JD Sports goes large and Veloq spins out: check out the biggest retail technology stories from June
June is done and dusted, July is up and running, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful month for the retail systems space. Here's your briefing on the most important stories from June including Co-op, Just Eat, Rohlik Group, Walmart, VusionGroup, Asos, Albertsons Media Collective, VoCoVo, Vista Technology Support, and Voyado.
1. Co-op onboard as Just Eat announces full UK launch of JET Go delivery-as-a-service platform
Just Eat has announced the full UK launch of its delivery-as-a-service platform, JET Go.
This enables partner brands to receive customer orders through their own channels while tapping into Just Eat’s technology infrastructure and network of independent couriers to offer on-demand, same-day and scheduled deliveries.
As the official launch partner, Co-op has rolled out the service across hundreds of stores. Customers within a five-mile radius can shop through its online shop or the Just Eat app. People can purchase everything from a full shop to forgotten or top-up ingredients for a midweek meal, or treats for evenings at home.
Delivery-as-a-service is also live on Just Eat’s platforms in 15 countries including Canada, Australia, Bulgaria and Spain and more big UK brands are set to come online across in the coming months.
2. Walmart first retailer to expand drone deliveries across five US states including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and Texas
Walmart reports the expansion of its drone delivery service. Now, millions of customers in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando and Tampa can receive their orders within minutes - making Walmart the first retailer to scale drone delivery across five US states: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.
“As we look ahead, drone delivery will remain a key part of our commitment to redefining retail. We’re pushing the boundaries of convenience to better serve our customers, making shopping faster and easier than ever before,” says Greg Cathey, Senior Vice President of Walmart U.S. Transformation and Innovation.
“This expansion of our drone delivery service marks a significant milestone in that journey. As the first retailer to scale drone delivery, Walmart is once again demonstrating its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance our delivery offerings with a focus on speed.”
3. JD Sports picks Manchester's Trafford Centre for opening of biggest ever store with focus on digital CX
JD Trafford Centre is now open, and it’s the retailer’s biggest ever store.
Opening weekend kicked off with exclusive giveaways, customisation labs, sneaker care services, and live brand activations from Nike, adidas Originals, Puma Group, Unlike Humans and Crep Protect.
The store features: over 270 digital screens; over 400 sq m of LED; a 104 metre long digital screen spanning across the bulkhead; a four metre digital swoosh.
“This is a true diamond in the JD crown and a shining example of what can be achieved when vision, innovation, and teamwork come together,” says Nathan Orzel, IT Service Desk Team Lead at JD Sports Fashion. “Watching this store come to life has been nothing short of inspiring. Countless teams have poured their passion and expertise into every detail, creating a retail experience that sets a new benchmark for JD Sports.”
He adds: “From my perspective in IT, it’s been incredible to observe the team working tirelessly behind the scenes, meticulously preparing everything while we awaited the handover to my team for ongoing support.”
JD LV BLVD is now open 📍
— JD Sports US (@jdsportsus) June 15, 2025
Come thru 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WyxCiLvz8w
4. Retail voice technology firm VoCoVo appoints Beth Worrall as CEO as founder Rob Gamlin transitions to Strategic Advisor
VoCoVo, a retail communications specialist that works with the likes of Asda, Tesco, and Dunelm, has announced key changes to its leadership team. Beth Worrall has been appointed CEO, transitioning from her previous position as Co-CEO, while Rob Gamlin, Co-CEO and Founder, moves into a new role of Strategic Advisor.
After two years as Co-CEO alongside Gamlin, Worrall becomes CEO with a focus on expanding VoCoVo’s international presence and setting the standard for connected retail - where voice enabled solutions unite teams, customers and technology.
Gamlin will remain actively involved in guiding technical strategy and product development.
5. Rohlik Group spins out Veloq AI fulfillment platform and hires former Ocado CCO Richard McKenzie as CEO
Rohlik Group, a European online grocer and tech specialist founded in 2014 in the Czech Republic, is launching Veloq, an AI driven grocery fulfillment platform that has powered its growth across five markets.
Rohlik currently delivers over 1.3 million monthly orders and generates €1.1 billion in annual revenue.
Developed and refined within its grocery operations, Veloq is now launching as an independent company, bringing the technology to grocers worldwide. Built on a proprietary software stack and robotics, Veloq unifies the entire grocery fulfillment process into a single modular platform, according to those involved.
This includes automated picking, intelligent routing, inventory forecasting and personalised customer engagement. An AI engine powers every layer of operations, including dynamic queue and labour management within fulfillment centres, supply chain forecasting and real-time last mile logistics optimisation.
Veloq has appointed Richard McKenzie, former Chief Commercial Officer at Ocado, as its CEO. He says: “The big challenge for grocers today is how they can meet evolving consumer demands for convenience while still delivering a wide range of excellent quality fresh products. Veloq represents a unique answer to that challenge.”
“Where legacy providers bolt-on tools that are inflexible or not grocery specific, we now offer an operating system that gives grocers everything they need in one box - and that adapts, learns, and evolves alongside its partners.”
“There’s real magic in the software: in how it orchestrates complex operations behind the scenes to deliver simplicity and speed to the end customer. In a market reshaped by consumer expectations for convenience, personalisation, and sustainability, Veloq’s launch marks a turning point – from fragmented software to unified, intelligent orchestration.”
6. 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards welcomes onboard Vista Technology Support as Headline Sponsor
We're hugely pleased to announce Vista Technology Support as Headline and Drinks Reception Sponsor at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The company is the UK market leader in delivering IT technology deployment and support services in retail, hospitality, healthcare and entertainment sectors.
“We're honoured to sponsor the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, which recognise the pioneering efforts driving transformation across the retail sector," says James Pepper, CEO.
"At Vista, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing, and contributing to, the remarkable evolution of retail innovation over the years. From emerging technologies to transformative AI driven solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how innovation is reshaping the way retailers operate and engage with customers."
“Our direct involvement in deploying these solutions gives us a unique perspective on their real-world impact, and we are proud to celebrate the organisations and visionaries who are not only imagining the future of retail, but making it a reality.”
We're hugely pleased to announce @VistaTechSup as Headline and Drinks Reception Sponsor at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards. Welcome onboard, guys! #RTIHAwards25 https://t.co/8GCmjjn4nQ pic.twitter.com/2LplgXg5jo
— RTIH Innovation Awards (@AwardsRtih) June 13, 2025
7. Carrefour first major European grocer to adopt VusionGroup EdgeSense tech, following Walmart roll-out in US
VusionGroup has announced a partnership with Carrefour to trial what is pitched as a new generation of connected stores powered by EdgeSense technology.
Carrefour becomes the first major European grocer to adopt the tech, following its deployment by Walmart in the US. Combining AI, computer vision, smart rails and digital shelf labels, EdgeSense delivers real-time shelf monitoring, stockout detection, pricing compliance and precise product geolocation.
The partnership is currently being piloted in Carrefour’s hypermarket in Villabé, France, where approximately 70,000 electronic shelf labels, 500 cameras, and 7,000 EdgeSense rails have been installed, with a second site launching soon.
8. Asos comes under fire as disgruntled customers' accounts are closed due to their online returns activity
Online fast fashion giant Asos has recently been deleting customers' accounts due to high levels of return activity. This is the result of an update to its fair use policy.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, disgruntled customers have taken to social media to vent spleen.
For instance, Rhea Sangha, Senior Marketing Manager at John Lewis Partnership, said in a LinkedIn post: "This morning I received an email from Asos to inform me they were closing my account. I was pretty gobsmacked as I am die hard, loyal fan and have been a regular customer for years. It’s my go to for holidays, weddings, parties and I bloody love Topshop!!"
"Yes, I’m a big shopper so yes as a result I probably do send a fair amount of returns (which I pay for!) but isn’t that the nature of online shopping? Isn’t that what happens when you can’t feel the material/see the quality/check the sizing/try on the clothes to see how a style suits your figure. And as a curvy girl - NOT easy! Clothes unfortunately do not fit me like a glove…"
She added: “I spend hundreds of pounds year with Asos, in the last month alone I’ve purchased 12 items and spent £350+. I know quite a few other friends this has happened to who have complained for several months to Asos with no real clarity or solution. Is this really how retailers should be treating their best customers? Is this what loyalty should feel like?"
"Very disappointing. Working in fashion retail myself I know how important it is to protect and reward your most frequent, loyal shoppers so I’m pretty disappointed (hence the post!) Please engage with my post if you agree and let me know what you think?"
9. Albertsons Media Collective hits Cannes Lions 2025 in France for launch of in-store digital display network
Albertsons Media Collective, the retail media arm of Albertsons Companies, has announced the launch of its in-store digital display network during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France.
In partnership with STRATACACHE, Albertsons Media Collective will power its new solution through a fleet of digital screens, with the aim of promoting product discovery and creating media offerings that allow brand partners of all sizes to engage their customers.
“We’ve identified a significant opportunity to enhance our in-store customers' shopping experience by delivering relevant and impactful messaging at the point of purchase,” says Jennifer Saenz, Chief Commercial Officer at Albertsons Cos. “Our partnership with STRATACACHE enables brand partners to engage directly with our shoppers at this key moment, providing them with compelling offers, meal inspiration and timely information.”
A pilot will launch this summer in select Albertsons Cos. stores in two key regions, featuring large format premium displays in high traffic areas at impactful touchpoints during the customer journey, such as the entrance and produce department.
10. Swedish AI powered retail technology platform Voyado lands new majority investor as Viking jumps onboard
Voyado has secured backing from investment firm Viking, in a deal that puts its valuation at SEK 3.5 billion (approximately £260 million). This makes Viking its new majority shareholder.
Completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
“We’ve never tried to be everything to everyone - we build solutions for a sector we know inside out. That focus on retail is exactly what made Viking see the potential in us,” says Johan Bäckarlin, Co-Founder at Voyado.
Having gained traction in the Nordics, over the past 18 months Voyado has inked partnerships with several UK retailers across fashion and lifestyle, including Cutler and Gross, Pour Moi, Ellis Brigham, and Silver Cross. It says that it aims to scale further in the UK by providing retailers with AI driven solutions for loyalty, personalisation, and product discovery, all tailored specifically for the retail sector.
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