Sheds; Summerhouses; Log Cabins; Insulated Hybrid Cabins (the new Black Tiger range); Garden Rooms; Outdoor Living.

Each area features interactive totems, walk through building displays, quick access to detailed product pages, and embedded video content.

Currys

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.

Aldi UK

Aldi has partnered with online careers platform Springpod to create a new virtual work experience programme for UK students considering a career in retail.

Open to all UK students aged 13 and above, the free online course aims to build skills and introduce students to the wide range of careers available in retail. This includes warehouse and store operations as well as office-based roles.

It provides students with a series of videos and guidance from Aldi colleagues, as well as interactive quizzes and activities. The course also includes information about the various roles available and practical advice on job applications.

"We understand that not everyone has access to in-person work experience. That’s why we’ve created a flexible virtual programme that allows participants to learn at their own pace, fitting around their schedules,” says Lisa Murphy, Training and Development Director at Aldi UK.

“This initiative not only provides young people with a real insight into what it’s like to work at Aldi but also makes it possible for them to experience this, no matter where they are in the UK. Since launching, we’ve already attracted more than 2,000 sign-ups and hope to inspire even more young people to explore careers in retail through this accessible and engaging platform.”

Students that successfully complete the course will receive a certificate to include on their CVs or future applications. Aldi says it is also looking to recruit more than 500 new apprentices each year in the UK.

Subway

Subway EMEA reports that over 400 interactive self-serve kiosks are now live across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Finland and the Netherlands.

In a LinkedIn post, it said: "These kiosks are more than just a tech upgrade, they’re part of a broader transformation in how we design restaurants, serve guests and help drive franchisee profitability."

"Together with our new Subway app and refreshed loyalty programme, kiosks are helping create an even more seamless and convenient guest experience. Guests can now quickly and easily browse the menu, customise their subs and earn Subway Rewards all in one place. This is just one of the many ways we continue to innovate and improve on our offering with both guests and franchisees in mind."

Under Armour

Under Armour Turkey is deploying Rnv.ai AI powered inventory management solutions to optimise stock levels, improve availability, and make data driven decisions.

In a LinkedIn post, Rnv.ai said: "Right products, right place, right time. Efficiency, accuracy, and growth through data. A big thank you to the Doğuş Perakende Grubu team for their collaboration and support throughout this process. Looking forward to a strong and successful partnership."

ZamZam Village Grocer

VusionGroup reports a full store deployment of electronic shelf labels at ZamZam Village Grocer in Sydney, Australia.

Originally a purpose built Aldi, the store has been transformed into a local grocer specialising in imported goods and fresh produce. After trialling the solution a few months ago, ZamZam recognised the benefits and chose to extend it across the entire location.

Oh Polly

Oh Polly has launched Pre-loved, a fully branded resale marketplace, hosted in partnership with Treet.

In a LinkedIn post, Oh Polly said: "There’s already a thriving resale market for Oh Polly on platforms like Depop and Vinted. By bringing this experience in-house, we’re giving customers a seamless, brand led alternative, while encouraging circular fashion and helping extend the life cycle of our garments. We’re also offering 110% store credit to customers who sell their items through Oh Polly Pre-loved, turning second-hand sales into new Oh Polly moments."

Sweatband.com

UK specialist sports and fitness online retailer, Sweatband.com, has selected Scurri to help up its delivery experience game, from dispatch to customer notifications.

Sweatband.com has adopted Scurri’s Connect delivery management platform allowing it to manage multiple carrier integrations, including two person delivery for heavy and bulky sports equipment, to power its delivery offering, such as free standard and signed for delivery options.

It has also deployed Scurri’s Track Plus solution which allows it to control its post-purchase delivery experience for customers – including branded order tracking communications to ensure customers are kept advised of the status of each delivery from order to dispatch and final mile.

Parched Hospitality Group

Paytronix and Australian culture inspired Parched Hospitality Group have launched Parched Locals, a new rewards programme and mobile app to engage with guests across all four of its restaurant brands: Daintree; Hole in the Wall; Isla & Co.; and Wallflower.

People can sign up for membership to become a Local with any store in the Parched family to get rewards and bonus perks.  

Parched operates nine restaurants in New York and Florida, featuring multiple concepts that take inspiration from Australia where much of the executive team was born.

“We’ve got such a fantastic group of loyal customers, we wanted to give back to them and make sure they feel as much a part of our family as we feel about them,” says Tom Rowse, Chief Strategy Officer, Parched.

“The Parched Locals programme and mobile app will help expand and grow our family while thanking them. Paytronix brings so many ways to surprise and reward guests, engaging with them through a program that’s true to each brand’s unique needs and style.” 

Wolt and Mars

Finnish food and merchandise rapid delivery platform Wolt has announced a global retail media partnership with Mars.

In a LinkedIn post, Nutsa Adamia, CPG Partnership Manager at Wolt, said: "Thanks to Salomon Tenenbaum's (Director, Global Head of CPG Partnerships & Ad Sales at Wolt) amazing strategic skills and deep insights, we’ve secured a powerful collaboration that will span seven markets - and I’m proud to be leading this roll-out."

She added: "Mars has been incredibly open to innovation, eager to test, learn, and scale. The campaign includes standout features like cart recommendations, search visibility, and category top positioning - real game changers for brand awareness and conversion. We’ll also provide Mars with detailed, data driven insights to support growth and smart decision-making."