Indie retailers embrace innovation: check out our biggest retail tech 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 Supermicro, Boots UK, Piglet in Bed, Retail247, One Stop, Retail AI, CITY Furniture, 3D Cloud, MetaRouter, Walmart, Tesco, and Peoplesafe.

Supermicro's Marc Del Vecchio - From pilot to production: infrastructure strategies for retail AI

AI is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern retail.

As the industry moves from pilot projects to full scale deployment, the question is no longer whether to use AI, but how to implement it efficiently and reliably across stores and operations. For many retailers, the answer lies in Edge AI, deploying intelligent systems directly at the point of data generation, where real-time responsiveness and operational realities are critical. 

Unlike traditional cloud-based AI, which requires data to be sent to distant data centres, Edge AI processes information locally, right where it is generated. This shift brings several tangible benefits: it eliminates network latency, enabling real-time decision-making for loss prevention, inventory management, and customer engagement; it reduces bandwidth and energy use, as only relevant insights, not raw data, need to be transmitted; and it keeps sensitive customer and operational data on-site, supporting privacy and compliance. 

Fressnapf migrates 2,750+ stores across 15 European countries to cloud-based GK platform

The Fressnapf Group, a European supplier of pet supplies with over 2,750 stores in 15 European countries, is taking the next step in its digital transformation push as it migrates its store services to the cloud-based retail platform GK CLOUD4RETAIL.

Fressnapf has been using GK Software's store solution since 2013. It is increasingly focusing on all services for customers and employees in store operations and wants to rethink all digital touchpoints in its physical locations - from PoS, store merchandise management, and mobile consulting to the customer and employee experience.

“GK CLOUD4RETAIL's ability to combine the strengths of a reliable platform with modular extensions is a key success factor for us,” says Randy John, Vice President of Product Development Digital Store Solution at Fressnapf Holding.

“We want to offer our stores and employees a solution that supports them in all services: a stable, user-friendly, and reliable PoS system that can be constantly expanded with additional functions. GK has proven itself over many years as a reliable and innovative partner in the market and has once again demonstrated this in our demanding selection process.”

Piglet in Bed expands Retail247 tie up with Archean as stock and order management system

Retail247 reports that Piglet in Bed, a homeware and lifestyle brand, has selected its Archean solution to manage both its stock management and order management operations.

This expanded partnership builds on the brand’s use of Origin, Retail247’s PIM and PLM solution.

Martin Schofield, CEO at Retail247, says: “Piglet in Bed is a fantastic example of a digital first brand scaling with clarity and purpose. We’re thrilled to support their next phase of growth by delivering inventory visibility, fulfilment optimisation and operational agility through Archean.”

With Archean’s stock management capabilities, Piglet in Bed gains a centralised, real-time view of inventory across it’s retail operations. From purchase order management to stock valuation, the solution is designed to scale with growing DTC brands.

Complementing this, Archean.OMS (Retail247’s newly launched order management system) will orchestrate Piglet in Bed’s fulfilment process, intelligently routing orders across channels and fulfilment locations based on speed, cost and availability.

Sonae Group's MC deploys StrongPoint Order Picking solution across Continente and Wells stores

Portugal-based grocery retailer, MC, part of Sonae Group, has switched to StrongPoint’s Order Picking solution.

This will used across all Continente grocery stores that process e-commerce orders, as well as in Wells stores, a health, wellness and beauty retail chain. The solution will be implemented during the first half of 2026.

“We chose StrongPoint as our partner for in-store order picking because their solution is the clear market leader in efficiency, helping us maximise profitability for our e-commerce operations. While we considered developing our own system, StrongPoint enables us to immediately deploy a market-proven solution that delivers maximum efficiency from day one,” says Hélder Ribeiro, MC CDO.   

“We are extremely proud to now serve one of Portugal’s largest grocery retailers with our world class Order Picking solution. This is another proud day for us as we continue to demonstrate the potential for our scalable e-commerce solutions,” says Jacob Tveraabak, StrongPoint CEO.

Currys connects with Solum and Vestcom for electronic shelf edge labelling roll-out in its UK&I stores

Currys is investing in the roll-out of electronic shelf edge labels (ESEL) in its stores across the UK and Ireland.

Delivered in partnership with ESEL solution supplier Solum and Vestcom for data integration and software, the move forms part of Currys’ push to support colleagues in their day-to-day roles, while making it easier for its customers to shop.

The new ESELs replace traditional paper price tags with dynamic digital displays, offering customers real-time pricing, clearer product information and easy-to-scan QR codes for more information.

Behind the scenes, a centralised system enables pricing accuracy and consistency across all channels. This is currently available in over 150 stores, with full roll-out expected by 13th November. The investment was inspired by Elkjop3 in the Nordics, which already uses ESEL technology.

One Stop convenience store in Salford announces in-store radio and anti-theft tie up with Retail AI

A One Stop convenience store in Salford is tapping Retail AI technology for an initiative involving in-store radio and retail crime.

In a LinkedIn post, Priyesh Vekaria, Managing Director at P & S Vekaria, said: “Independent retailers have long been the backbone of our high streets, yet we continue to face increasing challenges. From rising retail crime to the strain of poorly thought through legislation, it often feels as though those at the frontline are left to find solutions themselves.”

He added: “At One Stop Carlton Convenience, we believe in leading from the front. That is why we are proud to announce our partnership with Retail AI, demonstrating how independent retailers are embracing innovation to protect staff, safeguard communities and deliver better experiences for customers.”

It is now operating its own bespoke in-store radio station. “This allows us to entertain, inform and engage our customers with music, promotions and services, all while sharing updates on the community initiatives we support. Research shows this technology can increase sales by up to 9%, and it gives us the ability to reinvest even more back into the communities we are proud to serve,” Vekaria said.

Jane Azzinaro gets onboard with Simbe as Director of Client Strategy and Value Realisation for EMEA

Simbe, whose Store Intelligence platform includes the Tally autonomous shelf-scanning robot, has appointed Jane Azzinaro as Director of Client Strategy and Value Realisation for EMEA.

Her CV includes stints at Cognizant, Kearney, and Deloitte.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: “My very first job was as a cashier in a supermarket - and now, years later, I’m marrying my love of digital with my retail roots to help create exceptional customer experiences. I’m excited to share that I’ve joined Simbe as Director of Client Strategy & Value Realisation for EMEA.”

She added: “I’ll be partnering with senior retail leaders to go beyond technology adoption - helping them harness the power of advanced robotics and AI to solve their most pressing challenges and deliver measurable business outcomes. It’s an incredible opportunity to drive transformation in retail, and I’m excited to hit the ground running in this full circle moment.”

RTIH Innovation Awards judge Paula Bobbett takes on Chief Data and Digital Officer role at Boots UK

Paula Bobbett is this week starting a new position as Chief Data and Digital Officer at Boots UK.

She has been at the UK health and beauty retailer for almost five years and moves up from the role of Chief Digital Officer.

Bobbett’s CV also includes stints at Dixons Carphone, Avon and Debenhams.

CITY Furniture taps 3D Cloud technology to remove friction from buying journey and keep shoppers curious

CITY Furniture has launched the 3D Cloud Sectional Configurator on CITYfurniture.com. The hybrid shopping experience enables customers and sales associates to build sectionals, review dimensions, download WebAR OnDemand, exclusively available from 3D Cloud.

The configurator is accessible directly from e-commerce product detail pages, and is available for use with a store associate during showroom visits. The goal is to drive more sales by enabling both customers and associates to create custom configurations of any size and to complete the purchase online or in a store.

The Nixon and CITYMod sectional families are now available for configuration, with more coming soon. Until now, CITY Furniture has sold only pre-set sectional combinations online.

"The 3D Cloud Sectional Configurator makes designing a custom sectional in any possible configuration simple and enjoyable," says Andrew Koenig, CEO at CITY Furniture. "Customers can explore options, confirm live measurements, and see the fit at home before they buy.”

“We are already seeing strong engagement, with customers spending nearly seven minutes in the experience and around 10% of product page visitors choosing to customise a sectional in the tool. 3D Cloud has been an excellent innovation partner as we continue to raise the bar on customer experience.”

Customer data platform MetaRouter appoints former Walmart executive Nikhil Raj as CEO

MetaRouter reports that Nikhil Raj, its current President, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.

He brings to the role over two decades of experience in retail media, data and consumer technology underpinned by machine learning.

Raj co-founded Walmart’s ads business, WMX (now Walmart Connect) by solving problems around consumer data, privacy and compliance in advertising. He launched and led the global retail media practice at Bain, and also advised several large global PE funds on AdTech acquisitions.

At Moloco, he helped transform its commerce media business from a leader in Korea to a global operation serving customers across North America, APAC and Europe.

With three of the top 10 US retailers working with MetaRouter, the company is expanding into other consumer verticals like CPG, financial services, travel and hospitality. Raj’s priorities will centre on expanding the firm’s data infrastructure capabilities into the AI world, and enabling enterprises to leverage real-time data for personalisation, marketing and media.

'More than a quirky fashion fad': Walmart taps into bag charms boom with immersive experience

Walmart has launched the first limited edition bag charm in Walmart Realm: the Live Butter Plushie.

In a LinkedIn post, Justin Breton, Director of Brand Experiences & Strategy at Walmart., said: “Bag charms have become mini-identity statements, sitting at the intersection of fashion, nostalgia, and self-expression, and Walmart Realm is the perfect place to introduce ours.”

“Gated behind an immersive product discovery experience, the Plushie can be purchased in our newly introduced Hidden Room. Each month, a new Plushie, drawn from social trends and seasonal themes, will launch alongside a collector card, giving fans a reason to return, explore, and collect.”

He added: “The rise of bag charms is more than a quirky fashion fad. It’s a case study in how Gen Z is reshaping consumer culture: personalisation, collectability, and emotional resonance. For Walmart, it keeps younger consumers engaged and our brand visible in culture.”

Tesco announces roll out of Peoplesafe app to support employees on their journey to and from work

Tesco is giving all its UK colleagues free access to a Peoplesafe app that can track their journeys and help them to raise the alarm if they don’t feel safe.

This follows feedback from employees who said they sometimes felt unsafe travelling to and from work. It helps address situations such as walking in an unfamiliar area late at night, facing aggression on the night bus or tube after a night out or using a private taxi alone.

By setting their destination and mode of transport before travelling, the app can automate welfare checks on their mobile to ensure they feel safe and allow them to raise an SOS alert if needed.

If they don’t arrive at their destination on time or fail to respond to messages asking if they feel safe, then the folks at Peoplesafe's control room will call to check they’re safe and can raise an alarm directly with local police if necessary. Once they arrive at their destination, the app automatically closes the tracing process.

Tesco does not receive any personal information about any colleague’s use of the app or any alarms raised. And it’s up to them if they want to sign up for it or not. They will have the option to allow their location to be tracked using GPS during journeys, which would enable help to be sent to the exact location quickly, in the event of an emergency, and would only be visible to the Peoplesafe control room.