Revolutionising the way customers plan and shop: check out this week's coolest retail technology plays
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ‘future of retail’ systems launches and deployments from the past week, including ICA Gruppen, Snappy Shopper, B&Q, Charles Clinkard, Decathlon, Qualcomm, Lowe's Companies, Chipotle, Co-op, VusionGroup, AmEx Stadium AiFi, and Minuteman Food Mart.
ICA Gruppen
Oskar Jakobsson, Director Customer Solution at ICA Gruppen, a Swedish retailer franchise with a focus on food and health, has taken to social media to discuss how his company is increasingly integrating AI into its projects, solutions, and ways of working.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “This not only makes us more effective but also provides us with valuable training and helps us build competence around AI. One exciting initiative is "Shop with AI" that aims to revolutionise the way our customers plan and shop.”
“We generate personalised menus and meal suggestions based on ICA's recipes, available assortment, customer data and preferences etc. Making it easier for customers to add these menus to their shopping lists. This makes the process of meal planning and grocery shopping more efficient and personalised.”
He added: “Being at the cutting-edge of AI technology is crucial for staying ahead in today's fast paced world. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we continue to provide the best possible experience for our customers. Although still in the early stages and not yet available for customers, we are actively evaluating, assessing and learning as we go.”
“This is a very interesting case with lots of potential spin-offs. We are basing this on our Google platform using Google Gemini, and we are thankful and happy for the excellent support and help from Anna Lisinsk and the team at Google. Together, we will leverage our combined expertise to enhance the shopping experience even further.”
Minuteman Food Mart
Minuteman Food Mart, a US convenience retailer which operates 62 locations throughout eastern North Carolina and Southern Carolina. is partnering with Reward Cups to launch 32 ounce spinning label fountain cups across its stores.
The aim here is to boost customer engagement, loyalty enrolment, and in-store sales.
Customers will be able to tap into coupons, deals and offers, app downloads and digital engagement, games and loyalty rewards, prizes, and data in real-time.
“Minuteman executives were quick to recognise the positive impact that we would have on expanding membership numbers in their Minuteman Food Mart Rewards programme,” says John McCrory, Founder and CEO at Reward Cups.
Snappy Shopper
Snappy Shopper, a q-commerce technology platform for independent retailers, has launched 24/7 delivery capability following trials in selected stores across the UK.
It lays claim to being the first convenience led platform to bring 24/7 grocery delivery to market at scale.
Mike Callachan, CEO at Snappy Shopper, says: “This is a huge step forward for independent retail. We’ve developed and tested the technology and now we’re rolling it out to help local stores meet real, everyday needs around the clock. We’re proud to lead this innovation for the benefit of both retailers and their communities.”
Girish’s Premier Barmulloch in Glasgow made history as the first store in Scotland to offer 24-hour grocery delivery using the new technology. Since launching the service in February, store owner Girish Jeeva has says he has seen a surge in overnight orders.
In addition, Girish’s Premier Barmulloch recently surpassed £100,000 in GMV in a 30-day period, driven in part by overnight trade.
B&Q
B&Q is piloting GXO’s AI powered transport optimisation platform.
This technology analyses millions of route variations to identify the most efficient schedules, with early results indicating potential savings of 240,000 kilometres and 150 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Full implementation is planned for 2025.
As part of its path to net-zero, GXO employs an activity-based carbon accounting methodology, using DEFRA conversion factors to calculate emissions from fuel usage, energy consumption, and mileage. This data is submitted monthly to Kingfisher and independently audited annually.
Since their partnership began in 2015, GXO has managed B&Q’s retail transport network, including national and regional distribution centres, store to home final mile services, returns processing, and a flagship seasonal warehouse. B&Q has a strong online presence and marketplace, with over 700,000 products available for home delivery or Click and Collect.
Charles Clinkard
British footwear retailer, Charles Clinkard, has partnered with Pulse, an AI powered review intelligence platform.
Founded in 1924, it has over 30 retail locations and an e-commerce site powered by Visualsoft.
The aforementioned platform provides sentiment analysis, instant notifications and allows its stores to reply to reviews quickly and centrally. The retailer will also use one of Pulse's most popular tools to calculate the exact number of five star reviews needed to increase a business' Google rating.
The platform also manages location data like opening hours, ensuring Charles Clinkard’s listing is accurate and up-to-date.
AmEx Stadium
Wanzl UK, in collaboration with AiFi., has implemented an autonomous retail solution at the American Express Stadium in Brighton - home of Premier League football team Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
In a LinkedIn post, Wanzl UK said: “In the West Stand Tap Store, our entrance and exit gates enable a fully frictionless shopping experience - fast, convenient, and queue free. A forward looking step for physical retail - right in the heart of British football. Thank you to everyone involved for the great teamwork!”
Qualcomm Technologies
Qualcomm Technologies has announced a new processor, the Dragonwing Q-6690, which is pitched as the world's first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated UHF RFID capabilities.
The processor includes built-in 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and ultra-wideband. Designed to support a range of form factors from ruggedised handhelds to retail Point of Sale systems and smart kiosks, the Dragonwing Q-6690 promises OEMs and ODMs a scalable and upgrade ready platform with software configurable feature packs that can be upgraded over the air.
“The Dragonwing Q-6690 combines integrated RFID, AI, and next-gen wireless capabilities in a single, scalable platform, designed to accelerate innovation across industries including retail, logistics, and manufacturing,” says Art Miller, Vice President and Head of Retail at Qualcomm Technologies.
“We are particularly excited about working with retailers today that need platforms that are not only powerful and connected, but also adaptable to evolving customer expectations, from smarter kiosks and handhelds to real-time inventory analytics and contactless experiences.”
Lowe's Companies
Lowe’s Companies reports that it has opened a new Store Ops Tech Lab.
In a LinkedIn post, Eric Newell, Store Operations Business Development and Innovation at Lowe’s Companies, said: “Andrea McDaniel (Store Operations Technology Consultant) has worked so hard the last few months to make this happen.”
“Because of this we will be able to help customers and associates in stores faster and with less defects. Huge thanks also to Mark Loebach (VP, Omnichannel Operations), Corey Carpenter (VP of Store Operations) and Vinny Scalese (Senior VP Operations) for the support getting us here!”
TYPEBEA
In a LInkedIn post, Nora Zukauskaite, Integrated Marketing Director - TikTok Shop UK & Europe, said: "TYPEBEA, the hair growth performance led haircare brand co-founded by global superstar Rita Ora and entrepreneur Anna Lahey, made its TikTok Shop debut with an exclusive live event streamed directly from Rita Ora's TikTok page."
She added: "The livestream saw Anna Lahey, who is also founder of the popular collagen supplement brand Vida Glow, and Rita Ora co-host their first TikTok Shop Live together, offering fans the chance to shop limited edition bundles, access exclusive discounts, and win major prizes, all while connecting directly with the founders in real-time."
TYPEBEA was created by Ora and Lahey after both founders struggled to find a solution to their own experience of hair loss and excessive heat damage from styling over time, and wanted to feel confident with their own hair.
Walmart
At this year’s Let’s Grow! Marketplace Seller Summit, Walmart introduced new AI powered tools and incentives with the aim of helping sellers grow faster, operate more efficiently and reach more customers.
It also announced expanded next-day delivery in major US metros and enhanced omnichannel opportunities, including showcasing Marketplace items in-store.
“Walmart has become one of the fastest growing e-commerce platforms by focusing on what matters most: integrity, seller success and delivering exceptional experiences for customers,” says Manish Joneja, Senior Vice President, Walmart U.S. Marketplace and Walmart Fulfillment Services.
“Everything we’re building - from smarter tools to expanded fulfillment and global reach - is designed to accelerate seller growth and empower sellers to serve customers while driving their businesses forward.”
Co-op
VusionGroup has ramped up its partnership with Co-op as the roll-out of electronic shelf labels continues across the UK, with the aim of making shopping smarter, more transparent, and more sustainable.
With NFC enabled shelf labels, people can now tap directly at the shelf to join Co-op's membership offering in seconds, unlocking personalised offers, exclusive pricing, and deals.
The new electronic labels (powered by VusionCloud) also: provide transparency on allergens, nutrition, and country of origin; instantly update prices, promotions, and savings; simplify in-store tasks like stock replenishment and online order picking; improve inventory management; cut paper waste by replacing traditional labels.
Currently live in 700+ stores, the roll-out will reach 1,600 by the end of 2025 and every Co-op store by 2026. It marks the UK’s largest electronic shelf-edge label deployment.
HI-CHEW
Japanese candy brand HI-CHEW reports its third and biggest activation in Fortnite.
In a LinkedIn post, Jaime (Brand) Kapoor, Senior Client Partner at Super League, a publisher of immersive games and experiences on digital platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite, said: "This programme is special to me, especially in appreciation of the trust HI-CHEW has placed in Super League to continue our partnership for the third year in a row, pushing the envelope for innovation and supporting the Fortnite community in new and meaningful ways."
She added: "What started as a single integration has now evolved into a full scale, multi-touch programme - built with fans, for fans: five HI-CHEW mini-games inside the wildly popular MinigameBox PVP; three creator built islands through Fortnite’s first brand backed incubator; a reward system offering both exclusive in-game loot and IRL merch and candy."
Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill is partnering with Zipline, an autonomous delivery system, to fly digital orders to customers’ locations in greater Dallas.
A small number of Zipline users will have access to Zipotle starting today, ahead of a broader service launch in the coming weeks. Chipotle’s entire menu will be eligible for delivery.
“Zipotle is a quick and convenient source of delivery that lets guests enjoy our real food from places that are traditionally challenging to serve, including backyards and public parks,” says Curt Garner, President, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Chipotle.
“Zipline’s commitment to building an efficient, environmentally friendly delivery experience is synonymous with our mission to Cultivate a Better World.”
“With Zipline, you tap a button, and minutes later food magically appears - hot, fresh, and ultra-fast,” says Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and Co-Founder at Zipline. “Starting today, families in the Dallas area can have food delivered by Zipotle and served for lunch or dinner. What once felt like science fiction is soon going to become totally normal.”
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