Ikea thinks small and Tally hits Homebase: RTIH brings you 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 Footasylum, Zipline, Simbe, Vista Technology Support, Reckon.ai, Ocado, Boxbar Tech, and McDonald's.
1. Footasylum hails 'game changer' for store teams as it goes live with Zipline retail operations platform
Footwear and sportswear retailer Footasylum reports deployment of Zipline’s retail operations platform.
In a LinkedIn post, Shannon Osman, Head of Retail at Footasylum, said: “Thrilled to announce that we have just launched Zipline. This platform is a game changer for our store teams. Streamlining communication, improving visibility, and making it easier than ever to deliver an exceptional customer experience.”
She added: “Huge thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially the team at Zipline who have been incredibly supportive throughout this process.”
2. Richard Surman announces Crew Clothing Company departure as he takes on Technical Director role at URBN
URBN, a portfolio of brands comprised of Anthropologie, Anthropologie Weddings, Free People, FP Movement, Terrain, Urban Outfitters, Nuuly, Reclectic, and Menus & Venues, has appointed Richard Surman as Technical Director.
He joins from Crew Clothing Company where he served as IT Director.
His CV also includes stints at Oasis Fashion, Whistles, and Reiss.
Surman took on the role of IT Director at Crew Clothing Company in January. He joined the retailer in 2020 and previously served as Head of IT, with responsibility for providing business critical IT services for a user base encompassing 150+ head office staff, 450+ user accounts and 100+ retail outlets distributed throughout the UK.
3. Ocado Retail becomes first UK grocer to introduce packaging traceability at scale through Polytag tie up
Ocado Retail says that it has become the first UK grocer to scale packaging traceability through a partnership with Polytag, using UV invisible tag technologies with the aim of supporting a more transparent, data led recycling system.
The online grocery retailer’s roll-out includes the full Ocado Retail milk range. The UV tags are invisible to customers but readable at material recovery facilities (MRFs) and supply Ocado Retail with accurate, item level data on where and when packaging is recycled.
The move builds on its position as a founding partner of Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme. In parallel, more than 100 of the pureplay’s own label products now feature Polytag QR codes that provide consumers with clear recycling instructions and sustainability information.
Through the programme, Polytag has installed a network of plastic detection units (PDUs) in high volume MRFs across the UK and Northern Ireland. These units are now capable of monitoring nearly 50% of the UK’s household recycling stream, detecting UV tagged items automatically and sharing live, verified data via the Polytag dashboard.
Polytag was mentioned on the @DailyMailUK !
— Polytag (@PolytagUk) January 17, 2025
We're working with @Ocado to revolutionise how customers interact with products.
Read the full article here: https://t.co/e1C7jTrzQx
4. Self-service drinks technology firm Boxbar Tech adds Costa Express co-founder Scott Martin to its advisory board
Boxbar Tech, an automated, self-service drinks technology company focused on hospitality at stadiums, venues, festivals and events, has announced the appointment of Scott Martin to its advisory board.
Martin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Coffee Nation, which evolved into Costa Express following acquisition by Whitbread.
Under his leadership, Costa Express grew from a UK startup to become one of the world’s largest self-service premium coffee brands and a $700 million global enterprise with over 15,000 locations across 15 countries. He later served as Founder and Managing Director of Costa X, a global innovation unit under The Coca-Cola Company.
At Boxbar Tech, Martin will support the company’s leadership team with three core priorities: Driving international expansion; Enhancing strategic partnerships with leading hospitality groups, venue operators, and festival organisers; Advising on operational excellence.
5. Vista Technology Support opens McTraining Centre as part of Engineering Centre of Excellence in Cardiff
Vista Technology Support has unveiled a new training facility, the McTraining Centre, a fully operational replica of a McDonald’s restaurant - minus the food and customers - designed to elevate the standard of engineering training across the business.
Located at Vista’s Head Engineering Centre of Excellence in Cardiff, this mirrors the technology and layout of a real McDonald’s restaurant. The facility enables engineers to train in a realistic, hands on setting, ensuring they are fully prepared to support the complex technology ecosystem found in modern quick service restaurants.
It was conceived by James Pepper, CEO at Vista. After a meeting with
McDonald’s colleagues and franchisees, the idea emerged to create a holistic restaurant environment for training. The feedback highlighted that, while the training was comprehensive, the technology was scattered across desks and shelves. This inspired the creation of a complete restaurant environment where engineers could interact with technology as it would be installed in an actual McDonald’s restaurant.
“We wanted to create a space that reflects the quality of training we deliver and the high standards our customers expect,” says Pepper. “The McTraining Centre brings that vision to life - offering our engineers the opportunity to work with the exact systems they’ll encounter in the field.”
6. Smart move: autonomous retail technology startup Reckon.ai picks up €5.1 million in funding round led by Iberis Capital
Reckon.ai, a Portugal-based startup, has raised €5.1 million in funding in a round led by Iberis Capital. This also included participation from private equity funds Alea and Touro.
Reckon.ai will use the cash to accelerate international expansion and enter new market segments.
In a LinkedIn post, it said: “A warm welcome to our new investors Iberis Capital, Alea Capital Partners, and Touro Capital Partners, bringing our total funding to €8.5 million - more exciting news will come soon! This investment marks another significant milestone in our journey to transform autonomous retail through smart cabinets.”
It added: “We are grateful to our amazing team, loyal customers, trusted partners, and current investors who have made this possible. Here's to the future and the exciting opportunities ahead! Stay tuned.”
7. New categories announced as RTIH Innovation Awards ramps up focus on automation and data analytics
The seventh edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, 3D Cloud, EdTech Innovation Hub, and Retail Technology Show, is now open for entries.
The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world. Check out our 2024 winners here.
And for 2025, we are introducing two new categories: Best Data Analytics Driven Retail Initiative and Best Use of Automation in the Retail Sector.
Best Data Analytics Driven Retail Initiative
This category shines a spotlight on innovative approaches to connecting, integrating and unifying data within retail organisations.
We’re looking for solutions that help retailers turn vast amounts of data into actionable strategies, whether through customer segmentation, demand forecasting, product optimisation, or real-time decision-making.
Entries should demonstrate how data analytics powered by cutting-edge technology solutions is helping retailers deliver measurable improvements across the business.
Download an entry form here.
Best Use of Automation in the Retail Sector
Many retailers are now embracing automation as they tackle various challenges and tap in to numerous opportunities across their businesses.
This award will highlight automation projects across the omnichannel landscape that have resulted in retailers rethinking their operations, resulting in improved productivity, enhanced customer experiences, and competitive advantages.
Download an entry form here.
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
8. Ocado migrates from legacy technology platform to OSP built for future of online grocery shopping
Ocado.com is now fully running on OSP (Ocado Smart Platform), the online grocery retailer’s technology platform, following a legacy system migration. This is an end-to-end e-commerce, fulfilment and logistics solution that taps artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation.
In a LinkedIn post, Peter Thomas, VP of Engineering - E-commerce at Ocado, said: “I’m sure you’ll agree it looks and feels great, but the UX is just the start. It's a complete front to back tech transformation that will enable us to deliver even better experiences for customers and partners.”
He added: “The migration from our long standing and well loved legacy platform has been a massive undertaking. From the earliest prototypes through to final migrations, there’s been a cast of hundreds who’ve worked tirelessly to make it happen.”
“Congratulations to everyone in Ocado Tech, Solutions and Retail who’ve been a part of this. Tremendously proud of this and, of course, all the e-commerce tech teams here at Ocado Tech. Well done all. A true milestone.”
9. Simbe's Tally autonomous shelf scanning robot rolls into Homebase USA stores as pilot kicks off
HomeBase USA is testing out Simbe’s Store Intelligence platform, which includes the Tally autonomous shelf-scanning robot, at its locations in Copperas Cove, Texas, and Laramie, Wyoming.
Tally captures real-time data on product availability, pricing, and placement, with the aim of achieving fewer out of stocks and an improved customer experience. The Laramie store introduction marks the first deployment of the robot in Wyoming.
Simbe said: “HomeBase joins other farm and ranch retailers already using me to make shopping smoother and team jobs easier. Together, we're ensuring the right items are always in the right place, at the right price.”
Caitlin Allen, SVP of Market at Simbe, added: “For store associates, repetitive inventory checks can eat up hours each week, and aren’t exactly anyone’s favourite task. Automating those checks means teams can focus on what really matters: helping customers and keeping the shopping experience smooth. Excited to watch HomeBase unlock even more efficiency and team impact with Tally in the aisles.”
Mark Dremel, District Manager at HomeBase, commented: “Getting inventory right is fundamental to our business, and with Tally, we’re equipping our teams with the insights they need to succeed. This pilot is an exciting step toward improving both operational performance and the in-store experience, and we’re eager to see Tally’s impact as we look to scale.”
10. Ikea puts focus on smaller store format as retailer gears up to open first York physical location in August
Ikea has announced the upcoming opening on 29th August of a new Plan and Order Point store in Clifton Moor Retail Park, York. This marks a milestone as the retailer establishes its first presence in the city.
Plan and Order Points are smaller stores, designed to provide customers with bespoke kitchen and storage planning services.
Also on offer are collection areas for online orders, with customers able to return Ikea purchases to the store. In addition to planning services, customers can browse and purchase from a curated range of 100 home furnishing accessories, available for immediate takeaway.
The store will showcase 11 different kitchens and 10 PAX wardrobe solutions and an appliance studio. Customers will be able to drop-in or book an appointment to start their design with one of the six design specialists based in the store, part of the 12-strong York co-worker team.
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