Retailers bet big on AI at expense of existing solutions: our biggest retail technology articles on LinkedIn
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 Pricer, Diebold Nixdorf, Primark, Simbe, SuperValu, East of England Co-op, Mumzworld, GoWit, StrongPoint ALS, Cotswold Outdoor Group, Zitcha, and Fenwick.
Pricer research: many retailers set to invest in AI at expense of road mapped retail technology
A survey of over 100 senior UK retailers revealed that 67% plan to invest in AI at the expense of existing road mapped technologies within the store. The aim here is to improve operations and create efficiencies to mitigate against rising costs facing their organisations.
Pricing automation and AI for customer service in-store were the top types of AI that 59% retailers plan to invest in over other technologies, according to Pricer’s research. This was followed by shelf-edge AI cameras (53%) and AI powered in-store content (47%).
With 43% of retailers saying that extracting data and insights from in-store technology investments to drive future performance is one of their top challenges, this is also prompting retail businesses to turn to complementary solutions at the shelf-edge to deliver data to power AI within the store.
47% of retailers are considering combining electronic shelf labels (ESLs) with automation to capture data across inventory and fraud detection, followed by customer engagement (45%) and loss prevention (42%).
FreedomPay powers Pret A Manger payments experience in UK, US and Hong Kong markets with more to come
FreedomPay has announced a payments partnership with food and coffee retailer Pret A Manger. The collaboration is currently powering Pret in three major markets - the United Kingdom, United States and Hong Kong with further deployments planned in Europe later in 2025.
Chris Matthews, Global Retail Technology Director at Pret A Manger, says; "We are committed to providing a frictionless and enjoyable experience for our customers.”
“Partnering with FreedomPay allows us to leverage their best-in-class technology to ensure secure and reliable payment processing, no matter where our customers are in the world. This partnership is a key ingredient in our recipe for international success, allowing us to focus on what we do best: delivering delicious, freshly made food and organic coffee."
Simbe's Tally shelf-scanning robot is being piloted in SuperValu supermarket stores across Ireland
SuperValu, a Musgrave Group owned supermarket chain that operates throughout Ireland, has been testing out Simbe’s Tally in-store shelf scanning robot.
A trial got underway in two stores in October. This, according to the retailer, has been “very successful” at keeping shelves stocked.
The pilot is now in its second phase, which has more fully integrated the robots into other systems and processes. Subject to results, SuperValu says it roll-out to further stores.
East of England Co-op focuses on retail technology and perfect location for new Ipswich station store
East of England Co-op will this week (4th June) open a new food store in Ipswich train station.
“Hugely significant new store opening this week for East of England Co-op - cutting edge technology and a great location in perfect harmony,” says Rob Smith, Technology Officer at East of England Co-op.
Ashley Hollingsworth, Operating Model Manager, adds: “Extremely excited about the launch of our concept store - a huge step forward in efficiency. From eSELs and headsets to self-service only tills, cashless and officeless operations, and not forgetting our new digital processes, we’re proudly advancing on our paperless journey.”
“This milestone has involved cross-functional collaboration across multiple departments. Thank you all for your incredible support in delivering what will soon be our most efficient food store to date.”
Self-service checkouts firm Diebold Nixdorf takes wraps off new retail technology production line in North Canton, Ohio
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.
Yaz Hanley departs Walmart for customer success role at grocery retail technology solutions specialist StrongPoint ALS
Yaz Hanley has joined StrongPoint ALS as Head of Customer Success.
She was previously Senior Manager, Account Executive at Walmart Global Tech.
In a LinkedIn post, she said: "With over five years of experience in grocery, e-commerce, and in-store operations, I’m excited to be part of a company that is dedicated to driving success for grocers across every aspect of their omnichannel operations.”
“At StrongPoint, we’re fortunate to have a team of incredible individuals with backgrounds from industry giants like Amazon, Tesco, Asda, Walmart, and Aldi, who have created market leading solutions across in-store operations."
Primark hails big change in model as it wraps phase two of automated logistics centre in Czech Republic
Primark has completed a major automation in the supply chain project in Europe.
In a LinkedIn post, Jorge Paloma, Head of Logistics Mainland Europe, said: "After nearly four years of planning, we have inaugurated the fully automated phase two of our logistics centre in Bor (Czech Republic). This opening represents a big change in our logistics model and also ensures our company's growth in the region for the coming years."
He added: "I would like to highlight the exemplary collaboration this project represents, both with our partners SSI Schaefer and DHL, but also our internal teams, who have given their best to make this opening a great success."
GoWit announces retail media tie up with Middle East baby, parent and child retailer Mumzworld
GoWit has announced a partnership with the Middle East’s largest online parent, baby and child retailer Mumzworld.
GoWit will support Mumzworld with its omnichannel retail media solutions as it plans to amplify the retailer’s online presence, increasing advertising monetisation and driving incremental revenue growth.
Cotswold Outdoor Group goes live with new fully integrated retail media network in partnership with Zitcha
Cotswold Outdoor Group, a British company behind high street brands Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need and Snow + Rock, has announced the launch of its new retail media network, Cotswold Outdoor Group Media Portal, in partnership with Zitcha.
Brands using Cotswold Outdoor Group Media Portal, which is built on Zitcha’s platform, will benefit from a fully integrated retail media network - combining in-store digital screens and brand elevations, onsite opportunities such as website banners and sponsored product listings, and offsite campaigns across Meta and YouTube.
VoCoVo leverages BlueStar network of 4,500+ North American resellers to enhance market penetration
VoCoVo, an in-store team communications specialist, has announced a partnership with BlueStar, a global distributor of B2B electronics for retail and other industries.
The collaboration opens UK-based VoCoVo to BlueStar’s network of resellers and warehouses across North America, including the USA and Canada, while equipping the distributor with its solution in an up and coming market segment.
BlueStar’s partner network will provide various value added services for VoCoVo’s products, including custom configuration, targeted marketing support, and technical assistance.
Fenwick taps Klaviyo, Gorgias and Nosto tech as it wraps replatforming on to Shopify Plus
British retailer Fenwick has worked with Woolman to go live on Shopify Plus.
In a LinkedIn post, Mikko Rekola, Chief Evangelist at Woolman, said: "Special thank you to our enterprise ecosystem partners Klaviyo, Gorgias and Nosto for your ongoing support.”
“With over 140 years of heritage, Fenwick is a household name in British retail, renowned for its luxury offering and high touch customer service. To stay competitive in today’s fast paced digital landscape, Fenwick has embarked on a major transformation- replatforming its e-commerce operations to Shopify Plus."
Ready to go: here's what computer vision powered stores like Tesco GetGo tell us about the future of retail
Kai-Uwe Reimers, Head of Research & Innovation at REWE Digital, has taken to social media to discuss computer vision powered stores and how they offer a glimpse into the future of retail.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “No scanning. No checkout. No waiting. What once sounded like science fiction is already a reality – thanks to Trigo. REWE Pick&Go and Tesco GetGo are pioneering how computer vision reshapes the shopping experience.”
In terms of what ’s working, Reimers flagged up overhead cameras and AI tracking every movement in real-time. An app automatically detects which products are taken - checkout happens simply by walking out. And there’s no biometric tracking, with full GDPR compliance.
He added: “What can we learn? The technology is ready for daily use. Systems work reliably - provided the Wi-Fi, backend, and hardware are rock solid. Customer trust is essential. Transparency, data privacy, and clear value adds are must haves.”
Scaling is the real challenge here. Cost, roll-out logistics, and integration into legacy systems are still limiting mass adoption. Nonetheless, these stores offer a glimpse into the future of retail, Reimers concluded.
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