Attabotics CEO Scott Gravelle opens up on going bankrupt: the biggest retail technology stories from July
July is done and dusted, August 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 July, including Reckon.ai. Boxbar Tech, Simbe, Homebase USA, Walmart, American Eagle, Starbucks, Ocado Retail, Polytag, Currys, Tesco, and Talon.One.
1. 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.
2. 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.”
3. Currys claims a retail first as it rolls out AI video technology in partnership with Vyntelligence
Vyntelligence, an agentic video intelligence work platform, reports what is pitched as a retail first partnership with omnichannel technology and electricals retailer Currys.
The tie up will allow integration of Vyn’s Video Intelligence Platform into Currys’ service delivery operations.
Based out of one of Europe’s largest tech repair centres, Currys engineers can now spot issues in advance, as each Vyn SmartVideoNote aims to improve first time fix rates, streamline workflows and reduce carbon footprint generated by unnecessary callout visits.
Customers can use video to show and describe any issues with their tech products. After initially speaking with the contact centre, they will receive a text linking to a report where they are prompted to record the issue and take a photo of the product serial number. As people submit their report, Vyn’s agentic AI tool will automatically summarise the key issues and share them with specialist repair technicians.
4. Walmart makes new hires for window of opportunity to apply AI and become more tech powered
Walmart has announced the creation of two new leadership roles with the goal of accelerating AI driven innovation across the business.
According to Doug McMillon, President and CEO at Walmart, the aim here is to “move smarter and faster, putting AI and world class product management and design at the centre of everything we do”.
“I’m excited to welcome Daniel Danker as EVP, AI Acceleration, Product and Design. In this new global role Daniel will accelerate our AI transformation and lead all product management and design across the enterprise,” he says.
“In addition, we’re also creating a new EVP, AI Platforms role reporting to Suresh Kumar (Global Chief Technology Officer and Chief Development Officer). This visionary role will help us build the future with AI, increase productivity, speed and innovation, own the AI platforms, and architect our intelligent systems stack to power our future.”
He concludes: “Artificial intelligence is changing how we work. I look forward to working with Daniel and seeing how these changes strengthen our business and improve experiences for our customers, members and fellow associates.”
5. Sydney Sweeney headlines 3D and AI technology powered American Eagle Outfitters Fall ‘25 campaign
American Eagle Outfitters has launched its Fall ‘25 campaign, headlined by actress Sydney Sweeney. The campaign, Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans, is pitched as “a return to essential denim dressing and a celebration of what the beloved brand does best: making customers look and feel good in AE jeans”.
The roll-out will be supported by 3D billboards where Sweeney will interact directly with passersby, a Snapchat lens where she speaks with Snapchatters and AI enabled try-on technology.
“This fall season, American Eagle is celebrating what makes our brand iconic - trendsetting denim that leads, never follows,” says Jennifer Foyle, President and Executive Creative Director - AE & Aerie.
“Innovative fits and endless versatility reflect how our community wears their denim: mixed, matched, layered and lived in. With Sydney Sweeney front and centre, she brings the allure, and we add the flawless wardrobe for the winning combo of ease, attitude and a little mischief.”
6. Attabotics CEO Scott Gravelle opens up about devastating week that brought bankruptcy and Tesco MFCs deal
In early July, we reported that Attabotics, a Canadian warehouse automation systems specialist, had inked a major agreement with Tesco, and also filed for bankruptcy.
Speaking to Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive, Gravelle, who describes himself as “a recovering visionary, taking a long deserved break” in his LinkedIn bio, said: “The hardest day of my life was having to tell 190 people they were losing their jobs. I am so proud of what the team accomplished. I am devastated at what happened.”
He added: “I am devastated that Attabotics customers, suppliers, integration partners, and many other people are being harmed. I never took money out of the company. I don't have millions of dollars. I worked with a great team of people to build a company and I have nothing to show for it. I lost my job too and I don't know what I will do next."
7. Loyalty and promotion software firm Talon.One bags $135m in funding for AI innovation push
Talon.One, an enterprise loyalty and promotion software provider, has announced a $135 million funding round from new investors Silversmith Capital Partners and Meritech Capital, with participation of existing backer CRV.
Talon.One’s platform enables over 270 customers across a range of sectors to tap data in building personalised, scalable promotions and loyalty programmes. Customers include H&M, adidas, Costa Coffee, Sephora, Ticketmaster and Nordstrom.
The new capital will accelerate innovation of the Talon.One platform and strengthen the company’s market position in the US, UK, Europe and APAC. The investment will focus on delivering AI powered intelligence and predictive insights, as well as deepening enterprise capabilities across sectors.
8. 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.
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. As Starbucks bins 'overly transactional' grab and go stores, Luckin Coffee in China doubles down on them
Starbucks this month said it would phase out its mobile order and pickup only outlets. CEO Brian Niccol commented: “We found this format to be overly transactional and lacking the warmth and human connection that defines our brand.”
The retailer has around 90 of these stores in the US that have no seating for customers. The move will not affect its mobile ordering service, which accounts for almost a third of transactions.
“They’re now redesigning the “coffeehouse of the future” - with 32 seats, a drive-thru, and $500 million invested into training and staffing across US stores. It’s a return to emotional branding, atmosphere, and human centred service,” observes Darko Pavic, Owner of Fiscal Solutions.
But while Starbucks is moving away from the grab and go format, Luckin Coffee in China is doubling down on it, with a focus on: No seats. No baristas. Fully app-based. AI driven fulfillment. Pick up in under two minutes.
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