REWE Group enters electric age and AllSaints makes AI progress: 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 Currys, Quorso, Grubhub, Starship Technologies, Argos, Debenhams Group, Carrefour, Walmart, Velon, Deliveroo, and Just Around The Corner.

Currys

UK technology and electricals retailer Currys has teamed up with Quorso to launch a new tool called Action AI in its stores.

This brings together information like sales, footfall, promotions, surveys and customer satisfaction, into one dashboard. The aim here is to help managers and teams focus on what matters most and take the right action, in the right way, at the right time.

For example, a Sales Manager can instantly identify product categories that aren’t performing well - thanks to millions of calculations across the store network - and be guided to the root cause through real-time transaction trends. At the same time, teams can learn from top performing stores through seeing what works well right across the estate.

This week, the platform launched in an initial 16 stores across the UK, with full roll-out planned in September.

Amazon Fresh

Britpop legends Oasis are currently in the midst of a heavily hyped reunion tour which recently saw them give sold out performances at Wembley Stadium.

Amazon Fresh Wembley has undergone a major store transformation for this.

In a LinkedIn post, Maddy Mottram, In-store Marketing Manager at Amazon Fresh UK, said: “We’re mad for it! I'm thrilled to share our biggest store transformation yet! We've partnered with Amazon Music to bring the legendary spirit of Oasis to Amazon Fresh Wembley for a full store takeover.”

Customers were able to scan QR codes in-store that took them directly to the Home of Oasis on Amazon.co.uk.

Mottram added: “A big thank you to all stakeholders at Amazon Fresh and Amazon Music on bringing this activation to life.”

Grubhub and Starship Technologies

Grubhub and Starship Technologies are rolling out their food delivery service on Old Dominion University’s campus in Virginia, USA.

Starship’s fleet of 11 autonomous, on-demand robots will deliver from seven campus eateries: Chick-fil-A (Webb Center and University Village), Starbucks (Webb Center and University Village), Panera Bread, Qdoba and Steak ‘N Shake.

Students, faculty, staff and the ODU community can now use the Grubhub app (iOS and Android) to order food and drinks from local retailers to be delivered anywhere on campus, within minutes. Students can use flex points from their meal plan to order food but must use a credit card for the delivery fee.

REWE Group

REWE Group reports that 64 new Mercedes-Benz eSprinters will now be handling deliveries in Berlin, and from September also in Neuss.

These vehicles represent REWE Delivery Service's largest single order with new partner Mercedes-Benz. It is investing almost five million euros in the EVs alongside charging infrastructure expansion.

"We are delighted to support REWE with our eSprinter vehicles and to be able to contribute to making everyday life easier for many people. In terms of their efficiency and range, the vehicles are ideally suited to the needs of our commercial customers. They demonstrate that locally CO2 emission free driving, impressive performance, and comfort can be optimally combined," says Andreas Böger, Head of New Vehicle Sales at Mercedes-Benz Transporters and Vans Germany.

AllSaints

British fashion retailer AllSaints reports a major step towards its AI and data goals.

In a LinkedIn post, Alfie Meekings, Global Director of Transformation at AllSaints, said: “One of of the four pillars of our transformation vision is to create an environment where we can be data driven and powered by AI.”

“We have a lot to do to achieve this, but last week we took the first significant step as we announced the launch of Google Workspace AI tools for all teams in our offices around the globe, alongside a masterclass programme designed to equip our people with the knowledge and skills to be able to really leverage them in their day-to-day work.”

AllSaints has also announced the launch of its AI Academy, in partnership with Cambridge Spark, to give some of its team members a deeper insight into AI - from core concepts exploring its potential, to more technical skills such as prompt engineering and, also how to use AI to drive ROI.

Meekings concluded: “Our belief is that if we empower our people with the tools and knowledge to experiment with AI in a safe environment, they will find the best ways to evolve our ways of working.”

Argos

Argos has launched a new fictional art gallery, Arghaüs, to promote the launch of The A-List - a monthly curated selection of top brands and must have products.

The retailer is presenting Arghaüs in a creator led mockumentary style social media series, promoting it as the leading destination for trend led, high quality products. This has been developed in partnership with Billion Dollar Boy.

Delivered with deadpan humour and contemporary art world satire, Arghaüs recasts everyday Argos products - such as coffee machines, air fryers, wireless headphones and electronic beauty tools - as high concept art pieces. From opening night chaos to catering meltdowns, the series reveals a behind the scenes look at the gallery’s dysfunctional team, portrayed by creators cast as actors in fictional roles.

Debenhams Group

Debenhams Group, the online retailer behind brands including Debenhams, PrettyLittleThing, boohoo, boohooMAN and Karen Millen, has launched its AI Skills Academy - a programme that aims to equip employees with practical AI skills.

This is being rolled out in partnership with Multiverse, a workforce development platform fronted by Euan Blair (son of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and follows tie ups with Amazon Web Services and Peak AI. It is fully funded through the company’s £1.35 million Apprenticeship Levy, a government fund for work-based training.

Staff will be taught the technical skills and behaviours required to embrace AI in their day to day work, including: Using tools to boost productivity and free up time for higher value, strategic work; Applying AI solutions to streamline operations and reduce manual tasks; Building systems in-house to accelerate digital transformation and reduce reliance on external providers.

Deliveroo

Actor and national treasure, Danny Dyer, has teamed up with Deliveroo to call on the UK to embrace its inner tosser this summer and help launch the app's new Freshness Promise (money back if groceries aren’t fresh).

In a new campaign, Dyer rolls up his sleeves and dons an apron emblazoned with ‘Proud to be a Tosser’, tossing and seasoning fresh ingredients as he delivers a masterclass on how Brits’ can make sure their sides “aren’t just a bit on the side”.

He is seen whipping up a spread of BBQ salads and sides, including feta and watermelon corn on the cobs tossed in butter, wedges (aka “ledges”) tossed in spices and a diamond chicken Caesar that promise to outshine bangers and burgers.

The Freshness Promise covers a range of fresh grocery essentials, including fruit and veg, meat, poultry and seafood, eggs, dairy and dairy alternatives, chilled and bakery items purchased from nationwide supermarkets on the app, including Asda, Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.

Walmart

AI coding specialist Cursor has been added to the Sparkcubate programme at Walmart Global Tech.

In a LinkedIn post, Vini Jolly, Director at Walmart Global Tech, said: "Walmart is leveraging AI to lay the foundation of how next generation software is built. We are thrilled to welcome Cursor, a pioneer at the intersection of AI and software development, to the Sparkcubate programme at Walmart Global Tech."

She added: "This collaboration is yet another example of Walmart doubling down on GenAI and agentic AI as we deliver unprecedented efficiency to the entire software development life cycle, transitioning workflows from automation to autonomous."

"Cursor’s AI native coding platform is purpose built to support the next wave of developer productivity, autonomy and software innovation enabling the talented internal teams to ship software faster, smarter…at Walmart scale.”

“Through Sparkcubate, our premier startup programme, we’re engaging with select innovators like Cursor to better understand their potential and explore how their unique technology can create meaningful impact. Are you building breakthrough tech that could shape the future of retail? We’d love to connect."

The Sparkcubate team is scouting for visionary startups and you can apply here.

Carrefour

A roll-out of AI.Carrefour, the France headquartered retail giant's conversational assistant powered by Gemini, has been completed across all integrated countries.

In a LinkedIn post, Olivier Gibert, Global Chief Technology Officer at Carrefour, said: "125,000 employees. Eight countries. One AI assistant. Our ambition: to simplify daily work, free up operational time, and bring AI directly to the teams on the ground. Not a tech showcase - a practical tool built to meet real business needs."

He added: "Each launch - in Spain, Poland, Romania and beyond - was a chance to connect with local teams, refine use cases, and measure impact, right where it matters. First batch of feedback is unanimous: “Fast”; “Useful”; “Intuitive”. Simple words. But they say a lot. Because AI only matters if it’s adopted, understood, and used to deliver value. This is just the beginning. Huge thanks to all the teams involved in this successful global deployment."

Just Around The Corner

Miguel Murta Cardoso has launched Just Around The Corner with the aim of "simplifying your day by bringing the best of modern retail closer to you".

The Portugal-based startup specialises in autonomous mini-markets that are open 24/7 and situated in offices and condominiums, offering the likes of snacks, meals, milk and bread, frozen, fresh, drinks, hygiene and cleaning products.

"All this without queues, without complications and at fair prices. Where? Inside offices and residential condominiums. Because time is the most valuable resource we have and we deserve fast, fair and simple access to what we need," says Cardoso.

Just Around The Corner can currently be found in OutSystems and Millennium bcp offices in Portugal and also in the Torre Infinity da Vanguard Properties Portugal condominium.

Velon

In May, we reported that Michael Gabay, who co-founded and was President at autonomous stores specialist Trigo, had taken the wraps off his new venture, Velon, which provides procurement and supply chain teams with AI employees.

He stepped down from Trigo last year to pursue this, with his brother and co-founder Daniel now leading the company with a loss prevention focus.

The company has now taken to social media to discuss what's coming in the second half of 2025. In a LinkedIn post, it said: "Velon is accelerating. Fast. We're working with early adopters who aren't just using AI employees, but shaping them. Every customer “build” teaches us something new. We're recruiting exceptional people. And we can't wait to share new names."

Auchan Retail

Auchan Retail reports completion of the first stage of construction of a fully robotised distribution centre in Wilcza Góra for Auchan Polska.

It said in a LinkedIn post: "This stage of the facility, with an area of over 17,000 m², was developed in close cooperation with Panattoni Poland and the general contractor, GOLDBECK Polska. Our partner Ocado Group is currently installing state-of-the-art automation and artificial intelligence systems to take Auchan's e-commerce to the next level. The centre will also receive the BREEAM "excellent" certificate."